Festivals are considered parts of our intangible ancient Bhutanese culture and ethos. While a majority of them are theme on Buddhist principles there are few other culture-based festivals like the rare black-necked crane dance of Phobjikha, the Yak dance of Ura and other nomadic communities or the Hindu festivals of dashain and diwali celebrated by the Lhotshampas.
Of the myriad festivals celebrated in the country, Tshechhus or the mask dances are the most common and revered. Celebrated usually in the tenth day of the Lunar calendar, Tshechhus were first introduced in the country by Guru Rinpoche to subdue malignant spirits and celebrate triumph of good over evil. The tshechus gradually became intertwined with our culture that it is today one of the most vibrant forms of culture and tradition in the country.