A three-day mask dance started from at Bhutan's Druk Thupten Chholing Shabdrung Monastery, Bodh Gaya on January 4 (Thursday).

There is a belief in Bhutan that just by watching this dance, all kinds of sins are destroyed. It is organized on the date fixed according to the Bhutanese calendar.
Sonam Dorji monastery in-charge of the , said that it is believed that all those who dance Lamas are messengers of peace and their dance drives away the evil spirits living near by, giving people peace and happiness.

Mask dances in Bhutan have a rich and spiritual history dating back to the 8th century. It all began with Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and originated the Chham dance. Mask dance is an important aspect of Bhutanese culture, and it holds great significance for the people of Bhutan. The dances are performed to honor deities and to appease them. The masks worn during the dances are believed to embody the spirit of the deity and to protect the performers from evil spirits. Cham or mask dances are usually performed by monks and laymen, wearing colourful costumes. These dances are vibrant and lively and are performed during Tshechus, the annual Bhutanese festival in various Dzongs and Monasteries. Dances in Bhutan, like every country in the world, has its unique forms and styles which define its culture. The dancers do not just perform to entertain the audience or to win an award, but they do it with all of their heart. Each dance form requires a meticulous effort and complete faith. The development of mask dances in Bhutan can be divided into three periods.
In the first period, Guru Padmasambhava introduced the concept of mask dances. The second period saw the contributions of Saint Pema Lingpa. He composed many dances that portrayed divine attendants and celestial beings preparing a path to heaven.
In the third period, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a great person who founded the nation-state of Bhutan. He introduced mask dances as an integral part of the annual festivals in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Since then, mask dances have been an integral part of the Tshechu, the annual festivals of Bhutan. They are performed as a symbol of respect for Buddhism and the saints.

The significance of mask dances in Bhutan goes beyond just entertainment and delves into the spiritual realm. Watching these sacred performances is a profound spiritual experience that offers the opportunity to purify one’s soul and attain liberation from worldly attachments. The dances also serve as a visual form of communication that conveys deep lessons about life, death, and morality. Today, with their growing popularity and frequent performances during festivals, they have become a prominent symbol of the Bhutanese national identity.

It is believed that attending a Tshechu, where the mask dances are performed, at least once in one’s lifetime, can wash away one’s negative karma and bring blessings. These unique and colorful events attract locals and travelers from all over the world who want to experience them.