Bhutanese culture draws its essence from its religion, Mahayana Buddhism. This is best showcased through the numerous religious events and festivals held
across the country at different times of the year. All of the festivals and religious activities are a legacy of the great tantric Buddhist masters and saints, who were said to have performed various sacred masked dances themselves, or have taught their disciples, who have passed on this tradition for generations. The country continues to keep this tradition alive by observing such religious festivals and events as a way of paying homage to the great saints and Buddhist masters.