Tsechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness sacred mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tsechus also include colorful Bhutanese folk dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tsechu and witness the mask dances at least once in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tsechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as far back as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.