As people gather in the courtyard of a monastery the pipes, cymbals and drums begin to play. Then the monk dancers appear clad in flowing robes wearing the wild, colourful masks with fierce faces and weave their magic. The Chaam dances at the monasteries are unforgettable experiences. Chaam Masked Dances Chaam Dances are held every year in all the monasteries. During these performances masked monks wearing elaborate and colourful costumes dance to the beat of giant cymbals and horns. Chaam dances are considered a form of meditation, as an offering to the gods and as a way to teach people the importance of Buudhist values like compassion. Some dances depict the life of Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche and other famous Vajrayana teachers.

Below are the dates of the religious masked dances called Chaam.
These are annual festivals held at the monasteries and the dates are all according to the lunar calendar of Tibet:

• Pemayangtse – 28th & 29th of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar
• Rumtek – Two days prior to the Sikkimese New Year
• Enchay – 18th & 19th day of the 12th month
• Phensang – 28th & 29th day of the 10th month
• Ralong – 28th & 29th day of the 10th month
• Phodang – 28th & 29th day of the 10th month
• Labrang Palden Phuntsok – During the 10th month