Rare spellbinding mask dances and rituals are performed for several days by well trained monks in the courtyard of the Dzong. Many outstanding saints like Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, Pemalingpa and Zhabdrung in 16th to 17th centuries resorted to dances to subdue dangerous evil spirits and to over come obstacles that were preventing the spread of Buddhism in the high Himalayan valleys.