Bhutan is famous for its Buddhist festivals.   These festivals are celebrated in the Dzongs with music, dances and plays. Many of the festivals are to ward off evil through vibrant music, colorful, costumed dancing and rituals. One of the most important is Tsechu festivals, which honor the man the Bhutanese believe is the second Buddha, Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche. These festivals last three to five days, the last day of which falls on the 10 th of the month. The Bhutanese New year is in January and February. The Tamshingphala Choepa Festival, runs from September 27 th to October 14 th. Thimphu Drupchen is held in Thimphu from September 30 th to October 14th; during this colorful festival, dances are performed to bless and protect onlookers and force out any evil. There are also clowns, called Atsaras who entertain audiences. Meanwhile, Bhutanese ladies dance and sing around the crowds.   There are also distinctive masked dances. Another festival is called the Tangbi Mani festival held in a remote area in central Bhutan. Bhutanese locals come from villages afar dressed in their finest to participate in this celebration. During this celebration, there is purification by fire. Though these festivals are all genuine religious manifestations, they have recently also become tourist attractions. It is important that those who are watching them respect these rituals.