Rumtek (Sikkim), Dec 19 : Foreign tourists witnessed a spectacular mask dance - Kagyad dance, performed by Buddhist monks at a monastery in Rumtek in Sikkim.

Buddhists monks sport a mask while taking part in the Kagyad dance.

The mask dance performance is a part of the annual harvest festival called Lossong. It holds a great exotic value for the foreign tourists.

Costumed Lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.

Paul Smith, a tourist, came all the way from England to see the dance performed in the Rumtek monastery, the oldest monastery of Sikkim.

"It is great to see the colour of the culture of north east India and Sikkim as well. People come from Europe to see this dance, which is unique. It is great to see this ceremony." said Paul Smith, English tourist.

Xavier Lee, a tourist from Hongkong, said he has never seen such a colorful dance performance.

"I feel holiness. I like to see how people set away the evil. Buddhism to me is holy as well, it is really different in our country, we also have Buddhists and monks but it is totally different. We do not have such colorful (practices), it is pretty amazing," said Lee.

The event was witnessed by a huge congregation of Buddhists and foreign tourists, who gather at this time of the year, just to see the extraordinary dance. (ANI)