The monks of the Zhung Dratshang will perform the sacred Lham Tsom dance, dedicated to Palden Lhamo, in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong today.The Lham Tsom dance is the highlight of the annual Drubchhen conducted in the Dukhang (congregation hall) over the last 11 days. The monks performed Zhanag Ngacham and other sacred dances yesterday. The sacred ceremony, dedicated to appease the protecting deity Pelden Lhamo or the goddess Mahakali), was instituted between 1705 and 1709 by Kuenga Gyaltshen, the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared before him and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyeltshen initiated the ceremony. Meanwhile, the annual Thimphu tshechu begins on September 18, two days after the conclusion of the Lhamoi Drubchhen ceremony.