The atsara character is a popular clown character in the Bhutanese festivals. There are many atsara out of whom one is considered as the leader. In some places in central and eastern Bhutan, the atsara is subsidiary to the gathpo or the old man. The atsara figures often as as master of ceremony by helping the dancers maintain time, manage the crowd during festivals, guide dancers who are not proficient in their dance steps, entertain the crowd with great humour and raise funds for the dancers by collecting tips. The atsaras often start the festival with a bawdy dance. In some festivals, the atsara has to perform the concluding dance of auspiciousness.