The Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which in itself is an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition. Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder and spirtual leader of this old sect. Legend has it that he was born of a lotus in the middle of a lake. It is to Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions addressed as "OM MANI PADME HUM", Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious books recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer. Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in this region, including marriage ceremonies, Funerals, manning of a child, driving out evilspirits, obtaining Sonam (Merit) and other offerings to be made in the name of the local gods.
Mani-Rimdu Festival, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Tibetan ninety month (October/November/December). The three-day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the patron deities - seeking “blessing for the good of all mainkind”. The protagonist of all is Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform various religious rituals amidst dancing and singing.