Festivals Of Ladakh
When you think of Ladakh, you think of rolling brown mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful monasteries and rich culture. Ladakh’s culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, its predominant religion. The festivals of Ladakh are a colourful reflection of the beliefs and traditions of its people. These festivals are based on Buddhist principles and teachings of good vs. evil, some even celebrate the time of the year such as the harvesting season etc.
You can join a Ladakh tour if you want to look at the amazing festivals of Ladakh.
Hemis monastery, one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, hosts the Hemis festival in July. Also known as the ‘masked dances’, Chams are performed by lamas on this occasion to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. This festival lasts two to three days and attracts tourists from all over the world.
Saka Dawa is considered to be the most sacred festival by the Buddhist people. The full moon, during this holy time, commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. It is celebrated in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls between the end of May and the end of June. On the day of the festival, monks change a flagpole that is located in the monastery. Celebrations include freeing captured animals and performances or masked dances.
Stok Guru Tsechu is also known as the festival of the commons. It is the primary festival celebrated in the Stok monastery of Leh. The festival is unique because instead of monks offering prayers, the common people take the lead. This festival is celebrated with colourful masks, dances, chanting and delicious festive food. To be a part of the festivities, you must visit Leh in February, as this festival is celebrated in the first month of the Tibetan calendar.
The Dosmoche festival is celebrated on a large scale in the courtyard below the Leh Palace in Ladakh every year. Lamas or monks from all over Ladakh come together to celebrate this festival. They perform Chams, the famous masked dances. They also play gyaling and cymbals, which are Tibetan instruments resembling a flute and hand cymbals. Hand-painted masks are worn by monks, along with colourful robes. They dance and chant mantras to ward off evil spirits. This festival is also celebrated in the Diskit monastery in Nubra Valley.
The Tibetan new year is celebrated as the Losar festival all over Leh Ladakh around March. Buddhist monks wear colourful robes which flutter in the breeze. The sound of drum beats and rhythmic chanting brings the whole valley to life. Festivities continue for 15 joyful days when you can find the vibrant Leh bazaar full of eager shoppers. Many of them are tourists visiting Ladakh who are welcomed by the community and encouraged to celebrate the Losar festival.
Phyang Tsedup is celebrated at the Phyang monastery in Ladakh. As per the tradition, monks dress up in sacred silk robes and offer prayers. Dance-dramas are performed keeping in mind themes such as the victory of good over evil. During this festival, large pieces of painted cloth are displayed with Lord Buddha’s teachings.
This festival has a mysterious charm that attracts tourists from far-off places. It is one of the most popular festivals in Ladakh. According to the legend, two oracles, who have been in a meditative state for two months, rejoin society on this day. They share their learnings about the future with the rest of the people.
The Ladakh Harvest festival is celebrated in September when it is time to collect the harvest. This is a chance for locals to get together and hope for prosperity and blessings. Women can be seen dancing and singing in traditional clothes. Men celebrate by playing sports. Ladakh Harvest festival is an annual event that lasts for 15 days. Just like all other festivals, monks perform masked dances to celebrate this day.
The Sindhu Darshan festival is unique. It honours the Indus River which has played an important role in the history of our country. This festival was first celebrated in 1997 to promote tourism and to honour our armed forces. On this day, people from all over the country bring water from their hometowns and offer it to the Indus River. It is a symbol of unity in diversity, which is the motto of our country. The iconic Bollywood movie Dil Se starring Shahrukh Khan was shot during the first Sindhu Darshan festival.
The Tak Tok festival is celebrated in a cave! Much like other Ladakh festivals, this day is celebrated with lama dances, masks, music and food. Wearing new clothes is also part of the celebration.
Knowing the culture of another place is not only interesting, but it also connects you to its people. Being a part of any Ladakh festival is an experience like none other. Understanding its traditions and rituals will broaden your horizon and satisfy your thirst for exploration. Each of these festivals has its own symbolic significance and religious beliefs. Festivals have a way of bringing the community together in joy, celebration and worship, and it helps people through times.
A: The best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer, between April and July.
A: It is the harvest festival celebrated in September.
A: Hemis monastery can be considered as one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh.
A: Sindhu Darshan is a festival that honors the Indus River. It started in 1997 to promote tourism and honour our armed forces. On this day, people from all over the country bring water from their hometowns and offer it to the Indus River.
A: The predominant religion in Ladakh is Buddhism.
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