The festivals of Ladakh are usually celebrated in winter months. It is time when the whole village gather together. Stalls are erected and goods of daily
need and enjoyment are sold. The whole activity takes place around the gompas. In the courtyards of the Gompas, colourful masked dances are performed.
This is also an occasion to demonstrate the cultural heritage as well as the wealth of that particular monastery. Big and rare musical instruments, old
weapons and religious objects including Thangkas are brought out during the performances. The first ceremony of any festival is very interesting as the
male Lama is accompanied by the monks. Musicians, dancers and singers in an harmony create for visitors an unforgettable experience.
Some of the popular themes includes the victory of Good over Evil or some special stories related to great Lamas where their supernatural power is
demonstrated or the stories related to Guru Padmasambhava are also presented with proud. The dances are colourful. A clown plays an important role so
that the villagers do not get disinterested by an overdose of religion or history so that atmosphere is joyful. The festivals are also a time for the people to
have outing. Eatables are brought along and families and relatives would enjoy the meals together.
Although most of the annual festivals are celebrated in the month of January and February. There are some of the festivals which are celebrated in warmer
months. Some of the festivals celebrated in Ladakh are:
Lamayuru Festival – in the Month of April or May,
Hemis Festival – End of June or in early July. Phyang Festival – in the month of
July, Thikse Festival – middle of July or in the beginning of early August.
The Team of Indo Vacations has collected the festival dates of Ladakh as below: |