The beauty of India lies in its cultural diversity. This also means that we have lots of beautiful festivals celebrated in different parts of the country throughout the year. And one of the most important festivals that is going to be celebrated soon is the Hemis Festival in Ladakh. Celebrated on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan Calendar, this year this festival will be celebrated on June 16 and 17, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
Everything You Need To Know About Hemis Festival In Ladakh
Hemis Festival or Hemis Tsechu is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in Ladakh. This two-day festival marks the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and attracts lots of tourists to the valley. It is celebrated at the Hemis Gompa and is a vibrant celebration that everyone must experience once in their lifetime!
The festival sees folk music and dance performances and gives an insight into the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. One of the key highlights of this festival is the Cham Dance. The dance sees monks donning massive colourful costumes and masks and showcasing stories of good versus evil. They dance to the beats of drums, cymbals, and the tunes of long pipe-like Tibetan music instruments.
Also Read: Ganga Dussehra 2024: From Date To Time To Rituals, Here’s All About The Festival
What To Expect At The Traditional Buddhist Festival?
At the Hemis Festival, you will see Ladakh as more than just a destination on your travel bucket list! This place livens up for these two days like never before and gives you an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Ladakh. Besides the dances and the folk music, you also get the chance to see the giant thangkas (Buddhist paintings) that are unfurled for the public. This is a rare occurrence and people come from far and wide to witness it in real life.
While you’re here, you can also explore the Hemis Monastery and check out the museum inside it. It has ancient relics, artefacts, and scriptures that will tell you more about the Ladakhi culture and its history. You can also visit nearby monasteries like Thiksey, Shey, and Stok for a spiritual escape.
If you plan to visit Ladakh then you can take a flight to Leh, which is the nearest airport to Ladakh. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Hemis and participate in this vibrant festival! While you’re there, don’t forget to try out the momos and butter tea after exploring the local markets to make the most of your trip.
So, are you ready to explore the beauty of Ladakh and celebrate this beautiful festival with the locals? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: website/tourmyindia
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.