| Ladakh is an incomparable land of culture and | | | | A colourful fair is organized during this auspicious |
| adventure. It showcases the true Buddhist culture in all | | | | occasion which displays some beautiful, traditional and |
| the aspects of lifestyle and invites travellers from all | | | | the rarest of handicrafts. The Ladakhis can be seen |
| parts of the world. Fairs and festivals of Ladakh have | | | | dressed up in their finest traditional attires for the |
| always been a great medium to reflect the cultural | | | | occasion. Spectacular mask dances and sacred plays |
| practices and traditions of this divine and splendid land. | | | | are major attractions of the festival. These are |
| When it comes to Ladakh festivals, Hemis proves to | | | | performed on the beats of cymbals, drums & long |
| be a major crowd puller. It boasts of being the biggest | | | | horns. The dances are locally called 'Cham dances', |
| festive celebration of the 'Little Tibet'. This two-day | | | | which are performed by group of mask wearing |
| festival is celebrated at the Hemis monastery. | | | | monks. These highly choreographed sacred dances |
| About The Festival | | | | reflect the image representation of deities and devils. |
| The Hemis festival is celebrated after every 12 years | | | | Hemis Monastery |
| on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. He | | | | Located 40 km from Leh, Hemis monastery is the |
| was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and is believed | | | | richest and biggest in Ladakh. It is known for its |
| to have fought with demons for the safety of the local | | | | spectacular scenic beauty, exotic wildlife, and varied |
| people. The festival falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of | | | | cultural influences. Built in 1630, during the reign of |
| the Tibetan lunar month (June/July). During Hemis (after | | | | Sengge Namgyal, the monastery is dedicated to the |
| every 12 years) the largest Thangkha (Buddha statue | | | | Drugpa sect. People from far off places come to this |
| richly embroidered with pearls and semi-precious | | | | monastery and appreciate its unique frescoes, |
| stones) is also displayed to the devotees. Next Hemis | | | | Buddhist 'wheel of life' (Kalachakra) and the lords of |
| is scheduled in the year 2016. | | | | the four quarters. |
| Major Attractions | | | | |