In Ladakh, two -day long annual Hemis Monastery Festival, known as Hemis Tseschu is being celebrated with great religious fervor and gaiety.
About
Marking the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, Hemis Festival is not only one of the most important Buddhist celebration in Ladakh but is also the most popular festival amongst tourists. Held in one of the most-visited monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis Gompa, the festival is a two-day event that is celebrated on the 10th day of the fifth month of Tibetan Calendar, which is the month of June/July in Gregorian Calendar.
On this popular festival in Ladakh, Cham Dance and other traditional dances are performed in Hemis Monastery on the beats of drums and cymbal and on the tunes of long pipe like Tibetan music instrument. On both days, giant thangkas (Buddhist paintings) are unfurled for the public. In fact, every 12th year, the largest thangka in Ladakh is unfurled in Hemis on the first day of the festival for the public to see.
Why celebrate the Hemis Festival?
This two-day celebration marks the victory of good over evil. Hemis Festival Ladakh is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), who defeated the demon. And therefore, the people of Ladakh celebrated this festival on his birth anniversary. It is believed that his life mission was to improve the spiritual condition of living beings.
When to celebrate Ladakh Hemis festival?
Dedicated to the birth of Buddhist Lord Padmasambhava, who is the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism in Ladakh, This Festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan lunar month. He is believed to have been born on this day, and Hemis Festival celebrates with enthusiasm by the locals.
Where to Stay during festival
During the Hemis Festival tour, visitors can stay near the monastery. There are many good accommodation options near Hemis Monastery, which offer a comfortable stay. Some of the best staying options are: ·
- The Verda Driftwood Ladakh
- Ladakh Sarai Resort
- Hotel Royal Palace
- The Grand Dragon Ladakh
- The Abduz Leh
- The Indus Valley
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