This is where heaven meets earth…Ladakh, a land steeped in culture amidst the amazing topographical medley of colours. Let’s celebrate the land’s beauty in a new light altogether, with all its other-worldly beauty. Marvel at the lively ambiance of this place; imagine this- some quaint stagnant sparkling lagoons, bounded by snow-cladded highlands, deserts, and odd glaciers. And you see ancient monasteries that stand on heights crags, and the chants from these holy places rumbling in the thin air. The picturesque landscapes, the rolling hills and fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, all along the way, add charm to the already surreal landscapes.
The desolated, yet fascinating parts of Ladakh blossoms to life during the festal season; it is just like taking yourselves to the height of divine ecstasy at stealth yet at a soothing pace. Mostly celebrated as seasonal festivals or at New Year time, these festivals mainly showcase the customs and habits formed with the change of nature, phenophases or say the harvest. Divine fire, the chanting of mantras, and flamboyant outfits, moves of the lamas set the tone for the festivities.
Planning a trip to Ladakh during these gleeful festival seasons is indeed would be a treat to your senses. A multitude of festivals adorn this land tom-tomming their cultural essence and evolution, origin and history. We can find how Buddhism shapes their traditional festivals. Alluring it would be to see these festivals, marked by cultural parades, ceremonials, dance and vibrant music. Various sects of this region in their traditional gears conquer the streets, unleashing wealth of colours. But there is more to it than what meets the eye, for sure! It’s also the occasion to taste the finest local delicacies in offer.
Celebrated the beauty of Ladakh with great zeal and enthusiasm; these are ten incredible festivals up in the hills that you should experience at least ones:
Matho Nagrang Festival
Celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, the The Matho Nagrang Festival is truly excitement unlimited! Known as the festival of Oracles, the first two days see fervent monks doing some unimaginable things; executing some great acrobatic mask, dance feats, by adorning vibrant colorful silk brocaded robes and peculiarly garbed Rongtsan oracles predicting the impending future. Impressive it would be to watch these oracles fearless acts; injuring themselves with knives and climbing the ramparts of the top storey, blindfolded! Deriving its name from the two Tibetan words, ‘Mang’( many) and ‘Tro’ (happiness), the Matho Monastery is amazingly perched at the mouth of a deep gorge running out of the Zanskar Range and across the Indus River. Twenty six kilometers south of Leh in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, this monastery is special for many a reasons; for it being the only monastery that belongs to the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh and for its centuries-old thangkas and Matho Nag rang Fiestas.
When: 2020 March 8–9
Where: Matho
Yuru Kabgyat Festival
There are few festivals in Ladakh that attract such masses; Yuru Kabgyat Festival is the distinct first with regards to its popularity. The festival is celebrated usually in July. Buddhist monks from across the globe and locals throng to Leh-Ladakh to watch the colourful ritual unfold. The masked dance performances last for several hours. The camouflaged monks dance in the form of circles with large colorful masks and live up the space by prayers and rituals, in order to bring peace and throw away all the sinister energy from the world. The main masks are of the Yama or the Lord of Death and Padmasambhava or the second Buddha, who is also believed to be the God of Wealth, according to Buddhist believes. Music plays a crucial part of this exciting festival with monks playing cymbals, drums, and wind instruments. Prayer wheels are also a major highlight of the Yuru Kabgyat Festival. The expansive Lamayuru Monastery, where this festival is hosted is rich with Murals, frescoes and column paintings typifying the history of this monastery. The history of Lamayuru monastery dates way back to the 11th Century.
When: 2020 June 18–19
Where: Lamayuru Monastery
Hemis Festival
The otherwise lethargic, drowsy region ascent to merriment during Hemis Feista, marked by masked dance performed by the Lamas of the biggest Buddhist Monastery of Ladakh, the Hemis monastery. The courtyard of the Monastery is where the action begins, Lamas dressed up in colourful vivid attires dance to the music of drums, horns, big trumpets, and cymbals. These mark the beginning of the two day festival, piously celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the Tibetan Buddhism founder, which falls tentatively on the 10th day of the Tse-Chu, Lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. It’s also the day when the good won over evil. The text has it that the righteous Lord Padamsambhav routed the dark forces with the assistance of Vajrayana Buddhism. The unfurling of the largest thangka, as high as a two-storey building, ornamented with semi-precious gems, stones, and pearls is another USP of the festival. Formal and dignified, the pomp and gaiety at which the processions are undertaken take both the locals and foreigners to the magical realm of Ladakh culture. Make the day more exciting by taking part in this animated festival and enjoy the local delicacies and take safaris on yaks and camels. Pervade through the stalls to buy the charming handicrafts of the region.
When: 2020 June 30–July 1
Where: Hemis Monastery
Sindhu Darshan Festival
Get submerged in a strong wave of faith and spiritualism participating in the annual Sindhu Darshan Festival. It’s the celebration of River Sindhu, which they believed shaped the culture of this land. The world witnessed the first ever Sindhu Darshan Festival in the year 1996. It is now being celebrated at the settlement of Shey Manla, a town that lies less than 10km outside Leh, during the month of June, to coincide with the full moon day, Guru Purnima.
The opening day of the ceremony is marked celebrating the water body’s might, and entreating its association with the Indus Valley civilization. It’s a chance to soak in Ladakh’s unique natural splendor; fifty senior monks offer prayers on the banks of this river and then it is followed by a bonfire at night, lighting up the festivity. The second day provides a chance to all the tourists to immerse themselves in distinctive Ladakhi tradition, where people from various parts of the globe bring clay pots filled with water from rivers, to be submerged in the Holy River, and thus paying tribute to India’s unique idea of being close to nature. The cultural exchange programs all through these days see performers from across India showcase their artistic skills.
When: 2020 June 12-14
Where: Leh
Phyang Tsedup Festival
Phyang Tsedup Festival, which generally falls in the months of July-August, exalts the colourful, rich, and varied diversity of this country. It’s a celebration of victory of good over evil. Organized at the Phyang Monastery, the event is marked by the synchronized dance moves by monks. The “Chham” dance drama is definitely the highlight of the event, followed by pilgrimage to see the thangka of Jigten Gombo. The thangka, placed inside the monastery, proclamates the skills of the artisans. The festival closes with the destruction of the Storma, amid chanting of prayers by monks on the final day. The devotees also feel obliged to celebrate the occasion in the presence of His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche. Ditch the rainy plains, and head to the Ladakhi mountains to see the numeral number of shops are opened where tourists to buy a wide variety of souvenirs and hand-made ornaments and artistries.
When: 2020 July 18 – 19
Where: Phyang Monastery
Ladakh Polo Festival
Ladakh is more special for many reasons. Take your travel tryst up a notch higher by visiting the Ladakh Polo Festival. Understand the game of Polo closely as played by the locals Ladakians along with other culturally important games and events. The month of July is time to the action, which is held in Shagaran, Chushot Gongma, and some 18 km away from Leh. The event is hosted by The Indus Chushot Polo Club showcasing the stealth and vigor of the people from the hills. The engaging game of polo was introduced to the people by the Balti princess and mother of the Ladakhi king Singge Namgyal. Ladakhi Polo games are also accompanied by the loud cheers of the local musical instruments like daman and surna, by the crowd. The entry is free for all! Another thing to watch out is the staging of a local tale called ‘Api–Apo’ (grandmother-grandfather). The festival also provides the sports-loving souls to test their archery skills, all in the midst of some live music and some great Ladakhi delicacies. Locally produced jam, jelly and Seabuckthorn or Leh berry juice are other no-misses of the Festival.
When: 2020 July 11–17
Where: Shagran, Chushot Gongma
Ladakh Harvest Festival
Harvest is the time to rejoice and it is celebrated with much gusto. Absolutely stunning it is to see the Ladakh Harvest Festival, which is celebrated from 1st September to September 15th. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, the Festival epitomizes the Buddhist culture and the agrarian way of life Ladakh. The gala event is a true testimony of Ladakhi ethos of hard work and togetherness, and it will leave you awe-struck. During the harvest, villages are festooned with flags, music and food to honor the gifts from the land. What better way to understand Lord Buddha than from the ‘Chhams’ that are performed to display life and teachings of Buddha by the form of different dance and plays. The week-long festival draws to a close with a final carnival parade passing through the streets of Ladakh with traditional costumes, skillful moves and customary songs. Games and sports events also find place in the event marked by exciting shows.
When: 2019 September 22 – 25
Where: Ladakh
Ladakhi Losar Festivals
Festivals are the time for merriment and the Losar festival is no different. Losar festival marks the commencement of the New Year and it is celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar. Losar, known as the Tibetan New Year, coincides with the Spring Festival again this year on February 5. The history of Losar dates back to the pre-Buddhist era and it is celebrated all over the north eastern parts of the country, but festivity is special in Ladakh. During the festive month, the housewives mow out the grasses, and clean their home with water, which they believe is the holiest and purest thing to weed out the evil spirits from their homes. Streets are washed down to bring prosperity and wealth. The Losar festival is filled with some unique customs, including a ritual where a box called “Qiema” is placed on an altar for worshiping, with a bowl of water with barley seeds; all for a good harvest for the coming Year. Kasai” is one of the must haves at Losar festival, traditional Tibetan food made like a fried and sugar-coated desert, which is similar to doughnuts. The Great Prayer Festival, Monlam, marks the end of the festival with people in big numbers gather at temples to offer prayers together.
When: 2019 December 27
Where: Ladakh
Saka Dawa Festival
Dawa means “month” in Tibetan. ‘Saka Dawa’ is the fourth holy month, in which Lord Gautam Buddha is believed to be born and also the day of his spiritual awakening. The festival is celebrated all over Ladakh. On that day any one of the family chooses to remain on a rigorous and pray the whole day and restrain from harming or killing animals . As a mark of devotion, people light butter lamps and make pilgrimages to holy shrines. Buddhist believes that the meritorious activities performed on this specific day have more returns.
When: 2020 June 5
Where: Ladakh
Diskit Gustor Festival
Ladakh is essentially the land of monasteries, but the stunning and creamy white Diskit Monastery right in the middle of the barren Nubra valley stands is arguably the oldest and largest monastery. It was founded by Changsem Sherab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong-kha-pa. The Diskit Gustor Festival, the two days event marks the triumph of virtuous over the wicked. The Festival hosts many events, but the main attractions would be the burning of the effigy. Chaam Dance, accompanied by music with instruments like cymbals, drums and long horns etc adds to the overall ambience. Rituals like the ‘Black Hat Dancers’ and a dough cutting ceremony of the sacrificial cake are also worth watching.
When: 2019 October 26–27
Where: Diskit Monastery