Hemis Festival: Yet Another Reason to Visit Ladakh

Ladakh, with its windswept beauty and incredible vistas, is in itself a must-see destination for the traveler with even an iota, or more, of the love of nature and its wonders. And there couldn’t be a better time than the month of July to visit Ladakh. Why? Because July is the month with pleasant weather and long days, perfect for sightseeing and exploring this mystical land.

 

And there’s more. The fascinating Hemis Festival in Ladakh also takes place in the month of July and is held at the largest monastery of Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa, which houses around 500 monks. The Gompa, 45 kilometers from Leh, will celebrate the festival of Hemis on July 14 and 15 this year.

The Gompa

Established in the 11^th century A.D. or perhaps even earlier, the Hemis Gompa is a major site on tourist itineraries. Adhering to the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism, its tantric practices derive from the tantric Yogi Tillopa of that era. His pupil Naropa became the founding father of the Kagyu line of Buddhism of which Hemis is the main seat. Over the centuries, the Hemis Gompa was the target of successive purges from Muslim attackers from its West, including when Ali Meer of Baltistan actually annexed Ladakh.

 

Its resurgence is due to the retaking of Ladakh in the 1600s by the monarch Singge Namgyal – the founder of Leh. Although Ladakh was again annexed, this time by the Dogras, this period was one of relative religious harmony. Hemis has one of the best collections of artifacts and Thangkas (Tantric religious paintings) anywhere in the world and each Thangka is a book in itself, containing wisdom, religious belief and fabulous legends. For the interested, the monks will help with explanation.

The Festival

This Festival of Hemis is in honour of the sage, Padmasambhava; or Guru Rimpoche as he is known, Rimpoches being reincarnations of Lord Buddha. Believed to have been born on the tenth day of the fifth month of the year of the monkey, he dedicated his life towards the betterment of the spiritual condition of all living beings. This festival basically celebrates his birthday.

 

It would be best to reach the Gompa by dawn, when ceremonies begin and the Thangka of Rimpoche Dadmokarpo is displayed in all its glory to the beat of drums, clash of cymbals and blowing of the long-horns. This is followed by masked dances in the spacious square in the Gompa precincts, by dancers known as Chhaams (dragon dances included) depicting legends and the triumph of good over evil, and other rituals. There are recitals of traditional music also.

How to Get There

Hemis Monastery is located in the town of Hemis which is about 45 kilometres away from Leh. You can take a flight to Leh and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Hemis. Buses and taxis are easily available from Leh to Hemis and run frequently.

So be a part of this enchanting festival and witness the intriguing culture and beauty of Ladakh. Plan your trip today and book flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com. Julay

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