Ladakh
Hemis Tseschu
Main Activity : Cultural Experience
To 30th November
2 / 10
Maximum Group Size : Up to 40 people
Highlights
- Explore the 17th-century Hemis Monastery, a treasure trove of Buddhist culture and home to the Drukpa Sect.
- Experience the vibrant Chham Dance, a captivating expression of Ladakh's spirit at the Hemis Festival.
- Embark on a hike to Gotsang Hermitage, delving into the meditation practices of ancient Tibetan masters.
- Visit the monastic trilogy of Matho and Stok, each offering a unique glimpse into Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage.
- Engage with Hemis village's daily life and traditions, culminating in a night of camping under the Ladakhi stars.
Overview
The Hemis Festival is a religious festival celebrated in the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India. It is held annually on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar calendar (June or July) and is one of the most important festivals in Ladakh. The festival is marked by the display of a large, embroidered appliqué thangka (a Tibetan Buddhist scroll painting) of the Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), who is believed to be the second Buddha and the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is held to honour the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The festival's main event is a performance of the Cham dance, which involves monks dressed in colourful costumes performing sacred dances and rituals. The festival also includes a large fair, with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, food, and other items. Visitors to the festival can also participate in various cultural activities, such as prayer sessions and meditation workshops.
What to Expect
During the Hemis Festival, you can expect to see various cultural events and activities.
These includes:
- The display of the large thangka of Padmasambhava, which is an important part of the festival. The thangka is unfurled and displayed to the public for two days, and people make offerings and pray in front of it.
- Traditional music and dancing are an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist culture. You may see traditional musical instruments being played and people dancing in colourful costumes.
- Cultural events and activities include traditional games, food stalls, and handicraft stalls. These events allow visitors to learn about and experience Tibetan culture firsthand.
- Religious ceremonies and rituals include prayer sessions and the offering of incense and butter lamps.
- The Hemis Festival is also a time for people to socialize and catch up with friends and family. You can expect to see a lively and festive atmosphere at the festival.
