Ladakh
Hemis Tseschu
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.
