Monastic Festivals in Ladakh
Monastic Festivals in Ladakh - Calendar 2023-2024
The monastic festivals in Ladakh have been a significant part of the local calendar for centuries, serving as markers for the changing seasons.
During these festivals, held at various gompas (monasteries) throughout the year, local pilgrims gather at these monasteries in their traditional attire and jewellery and witness the spiritual dances and music performances by the monks.
These performances feature instruments like drums, conch shells, and trumpets and involve monks dressed in colourful robes and masks representing Buddhist figures. The festive atmosphere is characterized by a spiritual and holy mood and is unique compared to other types of festivals.
The significance of Monastic Festivals in Leh
Ladakh is often considered a barren and monochromatic landscape with brown mountains, white snow, and blue lakes. However, this view only scratches the surface of the true vibrancy of Ladakh.
The true appeal of Ladakh is derived from its diverse festivals that seamlessly blend ancient traditions, vibrant culture, and the celebration of life through feasting, music, dance, and festivities.
The region is a kaleidoscope of colour, especially during its fairs and festivals, where every aspect of life is celebrated with vibrant hues and joyous fervour.
Popular festival themes in Ladakh include
• The triumph of good over evil.
• Stories about powerful Lamas and their supernatural abilities.
• Tales about Guru Padmasambhava
These festivals offer visitors a chance to see monastic murals, images, and idols usually hidden behind veils. Summer is renowned for its archery competitions and harvest celebrations, while religious festival festivities enliven the dreary winter months.
If you're interested in experiencing a monastic festival in Ladakh, here is the full calendar of the festivals for this year.
Name of festival | Celebrated at | Date |
Spituk Gustor | Spituk Monastery | 19-20 Jan |
Dosmochey | Leh, Likir, Diskit | 18-19 Feb |
Stok Guru Tsechu | Stok Palace | 28 Feb- 1 Mar |
Matho Nagrang | Matho Monastery | 06-07 Mar |
Shey Dool Lho | Shey Monastery | 21 Mar |
Saka Dawa | Entire Ladakh | 04 Jun |
Yuru Kabgyat | Lamayuru Monastery | 16-17 Jun |
Hemis Tsechu | Hemis Monastery | 28-29 Jun |
Shachukul Gustor | Shachukul Monastery | 05-06 Jul |
Karsha Gustor | Karsha, Zanskar | 15-16 Jul |
Phyang Tserup | Phyang Monastery | 15-16 Jul |
Korzok Gustor | Korzok Monastery | 20-21 Jul |
Takthok Tsechu | Takthok Monastery | 28-29 Jul |
Diskit Gustor | Diskit Monastery | 12-13 Oct |
Chemrey Wangchok | Chemrey Monastery | 11-12 Nov |
Thiksey Gustor | Thiksey Monastery | 31 Nov-1 Dec |
Galdan Namchot | Entire Ladakh | 07 Dec |
Ladakhi Losar (New Year) | Entire Ladakh | 13 Dec |