Ladakh, renowned as India’s cold desert is a fascinating place dotted with snow-clad Himalayas, verdant valleys, high passes, peaceful monks and delightful monasteries. The fairs and festivals of Ladakh have played a key role to showcase truth Buddhist culture, traditions of this sacred and enchanting land. Hemis Festival is one such prominent festival that draws people from all parts of the planet .

The two day Hemis Festival is widely known with great enthusiasm and pomp everywhere the Ladakh region. The festival is organized in Hemis Gompa, which is one among the most important and richest Buddhist monasteries within the world. The Buddhist festival is held by the Lama Head to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the Lamaism founder.

Location

The Hemis Monastery is situated about 40 Km faraway from Leh. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site that’s owned by Drukpa Lineage. The monastery is enveloped by the majestic mountains that captivate the eye of the travelers visiting the monastery. The monastery was primarily founded by first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso within the year 1630. Offering prayers to the copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha provides inner peace and knocks out all the strain and worries. There are several stupas made from gold and silver and holy thankas inside the monastery.

Celebrations

Hemis Festival is one among those festivals that reflect the history, tradition and Buddhist culture. On today , a ritual is followed by the people of Ladakh. They wear colorful masks, dance and celebrate the festival with great fervor. one among the prime attractions of the festival is that the mask dance performed by the Lamas of the Hemis Monastery.

The dance illustrates the victory of excellent over the evil. The Lamas dress themselves in dazzlingly patterned brocades and perform the dance round the central flagpole, which is situated within the courtyard of the monastery.

The vivid masks are the foremost prominent elements of the festival. The Lamas dance to the music of drums, long horns, trumpets and cymbals. The dance movements are typically slow and each mask worn by the Lamas represent certain deities. a number of the dance forms depict the favored Tibetan fables. The sacred environment during the festival fills the people with joy and adds a replacement charm to the festival.

Be a neighborhood of this spectacular cultural fiesta, pay homage to the almighty, enjoy an enthralling adventure safari ride on yaks while you’re on a vacation and attain healthiness and spiritual strength.

How to Reach Hemis

BY AIR

The nearest airport to reach Hemis is Leh that is about 32 km away. Upon arriving at the airport, taxis are readily available to reach Hemis monastery.

BY RAIL

Jammu is the nearest railhead to reach Hemis. The visitors have the option of hiring a bus or taxi to reach Manali through Shimla. From Manali, frequent taxi and bus services are available to reach Leh. Upon reaching Leh, one can opt for bus or taxi for Hemis.

BY ROAD

There are two routes available for the visitors to reach Hemis via Leh, one is from Srinagar-Leh (434) highway and another is Manali-Leh (473) highway.