That which attracts everyone from a child to an adult and brings an unreasonable smile on the face is the colorful prayer flag of Ladakh. They who call in every tourist and treat them like their family are the people of Ladakh. You will feel like you are in utopia, such is the beauty of Ladakh! What adds to its unparalleled beauty is the Hemis festival. If you haven’t visited Leh, this festival is the best way to absorb the culture of the place and get the most soul-touching experience! And if you have, then, you can still enjoy the festival for it has a lot to offer. It is a popular festival in Ladakh region and one of the most vibrant events you’ll ever come across.
So, if you are planning to visit Ladakh soon and want to grab some information about Hemis Festival of Ladakh, here are little details about the festival’s dates, celebration process, reasons to celebrate and much more. Read along and get ready to treat the thrill-seeker in you!
Why Is Hemis Festival Celebrated?
Hemis Festival of Ladakh is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of Guru Padamsambhav. It is a two-day celebration which marks the victory of good over evil. The legend has it that Lord Padamsambhav defeated the dark forces with the help of Vajrayana Buddhism. And, therefore, the people of Ladakh celebrate the day of his birth on a huge scale.
What’s Exclusive About Hemis Festival?
Watch the valleys, mountains and rivers thriving on the beats of trumpets, cymbals, and drums as the locals enter the frenzied two-day celebration of Hemis Festival in Ladakh. Hemis Festival is celebrated in Hemis Monastery. The monastery dates back to 300 years and is under the rule of Namgyal!
Hemis Monastery Festival begins with the followers seeking blessings of a portrait of the Guru early morning and musicians playing music while the ceremony is going on. But what makes the festival most attractive is the masked dance performance called Cham. It is a slow dance and depicts the war between good and evil wherein the good wins! The sight is jaw-dropping as the colorfully dressed Lamas bring enthusiasm in the whole crowd.
Apart from that, there is a fair where you can buy Tibetan souvenirs and the festival is the best time to see the people dressed up in their best traditional attires. Totally, a sight to behold!
Hemis Festival 2022 Dates
Hemis Festival 2022 dates are July 9th to July 10th. The festival is said to be celebrated in the 5th month of Tibetan calendar. During the festival, the whole place comes to life like never before! Mark these dates so you don’t miss out on a major part of Ladakh’s culture.
Highlights
Here is the list of the main highlights that Hemis in Ladakh is famous for!
- Chham Dance: The fantastic masked dances which depict the triumph of good over the bad are one of the main highlight of the festival and you should witness it on your vacation.
- Devil Dances: These dances are also performed and are an eminent part of the festval.
- Handicrafts: The locals organize an exhibition of Handicrafts which all tourists love and shop at.
- Chang: This is a local drink served at the festival which you must try!
Where To Stay In Hemis
There are many good hotels near Hemis Monastery where you can stay comfortable during your Hemis festival tour in Ladakh. Some of them are The Driftwood Ladakh, Ladakh Sarai Resort, Hotel Royal Palace and many more. You can also visit the attractions nearby during your stay.
How To Reach Hemis
By Air:
First, you can get down at Leh airport. The airport is 34kms away from Hemis. So, you can take a cab from Leh to Hemis and reach the monastery easily.
By Train:
The nearest station to Hemis is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. You can get down at Jammu Tawi station and take a cab till Hemis.
By Bus:
You can take a bus from Srinagar to Leh. From Leh, you can reach Hemis by cab.
Courtesy: Travel Triangle
