Leh: Although Ladakh is one of the best places to visit for adventurers, vacationers, backpackers, and bikers; but a lot of family vacationers also visit Ladakh between June and September. These are the months when the entire circuit is open.
The snow is cleared off the roads and the climate is comfortable for sightseeing and exploring.
Here are some festivals of Leh Ladakh that can be enjoyed by families:
Hemis Festival or Hemis Tsechu
Hemis is one of the most popular festivals of Ladakh that celebrates the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava Guru. As it falls in the months when the roads are open and Ladakh becomes easily accessible; it attracts a lot of travelers.
From colorful masks to the last day’s sacrificial offering, the stretch of these three days is full of enjoyment, happiness, and fun. If you wish to enjoy this festival, head towards the Hemis Monastery and enjoy it. Do not forget to enjoy a few cups of Chang. It’s their local hard drink that’s served for free throughout the place.
Why is it celebrated: To celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava
When is it celebrated?
In 2022- Was celebrated on 09th – 10th July
In 2023- It Will be celebrated on 28th & 29th July
Where is it celebrated: Hemis Monastery
Highlights of Hemis Festival
- Colorful attires of Lamas
- Masked Cham
- Cultural Events
- Dance and Music
- Free distribution of “Chang”
- Showcasing the local handicraft
- Electrifying environment
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Ladakh Festival
If you wish to see the diversity in culture, then Ladakh Festival is one of the best and must-see things for you. Starts any day from the first week of September- Ladakh Festival is a 15-days celebration. Locals and even travelers celebrate this colorful festival of Ladakh with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.
Locals and travelers groove on the music and masked performers are the highlights. People perform different types of acts throughout the span of 2-weeks. A few gaming events are also conducted during the festival including archery and polo. Everyone wears colorful dresses and sings religious rhymes. If you are visiting Leh-Ladakh during September, do not miss out on attending this festival.
Why is it celebrated: The festival is a symbol of prosperity and it embarks with the harvesting season.
When is it celebrated?
2022- September
2023- Yet to be decided
Where is it celebrated: Leh
Highlights of Ladakh Festival
- Cultural Performances
- Musical and masked Dance Performances
- Archery Events
- Polo game Event
- Glimpses of Ladakhi Culture
Losar Festival
One of the best festivals to enjoy in Ladakh is the Losar festival. It is usually celebrated towards the end of December or the first few days of January. The rhymes and melodies of Ladakhi songs can be heard throughout the newly made union territory. People dress up in pretty and colorful Ladakhi dresses and chant mantras. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the Tibetan calendar.
Holy fire is lit and people enjoy their time encircling around the fire and singing mantras. A group of people performs stage dances and fights against the gods and the demons. This is done to showcase how gods protect humans and other living organisms and how they won over the demons.
Usually, travelers who visit Ladakh for Chadar Trek become a part of this festival but if you are here for spending your winter vacation; do not miss this.
Why is it celebrated: To mark the beginning of the New Year
When is it celebrated?
2022- 24th December
2023- 13th December
Where is it celebrated: All over Ladakh
Highlights of Losar Festival
- Ibex Deer Dance at different venues
- Chanting with fire torches
- Stage fights and drama performances
- Dance performances throughout Ladakh
Tak Tok Festival or Takthok Tsechu
The festival goes by both the above-given names and is celebrated with great opulence. It is one of the prideful and best festivals of Ladakh because the locals and visitors get a chance to see the dance of Lamas. They perform of scared land of Takthok Monastery cave.
The festival falls when it’s the best time to travel to Ladakh for the visitors during July-August. The festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the 5th Lunar Calendar. This day is marked as an auspicious on their calendar. The entire Takthok Gompa is decorated with colorful items which elevate the atmosphere of the places. If you are traveling to Leh Ladakh during July–August try to become a part of this festival.
Why is it celebrated: To enjoy the dance of the Lamas
When is it celebrated?
2022- 7th -8th August
2023 – 28th – 29th July
Where is it celebrated: Takthok Monastery
- Highlights of Tak Tok Festival
- The Lama Dance
- Cham Dance
- Colorful dresses of the locals
- Religious offers are made to the lord
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Sindhu Darshan
Sindhu Darshan is one of the most important of all the festivals of Ladakh. It is held on the banks of the Indus River at Shey Manila on the eve of Guru Purnima. On this day, the natives of Ladakh commemorate the soldiers of India, who died saving the country. Also, the Lamas celebrate the presence of the Sindh River which is also known as the Indus River.
This festival is a symbol of harmony and a perfect example of the diverse cultures of Ladakh. Sindhu Darshan falls in the month of June when travelers from different cities of India plan their trip to Ladakh. So becoming a part of this festival is easy and interesting at the same time.
Why is it celebrated: To celebrate the existence of the Indus River in Ladakh
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- June
• 2023- Yet to be decided
Where is it celebrated: Near Shey Monastery
Highlights of Sindhu Darshan Festival
• Lamas chanting mantras and prayers
• Performances of local artists
• People bringing water from their regional rivers to pour the water in Indus
• Cultural events take place
Saka Dawa Festival
Saka Dawa Festival is a one-day celebration and is known to be the most sacred day of their year. It celebrated the birth of Lord Buddha in the Forth Lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. It is generally celebrated on the full moon day or the new moon day. During the festival, none of the villages of Ladakh kill or savor meat because that’s one of the principles of Buddhism.
This festival is celebrated in June, which is also an ideal time to travel to Ladakh. So while you iterate your trip make sure to be a part of this festival if time allows.
Why is it celebrated: To celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- 14th June
• 2023- 4th June
Where is it celebrated: All over Ladakh
Highlights of Saka Dawa Festival
• Chanting of mantras by Lamas and Monks
• Sadhnas by monks and natives
• The spiritual atmosphere
Phyang Tsedup Festival
The main aim to celebrate this charming and colorful festival of Ladakh is to commemorate all the teachings of Lord Buddha. On this day, the founder of the Dringampa Monastic Dynasty is also worshipped by the natives.
The monks wear colorful and attractive clothes and robes and they perform the Cham Dance. You can spot a lot of masked dancers performing at the venue. Enjoying the festival is one of the best things to do in Phyang Monastery during these days.
Why is it celebrated: It is the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- 26th – 27th July
• 2023- 15th – 16th July
Where is it celebrated: Phyang Monastery
Highlights of Phyang Tsedup Festival
• Buddhist Artefacts are exhibited
• Monks recite the teachings of Lord Buddha
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Yuru Kabgyat
Lamayuru Monastery is one of the prime attractions of Ladakh and here is another reason why. The beautiful monastery hosts one of the best festivals of Ladakh named Yuru Kabgyat. It is the prime attraction for travelers during the month of June. It is a 2-day festival that is celebrated by the natives with a lot of zeal.
From dramas, stage shows, dance performances, songs to the religious teachings of Lord Buddha; the festival has multiple things on offer. So, if you plan to visit the Lamayuru monastery during these days, enjoy the festival too.
Why is it celebrated: This is another festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil.
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- 26th June – 27th June
• 2023- 16th June – 17th June
Where is it celebrated: Lamayuru Monastery
Highlights of Yuru Kabgyat
• Masked Dance
• A lot of other performance
• Demolition of the demon statues
• Showcasing the victory of good over evil
Korzok Gustor
Overlooking the majestic Tso Moriri, Korzok Gustor is a magnificent monastery built-in proximity. It is one of the finest attractions of Ladakh and people often visit here during their trip to Tso Moriri. The Korzok Gustor is celebrated in this monastery by the monks with a lot of enthusiasm.
The highlights of the festival are the Changpa nomadic groups who come here to attend the festival in large numbers. From dance events to recitation of prayers; the 2-day festival offers a lot of things to do and enjoy.
Why is it celebrated: To celebrate the establishment of the Korzok Monastery
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- 31st – 1st Aug
• 2023- 20th – 21st July
Where is it celebrated: Korzok Monastery
Highlights of Korzok Gustor
• Tibetan Dance and performance
• Monks reciting the prayers
• Masked performances
Also Read | Nubra Valley: The gardens of Ladakh
Stok Guru Tsechu
Located in the capital city of Ladakh, Stok Palace is also the host of Stok Guru Tsechu- a wonderful 2-days festival that holds a lot of meaning and importance for the people. The cham dance by monks and lamas, special dishes, music, and performances are common sights. Unlike other festivals where the monks and lamas perform all the rituals, in this, the common people perform the rituals.
Why is it celebrated: To bless the villages and natives of Ladakh by the Oracle. The same person also declares the prophecies of the upcoming year.
When is it celebrated?
• 2022- 11st– 12th March
• 2023- 28th – 1st March
Where is it celebrated: Stock Palace, Leh
Highlights of Stok Guru Tsechu
• To bless the villages and natives of Ladakh by the Oracle.
• The same person also declares the prophecies of the upcoming year.
• Special food items are cooked
• Singing and dancing
