Festivals in Ladakh

Perhaps there is no better time to tour Leh Ladakh India then during the festive season. Ladakh comes alive during festivals, when people from different corners of Ladakh converge at one place to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. Festivals in Ladakh are in fact the best way to get a feel of the Ladakhi culture. There are a number of festivals that take place in Leh Ladakh India. Leh Ladakh India provides information on some of the important festivals in Leh Ladakh India.

Hemis Festival

June-July
One of the most important festivals in Ladakh, Hemis is a two-day festival that takes place at Hemis Monastery. Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have saved the local people from the wrath of demons. The festival is the best time to shop various handicraft items. As people from different corners of Ladakh set their stalls to sell handicraft items and other wares. The festival takes place in June-July. Every 12 years a huge thangka (a religious icon painted on cloth) is displayed.

Ladakh Festival

Early September

Celebrated during September, Ladakh Festival is another major festival in Ladakh. The festival is organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and showcase Ladakhi culture. It is the best time to enjoy the cultural extravaganza. Folk dance and music are some of the highlights of the festival. You can also enjoy polo and archery competitions during the festival.

Losar Festival

Losar is celebrated during the winter months. The festival takes place in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year, which is can occur in November, December or January in different years. The festival has its origin in the 15th century. Buddhists make offering to Gods during this festival.

Other Festivals

There are a number of other festivals that take place in Ladakh. Some of the festivals that are held in Ladakh include Lamayuru, which takes place in July. Phiyang takes place in July-August, after 10 days of Phiyang, another festival Tak-thok is held. The special feature of Phiyang festival is the exhibition of thangka, which is done every year unlike the Hemis, where thangka is exhibited once in 12 years.