Hemis Festival is a renowned festival of Ladakh celebrated annually on the 10th day of the Tse-Chu which is the Lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. This 2 day festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. On the day of this festival, Hemis Monastery comes alive with vivid decors and locals dress up in their cultural vibrant attires.? All the locals flock at the courtyard of Hemis Monastery which is the largest Buddhist Monastery of Ladakh. This is the time to enjoy the exciting Lamas dance which includes drum beating, cymbals and long horns. Also witness the masked dances performed here which signifies the triumph of good over evil. Dancers can be seen wearing elaborate masks and a headgear, which also make great souvenirs.
At the end of the festival, a sculpture of dough is destroyed which represents the end of the evil powers. The ritual purely means purification of soul after death.
By Air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the main airport serving the region.
By Road: Adventurous souls also take Manali-Leh road of 473 kms which remains open from mid-June to early October and takes you to many off-beaten paths.
