Fairs and festivals

Ladakh lies against a geographical background that is stark and barren but there is so much cheer and so much of active involvement of the native Ladakhi folk in their celebrations that visitors come away rejuvenated. There are a number of major fairs and festivals that take place in Ladakh and its capital Leh.

Hemis Festival
Hemis is a two day dance festival held to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have fought with demons for the safety of the local people in Ladakh. This festival turns into a fair as the villagers puts up various stalls to sell handicrafts and other wares. A huge Thanka is displayed on the occasion and a dancer carries around a mummified hands which is believed to be hands of the man who painted the thanka that is on display.

Losar Festival
Losar is celebrated in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year. It falls in end November beginning December every year according to the Lunar calendar. Its origin dates back to the 15th century. It was held before a battle as it was feared that not many would survive.

Ladakh Festival
Ladakh Festival is organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Office in the month of September. It brings forward the region's folk dances, art and craft, sporting events and rituals in Ladakh. The Ladakh Festival is a great tourist event and there is greater participation of local communities. The main objective of the Ladakh Festival is to revive and promote the richness, depth and pageantry of Ladakh's centuries-old culture, traditions and folk heritage for world-wide appreciation and enjoyment.

Other Festivals of Ladakh
Like Hemis festival, other monasteries of Ladakh like Lamayuru, Spitook, Thiksey, Likir have their own individual festivals that celebrate Buddhism.