Celebrated In: India
Celebrated By: Bodh (Buddha)
During the event, the monastery plays several devotees, locals and tourists who throng the location. The Hemis Monastery is built on the Hemis Gompa that lies on the western bank of Indus River and is the biggest monastery in Ladakh. The structure is home to many well-known wall paintings.
The celebrations begin auspiciously by a ceremonial offering of holy water, tormas made of dough and butter, uncooked rice and incense sticks. As the rituals begin, musicians play traditional instruments like cymbals, similar to drums, and trumpets. The highlight of the festival is the congregation of lamas, who gather in the monastery and perform dances wearing masks. The colourful ceremony culminates when the dancers destroy the dough idol of evil.
