12 Amazing Leh Ladakh Festivals in 2022

Leh Ladakh’s festivals 2022, which are annually observed with tremendous fervor, are typically held in the courtyard of Buddhist monasteries. Monks perform cham with vibrant robes and terrifying masks (sacred mask dances). This cham stand for both the triumph of good over evil and the purifying of the psyche. The festivals play a significant role in the cultural life of Ladakh. These monastic celebrations draw people of all ages from across Ladakh.

The birth anniversaries of religious luminaries (such as the Buddha, Padmasambhava, etc.) and other major dates in the Buddhist calendar are traditionally honored with festivals. The Leh Festival Calendar 2022 has all the information. Ladakh is well-known for its intriguing celebrations and vibrant festivals. To learn more about the vibrant and rich culture of the country of high passes, let’s peek at the 12 Leh Ladakh festivals in 2022.

Table of Contents

Hemis Tsechu Festival

Another eagerly anticipated celebration in Ladakh that lasts for two days is Hemis Tsechu. The Hemis festival 2022 culminates with a sacrifice on the last day and includes a series of mask dances performed by the lamas of the Hemis monastery. This is one of the famous Leh Ladakh festivals.

The dancers’ colorful masks and exquisite silk costumes, which represent the guardian divinities to which Hemis belongs, continue to be the festival’s main attraction. Each dance step has a purpose and represents one of Padmasambhava’s eight manifestations, which he used to defeat the enemies of Buddhism. Padmasambhava was an Indian Buddhist master who lived in the eighth century.

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Location: Hemis Monastery

Dates: 9th July – 10th July

Losar

One of the most anticipated celebrations and one of the most popular festivals of Ladakh is the Losar festival, also known as the Ladakhi New Year. People visit their family and friends throughout this two-week festival. When people also visit monasteries to offer prayers and seek blessings, the first three days are regarded as the most significant ones. This event is enthusiastically observed by Ladakhis of all faiths.

Location: Throughout Leh-Ladakh

Dates: 3rd March – 5th March

Sindhu Darshan

Another colorful spectacle of Ladakh is Sindhu Darshan, which is observed on Guru Purnima. The Indus River is commemorated by the locals through this event because they feel that the river is essential to preserving peace and unity among India’s diverse ethnic groups and communities. The three-day celebration also serves as a means to honor the valiant Indian troops who put their lives in peril to protect ours. Senior lamas lead the festival’s opening Buddhist prayers, while renowned performers perform cultural events.

Location: Banks of river Sindhu at Shey Manila in Leh

Dates: 12th June – 14th June

Phyang Tsedup

Through joyous ceremonies, the Phyang Tsedup festival honors Lord Buddha’s teachings. In addition to performing the sacred mask dance and saying prayers, monks dress in vibrant, colorful silk outfits. To impart the Buddha’s teachings in an upbeat and joyful atmosphere, dramas or “Chhams” are performed. Another rite of this Leh Ladakh festival that adherents perform is a journey to the Thangka of Skyabje Gombo.

Location: Phyang monastery

Dates: 26th July – 27th July

Dosmoche Festival

Dosmoche is a notable celebration in Ladakh that was founded by the Ladakh royal family to ensure the security and welfare of the local populace. A group of Ladakhis is performing the sacred dance while dressed in elaborate masks. Two days are dedicated to the celebration. After witnessing this ceremony, you can stroll into the Markha Valley. Thread Crosses, an offering that is thought to ward off all evil spirits and demonic forces, are made by monastic lamas who are masters in tantric practices and astrology.

Location: All over Leh, Likir, and Diskit monasteries

Dates: 28th Feb – 1st Mar

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Saka Dawa Festival

Saka Dawa, one of the well-known Ladakh festivals, is observed as the most important Buddhist feast. Every year, it is observed during the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, which is thought to be when Buddha was born and when he attained Nirvana. People can be seen repeating mantras, engaging in sadhanas, and guarding animals throughout the festival in support of Sakyamuni’s illustrious enlightenment.

Location: All over Ladakh

Dates: 14th June

Tak Tok Festival

Tak Tok, one of the largest Ladakh festivals, is a must-attend event. On the tenth day of the fifth month, it is observed at a cave belonging to the Tak Thok Gompa in Leh. The day will be filled with numerous cultural events, and the evening will conclude with a well-planned feast. If you want to experience it like a local on this particular day, dress ethnically. Lamas dance, mask dancers, perform, and religious offerings are presented to the Lord throughout the day.

Location: Tak Tok Gompa, Leh

Dates: July

Matho Nagrang Festival

During the two-day Matho Nagrang celebration, monks dress up as various Ladakhi gods and goddesses. Silk robes and masks make up their clothing. The return of two oracles after a month of solitude meditation draws a lot of attention from the villagers to Matho Nagrang. As they make their desired entrance, they are escorted by masked dancers.

Location: Matho monastery

Dates: 17th March – 18th March

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Ladakh Festival

One of the most well-known festivals in Ladakh that highlights the diversity of local cultures is the Ladakh Festival. Performers travel from all around Ladakh to participate in this lavish celebration. The Ladakh festival 2022 September is one of the must-attend festivals in Ladakh because it features a broad variety of dance acts, traditional Ladakh music festivals, and colorful robes everywhere. The celebration, which lasted almost two weeks, came to an end at the Leh polo field. People dance and enjoy the harvest during this time as the holy procession moves from one monastery to the next.

Location: Across Leh

Dates: September

Thiksey Gustor

The transliteration of Gustor is “sacrificing the 29th date.” The monks who live in the monastery begin the two-day festival with chants and chams that they give to god. One of the cherished Ladakh festivals, this one serves as a reminder that all horrible things have to end. The “Black Hat Dancers” execute a sacred rite on the second day, and there is also a ceremony to cut the dough for the sacrifice cake. The festival activities come to a close with this.

Location: Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

Dates: 11th November – 12th November

Yuru Kabgyat

Travelers flock to the Lamayuru monastery in June because of its ethereal beauty and the Yuru Kabgyat festival that takes place there. Lamayuru residents come together for a two-day Leh Ladakh celebration when they sing and dance in a traditional rhythm to mimic Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

The theological teachings of Buddha and the vibrant ethnic garb worn by the monks during the festival are the hallmarks of these dance dramas. Additionally, it is among the top things to do in Ladakh. The festival’s climax is the sacred rite of the statue’s destruction, which symbolizes the release of the inner demons.

Location: Lamayuru monastery

Dates: 26th June – 27th June

Stok Guru Tsechu Festival

Stok Guru Tsechu, the two-day festival that kicks off on the ninth day following the Tibetan New Year and is the pride of the Stok monastery, is one of the most well-known festivals in Ladakh. During the festival, it’s common to see people praying, dancing (Cham by Lamas), listening to music, and eating. In contrast to other monasteries, most of the rituals are carried out by laypeople.

Similar to Matho Nagrang, the two commoners chosen by Lamas who are well washed and prepared to receive the spirit of the deities are the main draws of Stok Guru Tsechu. The monks’ masked dances add to the fun.

Location: Stok and Spituk monastery

Dates: 11th March –12th March

Conclusion

Make sure you attend any event that occurs at the same time as you plan a trip to Leh Ladakh, depending on the month. Along with being entertained, you’ll discover a lot about the local culture, take some incredible photos, watch some incredible Lamas dance, and generally have a great day. The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is from the end of May to the middle of July since during this time both the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Leh-Manali Highway are open. Additionally, there is a lot of snow, particularly on the Leh-Manali highway.

From the middle of September through October, when Ladakh is at its most gorgeous, is another great time to visit Leh Ladakh. Due to the lower number of tourists, it is often possible to receive good discounts during this period. If you are having difficulties in planning your journey, a travel guide of Leh Ladakh will assist you in dealing with the problem. Some of the must-try local dishes of Leh Ladakh are Thukpa, Momos, Skyu, Tingmo, Chutagi, etc.

We hope the preceding description of the Ladakhi festivities was helpful. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments box below, and we would be pleased to respond. Book hotels in Leh Ladakh to have a comfortable stay and can enjoy the festivals there. And for the best offers and deals on hotel bookings, visit our website HotelDekho.com and leave the rest to us.