Hemis Gompa Festival: When, Where, Why To Celebrate and Best Quotes
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Ladakh is not only famous for its world's highest motorable road, striking panoramas, crystal clear skies, mountain passes, and adventure activities, but also for its monasteries and festivals, and Hemis monastery and its festival is not an exception. Held at the sprawling courtyard of Hemis monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, representing the richest display of Tibetan culture in India.
Not only the people of Ladakh but travelers around the planet visit here to be a part of this wonderful festival, which is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava, who is also known as Guru Rinpoche. Hemis Festival is also known as Ladakhi Hemis festival, and it is celebrated on the birthday of local savior Lord Padmasambhava. Followed by dance, music, prayers, and masked performances, during the festival myriad of colors will be seen everywhere. Hemis Festival turns the quaint and rugged landscape of Ladakh into a vibrant and chaotic one.
When is the Hemis festival celebrated?
The dates of the Hemis festival vary every year, however, according to the English calendar, it takes place between February to July. However, if you want to witness the jaw-dropping celebration of the Hemis festival, then visit Ladakh in ‘Tibetan Year of Monkey’, which falls every 12 years. This year 2021, this two days grand festival - Hemis Festival 2021 is going to commence on 20th June and will end on 21 June 2021.
Significance of Hemis Festival
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Based on Tibetan and Buddhist Legends, Hemis Festival is said to have its origins back in the 8th Century. Lord Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche is believed to be the local savior who banished demons and evil spirits. The spiritual leader is said to have introduced Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan Kingdom. Combining the teachings of Buddhism and Tibetan culture, a new way was established where life was entwined with prayers, austere life, and a higher calling.
Since then, the people of Ladakh started celebrating this festival, and also believe celebrating it with great zeal will keep them away from the negative energy. The Hemis Monastery experience is an enlightening tour through India’s festive art, values, and contributions to the progress, happiness, and harmony of mankind.
Who celebrates the Hemis festival?
Ladakh is also known as ‘Mini Tibet’, and this grand festival in Ladakh is all about Buddhist people and their culture. So, the Hemis festival is celebrated by the people of Ladakh, mostly the Tibetian community. It is celebrated at the sweeping courtyard of Hemis monastery, Ladakh.
In which state the Hemis Festival is celebrated?
Hemis Festival is celebrated at the popular Hemis Monastery near Leh, Ladakh.
Why is the Hemis Festival Celebrated?
Hemis Festival of Ladakh is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. It is a two-day grand festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil. The festival draws its roots back to the 8th century and celebrates the existence of the Guru Padmasambhava, a great spiritual figure in Tibetan history.
How is the Hemis Festival Celebrated?
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During the festival, Hemis Monastery (Gompa) becomes a hot-spot of vigorous activities. Hemis Monastery is comprehended to be the most prosperous and the biggest monastery in Ladakh, which emphasizes the highest thangka in Ladakh. Two long trumpets, which are called dungchen, are displayed in the courtyard in front of the flagpole and blown by two monks. This marks the commencement of the Hemis festival. During the celebration of the festival, the Buddhist gompa gets divided into two main parts – the assembly hall on the right and the temple on the left. Followed by saintly dances, performing the ritual, along with the exclusive musical performances, the Hemis Festival begins.
The lamas and monks gather to perform the incredible Mask Dance, which is specifically intended to rejoice in good over evil. This grand festival not only socializes the Monks and the Lama but also serves as an opportunity for all the villagers and families to come together and relish. During the festival, men wear cummerbands while women are dressed in bright headgear and loads of ornaments. The Brass trumpets, which are 3 meters in diameter, are played and the whole festive scene becomes a beauty to behold.
Best Quotes
| The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Greetings From Lord!! Happy Gompa!! |
| May lord Buddha destroys all sins and obstacles of your life.. |
| There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.” |
| “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” Greetings From Lord!! Happy Gompa!! |
| The second day of Hemis Gompa is committed to ‘Padmasambhava,’ the profound master. |
| It is a yearly festival held on the 10th day of ‘Tse-Chu’ lunar month. |
| The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” Greetings From Lord!! Happy Gompa!! |
Main Attractions of Hemis Festival 2021
The dance of the divine known as the Cham dance is the main attraction of the festival. The Cham dance is a unique performance done by the Tibetan Buddhism community. Cham dance is also known as the God Dance, which is a colorful and dramatic performance.
Being a part of the festival and witnessing the lively dance performances is one of the best experiences to have in Ladakh. Unlike the other mythical dance, Cham has also a theological meaning, that is why the dance is only performed by the monks and lamas. Cham dance is a form of meditation for both dancers and the viewers. Apart from that, the colorful stalls selling food, and other souvenirs, also the display of Thangkas (Buddhist paintings) add more appeal to this grand festival.
**READ MORE: Shimla Summer Festival: When, Where and Activities to Celebrate
| Short Facts about the Hemis Gompa Festival: 1) Hemis Gompa is a significant festival that is commemorated by the Buddhists of Ladakh. 2) It celebrates the birthday of Padmasambhava. 3) Hemis Gompa is a two-day festival that praises in the Hemis Monastery. 4) The second day of Hemis Gompa is committed to ‘Padmasambhava,’ the profound master. 5) It is a yearly festival held on the 10th day of ‘Tse-Chu’ lunar month. 6) Padmasambhava is viewed as incredible for Tibetan Buddhists and known as Second Buddha. 7) Hemis is an extraordinary religious community or Gompa of the Drukpa genealogy in Tibetan Buddhism. 8) Hemis’ sacred monastery is decorated and colored in the event of the Hemis Gompa festival. 9) On the occasion of the celebration, a fair is organized to uplift local craftsmanship and culture. 10) The festival as well makes the voyagers acquainted with the Tibetan culture, workmanship, and conviction. |
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