Galdan Namchot – Leh Ladakh
The annual festival to welcome the new year as well as to commemorate the death and parinirvana of the Buddhist scholar Je Tsonghapa is Galdan Namchot, celebrated at Ladakh where Buddhism has its very deep roots. The monasteries and the schools in the entire region is lit up as a part of this festival besides the religious discourses and special rituals to welcome the Ladakhi new year. Butter lamps are most prominent in the rituals. Traditional dishes of Ladakh like Butter Tea and Momo are exchanged with friends and families. A ceremonial scarf Khatak is presented as a ritual of Galdan Namchot, making the festival unique one.
Where: Ladakh
Upcoming dates: 21st December, 2019
LOSAR FESTIVAL, LADAKH
How about being a part of the ancient festival Losar celebrated very prominently in the Ladakh region, an annual event scheduled normally during third week of February? Welcoming the new year is a very significant belief in Tibet region whose rituals are deeply rooted in Buddhism. Losar is celebrated wherever Buddhism is prominently followed with a strong belief that offering special prayers on the first day of the year will bring fortune throughout the year. The three days long festival brings joy everywhere with decorations, special rituals, cultural events, special discourses on preaching of Buddhism. With Losar festival, people welcome the wonderful year ahead.
Where: Ladakh Region
Upcoming Dates : February 24th – 26th, 2020
TULIP FESTIVAL – SRINAGAR
Visit Asia’s largest Tulip garden in the foothills of Zabarwan range, with a stunning view of the Dal Lake. With a view of preserving and promoting floriculture in Kashmir, Tulip festival is celebrated in April every year. Walk through the sweet smelling flower beds giving you a reason to visit here agan and again. Tulip festival marks the onset of Spring season and it can never be missed if you are a nature lover, flower enthusiast or a tulip lover. Marvel the colors of the flower beds with Tulips,hyacinths and dafodils making the entire region more vibrant and colourful.
Where: Srinagar, Kashmir
Month of Celebration : April, 2020
HEMIS FESTIVAL – LADAKH
To mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, Hemis festival is celebrated in the largest monastery of Ladakh, Hemis monastery. The monastery is beautifully decorated and number of cultural events are hosted including Chaam Dance welcoming the good and driving away the evil. The devil dance is equally popular where a large dough ball is destroyed by the dancers and the pieces are thrown away in all the four directions to symbolise the eradication of evils. The region like Ladakh which is deeply rooted to its spiritualism and faith celebrates the Hemis festival with great pomp and show.
Where: Ladakh
Month of Celebration : June, 2020
