One of the major festivals of Kashmir region and the most popular religious gathering is Hemis Festival, commemorating the birth of Guru Padmashambava. The prominent Buddhist Monastery of Ladakh, Hemis Gompa is the epicenter of this festival.

Hemis Gompa belongs to Drupka Lineage and the monastery is believed to exist from 11th century onwards. The Drupka lineage is also known as Red Hat Sect and is the dominant religion of Bhutan. Hemis festival is the iconic festival of entire Kashmir region and it generally falls during the tenth day of the fifth month based on Tibetan Calendar. To understand it better, during every June and July every year, Hemis festival is celebrated for two days with lot of events to witness and experience the centuries old tradition of Buddhism.

Dances performed by Buddhist monks or lamas and unfurling of beautiful paintings called Thangkas are highlights of Hemis festival. Hemis festival scales up more pompously every twelve years with magnificent thangkas unfurled to public with lamas dancing to the tunes of cymbals and music of Tibetan instruments, a real visual retreat to eyes.

Plan to attend Hemis festival during your tour to Ladakh.