Discuss Hemis festival-The Essence of Buddhist Philosphy, on IndusLadies. Hemis festival-The Essence of Buddhist Philosphy - Sub-Forum for Ladies from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal..
It is difficult to establish when Buddhism was introduced into Ladakh. It is however definite that its first influence was under the reign of the Emperor Ashok. The true representative of the ancient practices and artistic traditions of Buddhism, dating back to over a thousand years are the monasteries. These Ladakhi monasteries are excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and impart the special impression of living a moment of eternity to all its visitors.
Many of the annual festivals of the monasteries take place in winter, a relatively idle time for the majority of the people. These festivals are a colorful events that take the form of dance-dramas in the Gompa courtyards.
Re: Hemis festival-The Essence of Buddhist Philosphy
The courtyard of Hemis Gompa-the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh is the stage for the famous 'Hemis' festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The colourful two-day pageant falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month. The local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional garb for the occasion. Lamas called 'chhams' perform splendid masked dances and sacred plays to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. The head lama presides over the function. The festival takes an auspicious turn every 12 years in the Tibetan Year of the Monkey, when the two-storey high 'Thanka' depicting Padmasambhava is displayed. This famous 'Thanka', richly embroidered with pearls and semi-precious stones, is due to be displayed at this years festival i.e in 2004. A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.
I have seen all this really gorgeous. how was your experience?
Re: Hemis festival-The Essence of Buddhist Philosphy
I have seen this festival being celebrated..
It takes place in the rectangular courtyard in front of the main door of the monastery.With the sacred pole in between.
A raised dias with a richly cushioned seat with a finely painted small Tibetan table is placed with the ceremonial items - cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, tormas made of dough and butter and incense sticks.
What sounds soothing is The number of musicians playing the traditional music with four pairs of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large size wind instruments. Next to them, a small space is assigned for the lamas to sit. They have a solemn festival....
Re: Hemis festival-The Essence of Buddhist Philosphy
The pictures are really good, Do you know the significance behind this Mask dance?
The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava fought with fiends for the safety of the local people. Marking the victory of good over the evil, monks perform the sacred mask dances.
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