LADAKH FESTIVAL — ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS VISUAL FEAST
India is the land of many festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal in all regions of the country. We are a diverse country which house people from different religion, speaking many different languages and following different traditions coexist harmoniously. The wide variety of festivals celebrated in the country is a true manifestation of rich culture and heritage of India. Ladakh is a small, quaint little region nestled in Jammu and Kashmir at the foothills of the Himalayan range.
The world of nature with the picturesque landscapes, long mountain ranges with snow clad peaks and valleys with beautiful flora and fauna is quite fascinating and regale so many untold stories about life. The heavenly paradise of Ladakh comes as a beautiful breather to the otherwise troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir. There has never been a dearth of reasons to visit the beauty of Leh-Ladakh for visitors across the globe, and not you can add one more to the list.
The tranquil atmosphere of Ladakh is enthused with a burst of color and vibrancy that accompany the snowy white peaks and glittering lakes. In our post today we will be taking about one of the most popular festivals of Ladakh — The Ladakh Festival. Jammu and Kashmir tourism board organizes a grand 7 days cultural fest in the third week of September every year. Not just the locals but people from far and wide flock together to partake in this lovely, colorful and exotic festival. Read on till the end to know more about the events and programs lined up for the Ladakh Festival 2018.
Festivities Of The Ladakh Festival That You Can’t-Miss To Witness This Year
Culture
The culture and heritage of Ladakh are mainly influenced by Tibet. The Ladakh Festival in Leh (the largest town in Ladakh) is inaugurated with a procession that involves people from various traditions and cultures across the region. Witness the spectacular inaugural function in which various village contingents and troupes participate in ceremonial costumes, performing various dance forms and singing along to the tune of the traditional orchestra. This procession passes through the Leh Market and terminates at the Polo ground where the participants break into a variety of folklore arts and dance activities.
Cham Dance
Cham dance is the traditional Tibetan dance form performed in colorful costumes during many Tibetan and Buddhist dance festivals. It is a lovely choreographed dance drama with a popular theme that showcases victory of good over the evil. Sometimes people dance over different themes that revolve around historical folk stories. The Cham Dance is usually performed in the courtyard of monasteries before a large mass of people gathered to enjoy the festival.
Thangka Painting Exhibitions
Thangka is a beautiful Tibetan art form crafted on a silk or cotton applique. This form of art generally includes spiritual deity like the Buddha or a Mandala or a beautiful scene or landscape. The Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed so that they can be rolled up like a Chinese scroll when not on display. The exhibition at the Ladakh Festival is organized in different villages for a period of 6 days. For art lovers like you, this is the best ever exhibition to visit in a lifetime.
Handicrafts
The festival hosts a variety of exhibitions out of which the handicrafts exhibition is worth watching. Ladakh has a unique collection of handicrafts with Tibetan touch to it. You will find both handmade and artisanal handicrafts at this cultural event. The exhibition takes place at the handicraft training center in Leh. Various artists from across the state come here to partake in the exhibition. We bet you’ll be mesmerized with the uniqueness, beauty and creativity.
Polo Tournament
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Ladakh is a place that cannot be left out while speaking of sports. Being the very popular trekking destination in the world Ladakh is known for a variety of sports activities. A major polo tournament called the “Ladakh Festival Cup” is held as part of the festival wherein different polo teams from across the region participate. Tourists of Ladakh during the festival get a chance to witness the amazing ancient sport of the Himalayas in its original form (wild in style with lesser rules and frantic crowd interest).
The Archery Festival
This interesting sport attracts many tourists during the festival. This is an adventurous type of local programme organized in the backwoods of Ladakh. All the men in Ladakh participate enthusiastically and passionately in this Archery fest. It is in a way the testing of their archery skills. The women of Ladakh can never be left behind in any matter. They too participate actively in the archery dance rounds.
Music Concert
Tibetan music is very pleasing and soothing for our ears and soul. Catch up with some congruous traditional Tibetan live music concerts during this festival. The music comprises of various chants in different languages and sacred texts. What a marvel!!
Masked Dance Performance
These dance performances reflect the beauty and culture of Ladakh. The mesmerizing masked dance is awe-inspiring, mysterious, and vibrant that you’ll feel entrapped into a tranquil trance-like state. Experience the culture, tradition, art and heritage of Ladakh at the festival this year.
Food Festival
The Tibetan cuisine is delectable and mouth-watering. Enjoy Ladakh’s special delights and delicacies at the festival. The carnival-like atmosphere is best enjoyed with your favorite food and zesty mood. The Ladakhi food is strongly influenced by the flavors of Tibet and your visit is quite incomplete until you taste these yummy treats.
The festival ends with a closing carnival that passes through the streets of Leh and is definitely an unforgettable visual treat.
No one can resist the Ladakh Festival. Everyone — tourists and locals — are seen enjoying themselves to the tune of trumpets, flutes and cymbals. It’s a fun, frolic and cultural event that spellbinds you. It’s really an experience of the lifetime.
If you feel that the mountains are calling you, then just book a trip to Ladakh with TravelUR and you’ll be there at the foothills of Himalayan range to witness this exciting Ladakh Festival to be held next month.
