· The Hemis Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Ladakh, India. It is celebrated annually in the Hemis Monastery, which is located about 45 kilometers southeast of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
· The festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month, which usually falls in late June or early July. The exact date varies each year, so it's a good idea to check with local authorities or tourism offices for the exact date.
· During the festival, the monks of the Hemis Monastery perform traditional masked dances, known as cham dances, in the monastery's courtyard. The cham dances depict various stories from Buddhist mythology and are accompanied by traditional music and chanting.
· The highlight of the Hemis Festival is the unveiling of a huge thangka, a religious painting, depicting the Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. The thangka is displayed to the public only once every twelve years, and the festival attracts a large number of visitors from around the world.
· In addition to the cultural and religious performances, visitors can also enjoy local food and crafts during the festival. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some events and dates may be subject to change or cancellation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or tourism offices for the latest information before making travel plans.
