Project by : Amit Hasija
Festivals are a time of merry-making. The Ladakh festival is the best way to view, enjoy and experience the culture of Ladakh. Regional dance, folk singing, traditional music, colorful traditional Ladakhi dresses are the few phenomenal scenes of Ladakh Festival. The idea of the festival is to enrich and promote Ladakh’s culture, heritage, a tradition for the world to admire upon. The idea of the festival is to enrich and promote Ladakh’s culture, heritage, a tradition for the world to admire upon.
The Ladakh festival is celebrated in winter season to create a vibrant atmosphere to lazy winters of Ladakh in the month of September. Artists from all over India participate in this colorful and vivacious fest sprinkling the glitter of folk dances, music, theatre, sport competition followed by the carnival parade depicting the rich culture of Ladakh. Around one to two weeks of celebration is enjoyed in different villages of the state which includes masked dance, archery, polo, musical concerts and all. Ladakh festival includes the dance dramas ‘Chhams’ performed by Lamas wearing vibrant clothes and formidable masks, considering the ritual to offer to the holy deities of the monasteries. Handicraft items from across the state are appreciated by tourists and participants.
Ladakh festival is basically a sports and cultural party starts with dances on the conventional music and end up with the parade fulfilling the motto which is to promote the regional arts and culture of Ladakh. Women of this particular region participate in this festival attracting the visitor’s mind walking in a line to give a complete carnival feel. The golden mountains with sun rays and chilly wind of winters are magnified with the Ladakh festival and making this a perfect location for the tourists in this season.
The festival also provides an opportunity to see all the murals, images and idols to the visitors which are hidden behind veils in normal season. Ladakh festival are to bright up the dull winters with its vibrant celebration showcasing Indian rich culture and beauty.
Ladakh offers very impressive sights and it sounds interesting or attractive for tourists, adventure lovers, trekkers and hikers for years. Fairs and festivals in Ladakh provide an opportunity for people to celebrate, interact with each other, make new bonds and renew old ones.
IIP brings you some unparalleled celebration of India under its series of documenting Indian heritage and culture.
