Introduction

Hemis Gompa, an auspicious occasion for the Buddhist community is a two day fair that is celebrated every year from ninth to eleventh day of the fifth Tibetan month (June-July). The festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rimpoche who is the revered incarnation of Lord Buddha. The main festivities are marked at the Hemis Gompa, the largest Buddhist monastery located in India, where people dressed as devils in the brocade outfits depict battle scenes. The festival of Hemis Gompa holds a lot of importance in the lives of Buddhists.

History/Legend

This jubilant festival honors two important events. Firstly, it marks the birth anniversary of the twelfth Gyalwang Drukchen Rinpoche who is the spiritual chief of the Drupka Kargyud lineage and head of the Hemis Monastery. Secondly, the event honors the victory of Lamaism over Shamanism and other religious practices.

Significance

Hemis Gompa celebrates the birth of Guru Rimpoche who is supposed to be the reincarnation of Lord Buddha. Guru Rinpoche spread the message of spiritual harmony and intellectual prosperity amongst all the humans. The victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and virtue over vice is the core significance of this festival.

Celebrations/Rituals

The event revolves around lavish and grand celebrations initiated by peaceful processions of the priests dressed in silk robes. The main attraction of the Hemis festival is the Cham dances. The resident lamas of the Hemis Monastery perform masked dances and some magical feats. The dances are accompanied by sounds of brass trumpets and drums. This two day festival is celebrated with great zeal and enjoyment where the followers dressed in attractive traditional costumes showcase masked dances.