Ladakh with its unique beauty, culture and hospitality has always been very popular amongst tourists all over the world.
Irrespective of its location at such a high altitude, it has still managed to successfully lure tourists (of all age).
But the Festivals of Ladakh here have a different appeal on Ladakh lovers. Usually these festivals are held between June to October, when the harsh winter has not yet sunk in and the climate is considered to be tourist friendly. Ladakh Festival, usually held in the first week of September, attracts quite an impressible number of tourists across the globe.
What is this Festival?
The Ladakh Festival is organized by the Tourism Department along with the help of locals. The main idea behind this festival is to promote the rich culture of this region as well as tourism, and it certainly does a fabulous job at this.
When is the Ladakh Festival held?
Ladakh Festival is celebrated every year in Leh and its villages during the month of September. The festival is usually held for one week with regular celebration in various villages including archery, polo, and masked dances from the monasteries.
Where will you get to see the inauguration ceremony of Ladakh Festival?
The inauguration ceremony of the festival takes place in Leh on a large scale with a procession of several cultural troupes from different parts of the region which traverses through Leh Market and ends at Polo ground.
What will you get to experience in the Ladakh Festival?
Cultural programs ranging from folk dances to traditional music are performed at this festival.
Locals and school children of neighboring areas and schools participate in this festival.
Dancing is performed on the music, played by using the wide drums, small trumpets, cymbals, large wind instruments and large pipes is performed by the school children.
One gets to experience a wide range of traditional dance and music performances from the front row seats.
The locals dress up in local and traditional attires.
This festival is an absolute delight for everyone who loves music and dance.
Do you need to buy any tickets to be part of this Festival?
The inauguration ceremony is free for any one who wants to witness this cultural extravaganza. However, if you want to see masked dances or any other such cultural programs inside a specific monastery, you might have to pay the entry fees to these monasteries.
You will surely get a glimpse of the cultural side first hand during this the inauguration function.
Many competitions are also held during this festival.
The dances by cultural troupes from neighboring villages is a sight to behold.
Keep your camera ready but first enjoy the experience!
One gets to see the beautiful traditional dresses and accessories won by the locals very closely during this festival.
Music is an essential part of this festival.
How can you be a part of this Festival?
If you are up for some impromptu dance moves, Ladakh Festival is the perfect place for you!
Towards the end of this musical extravaganza at the Polo ground, the performers encourage the audience to be part of the performances.
The performers happily pose for the camera once the inauguration ceremony comes to an end.
Even after performing for hours, the enthusiasm in these locals was so very infectious.
Needless to say, the Ladakh Festival was surely one of the highlights of my Ladakh trip.
So, in case you are planning to visit Ladakh during September, do not forget to include this one of kind Ladkah Festival in your itinerary.
Let me know in comments if you have ever been to any such unique festival and what was your experience.
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