The Himalayas - Ladakh Himalayas - Fairs and festivals - Losar, Tampe Chonga and Jipe Chonga

Ladakh himalayas

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Losar
        Tampe Chonga
        Jipe Chonga
    · Tukpa Sheji
    · Shey Shrupla
    · Taktak and Chimrey Anchuk
    · Spituk Gustor
    · Hemis Chheshu
    · Gaun Tserug
    · Nagrang
    · Dasmochhe
    · Likir Dasmochhe
    · Muslim festivals and fairs

· Other places of interest

The Himalayas - where earth meets sky

Losar
The Buddhists of Ladakh celebrate Losar as their new year. Before the rule of Jamiang Namgyal (1555-1610), this day was considered to be the first day of the Ladakhi Buddhist year, which is based on the moon and sun similar to that of the Hindus.

However, Losar was advanced by two days as Jamiang Namgyal decided to invade Skardu before the new year. Since then, Losar is celebrated on the last two days of the lOth Bodhi month, which coincides with December of the Christian calender.

Losar is celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor. The festivities include illuminations, drinking, dancing, singing and general merry-making. Men come out of their homes with torches of wood which are whirled round and round. People visit each other's homes during these celebrations, which continue for many days.

Tampe Chonga
The fifteenth day of the first Bodhi month is celebrated as a festival marking Buddha's entry into the womb of his mother. Prayers are held both at home and in the gompas.

Jipe Chonga
The fifteenth day of the fourth Bodhi month is the day when the Buddha is believed to have taken physical birth. The people fast on the Jipe Chonga day. Homes and gompas are illuminated and special prayers are conducted.