The Himalayas - Ladakh Himalayas - Fairs and festivals - Dasmochhe, Likir Dasmochhe and Muslim Festivals and fairs

Ladakh himalayas

General Info

· Villages
· Valleys and plateaus
· Lakes
· Passes
· Glaciers
· Rivers

· People
· Religion

· Fairs and festivals
    · 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

Dasmochhe
This is the most popular festival of Ladakh on the occasion of which a fair is also held. Dasmochhe is celebrated on the 28th and 29th days of the twelfth Bodhi month, with the main celebrations being held at Leh. In the past, the Raja used to bear most of the expenses of the festivities.

Many dances are held on both these days, staged alternatively by lamas of the Matho and Gaun and Phyang gompas. People from all over Ladakh come to Leh for Dasmochhe. Horse racing takes place towards the end of the festivities and may continue for a few days after this festival.

In the past, when Ladakh was an independent kingdom, the Raja held a Durbar (court) on Dasmochhe.

Likir Dasmochhe
This festival is celebrated at Likir Gompa on the same days as the Dasmochhe festival of Leh. The lamas perform dances and worship the Lord Buddha.

Muslim Festivals and Fairs
Muslim Festivals are celebrated by the Muslin populations of Ladakh. They include the traditional Islamic festivals such as Id. Local fairs are also held. Where there is an overwhelming majority of Buddhists, the Muslims participate in local fairs such as the Leh Dasmochhe.