Hemis Festival 2024 Ladakh Detailed Information – Date, Attractions

The Hemis Festival, also known as the Ladakh Purnima or the Ladakh Autumn Festival, is one of India’s most unique festivals. It is also one of India’s most traditional festivals. The festival marks the beginning of the winter season. The festival is rooted in the rich cultural heritage and history of Ladakh, more commonly called Mini Tibet, which is also referred to as Pahalgam in India.

When is Hemis Festival Celebrated?

The Hemis festival is celebrated at the end of June/start of July in many parts of India, including Ladakh. The festival brings in lots of tourists who come to celebrate the beautiful colors that the festival gives. In addition to this, the Ladakh tour also attracts people from different parts of India who come for the Ladakh tour in June or July. A large number of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka and Nepal come to Ladakh during the Hemis Festival.

Also Read: 10 Most Popular Festivals and Events of Ladakh (2023 Updated List)

What is the Date of the Hemis Festival?

Hemis Festival going to celebrate starting on 28th June and will end on 29th June 2023.

How is Hemis Festival Celebrated?

The Hemis festival starts with the firing of “Bakula.” This is done with much fanfare and is accompanied by traditional music and dances. Fire is symbolized as a symbol of power, giving away the luck of the upcoming year. The day also begins with the announcement of seven good days. These days are then spent in festivities and games. The “Bakula” is fired first thing in the morning and the “Buddha” at noon.

In the late afternoon, the “Kuldevta” is taken out. This ceremony signifies that the blessings of the deities come to earth as water. A holy ceremony occurs where the child is placed on a rock, and the rocks and waters are decorated with candles and flowers. The lights take the place of the candles and flowers, and the feast starts after late afternoon.

In the evening, the “Durga Dur” takes place. This is the last ceremony of the Hemis festival, where the Brahmin female devotee performs a dance that represents fertility. Her husband then comes along and gives her a blessed daughter named “Durga.” The “Durga Dur” is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy by family and friends. Hence, it is celebrated at the grand hall of the bodhum (chieftain), who magnificently celebrates the occasion.

Main Highlights of the Hemis Festival

The highlights of Hemis Festival, also known as the Baisakhi (Bull) Festival, is a traditional Tibetan celebration, which highlights the artistic and craftsmanship of local artists and craftsmen. It is held at the monastery of Guru Dzong in Shanti, Ladakh. A small community called “Dzong Sel” or “Dzo” is in charge of organizing the festival with the help of many local artisans, local teachers, and members of the Buddhist community. The main emphasis of this festival is on music, dance, rituals, jewelry, handicrafts, cosmetics, geckos, and other animals.

The highlights of the Hemis Festival can be seen from the various handicrafts and jewelry displayed at various places in and around Shanti during the entire day. At each place, people visit and purchase these handicrafts to show them to their relatives and friends. “Chho Kriki” or “Spice of Life” is considered the most popular handicraft during this festival. Apart from handicrafts, “Chho Kriki” also includes paper products, silk and wool, and many other items.

Also Read: Losar Festival India 2024: Date, History, Celebrations

Main Attraction of Hemis Festival

The Hemis festival’s biggest attraction is the colorful costumes worn by the local people of Ladakh. Most of the women wear colorful embroidered kameez and salwar kameez with matching shawls. The men mostly wear simple white outfits. The clothes are made from a special fabric called “Churida” and are hung from bamboo poles. These clothes make the people of Ladakh appear extremely attractive and holy.

Read Also: Top 10 Monasteries in Ladakh That You must Visit

How to Reach and Attend Hemis Festival

By Air:

If you want to reach Hemis by air, you must first reach Leh airport from your destination. Hennis is 34 kilometere from the leh airport. After reaching the airport, you can rent a cab or taxi to reach Hemis.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Hemis is Jammu Tawi. After reaching, Jammu Tawi railway station, you can reach Hemis by renting a cab or taxi.

By Bus:

Many government and private buses are running between Srinagar to Leh. First, you have to come to Leh by bus then after from Leh you can rent a cab or taxi to reach Hemis.