Article Title: Ladakh Festival
15-10-2022
History & Art and Culture Prelims Plus
Why is in news? Leh: Tourists from different parts of the world to witness Ladakh Festival
Tourists from different parts of the world have gathered at Chokanga Vihara to witness the colorful mask dances, locally called Chams.
Along with Chams, heritage walk in Leh old town, Thangka exhibition, a handicrafts exhibition, Art Exhibition on Birds of Ladakh and Archival photo exhibition at historic Leh palace have pulled the crowds.
Similarly, a colorful Sand Mandala exhibition by the monks at Leh Indoor Stadium attracted intellectuals.
Ladakh Festival which is celebrated every year in Leh and its nearby villages.
The festival is for one week which includes events like archery, polo, and Masked dances from the monasteries.
It also includes dances by cultural troupes from the villages.
Masked Dances:
Cham Dance is a famous masked dance from Ladakh which is the major attraction of the festival.
It is also performed on Tsechu Festival which is the yearly spiritual festival carried out in many monasteries in Ladakh.
It is said to bring good luck to the people viewing this dance.
The moment the celebration hour cloaks in, the Lamas appear wearing colorful masks and dancing rhythmically on the courtyard. They dance in tune with the beats of drums and cymbals.
This dance which is accompanied by music played by monks using traditional Tibetan instruments is usually performed by a few selected sects of Buddhism.
"UPSC-2026-PRELIMS COMBINED MAINS PROGRAMME" NEW BATCH STARTS WITH ORIENTATION ON JULY 7th,2025 
