If you are planning to visit India this summer, June 8–9 are the best dates to do so. Ladakh’s Hemis Festival is to be held in Ladakh as a celebration of Guru Padmasambhava’s anniversary. Also known as Guru Rinpoche, he was an Indian tantric genius, believed to be the founder of the famous Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The locals believed that Guru Rinpoche had fought evil for him, and they praise the savior to this day.
One of the must-do things at a festival is the Cham Dance, or the God Dance. The masquerade is another fun part of the cultural program. If you decide to attend, make sure you get your tickets in advance to save some money.
One essential rule to follow is respecting the Indian culture and religion: don’t take any photos inside the monastery, and dress properly. It is not hard to do and will definitely be appreciated by locals.
