In Ladakh every occasion be it marriage, birth, harvesting, commemoration of head Lamas, founding of the monastery, Losar (new year) and flowering is marked by feasting, dancing and the singing of folksongs that forms a part of its living heritage. Most of the festivals are held in winter but some popular festival take place in summer too. The monastic festivals are the heart of all the festivals. They are performed by Monks wearing colorful silk garments and different facial masks.
Winter Festivals
Stok Guru Tsechu
The Stok Guru Tsechu is celebrated by monks from the four points of the compass: from Stok, Sanker, Spituk and Sabu and takes place at the Stok monastery over two days.They perform masked dances here also.The festival is held in Feb or March normally around five days before the Matho Nagrang. During the festival two oracles appear, (one is called the King`s Oracle and the other is called the Master`s Oracle), which are fascinating. The oracles are laymen from the village prepared by monks to receive the spirit of the deities, and you can ask their advice on any topic!
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