Mela Dhosmochey concludes

Monks performing mask dance during Mela Dhosmochey in Leh. — Excelsior/Stanzin Morup
Monks performing mask dance during Mela Dhosmochey in Leh. — Excelsior/Stanzin Morup

Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Feb 14:  With the burning of yearly grand “Dhos” and “Storma” the two-day grand Mela Dhosmochey concluded today amid chanting prayer by monks drawn from various monasteries to ward-off the evil spirit, ill fortune and natural calamities.
The “Dhos” and “Storma”, carried from 16th Century Leh Palace Monastery, passed though the main market in the form of huge procession. Enthusiastic devotees trying to catch a glimpse of the procession participated in the procession with zeal and fervor.
The big procession culminates at Katmochey where the huge colorful structure “Dhos” made of colorful thread along with other “Stormas”, was put into flames amid chanting prayers by monks. Thousands of enthusiastic devotees thronged at Katmochey to witness the burning of “Storma” and “Dhos” simultaneously to mark the victory over evils. Minutes before the Dhos was put into flames, people rushed to the site to grasps a piece of thread from Dhos which they carry home with the faith that it would bring good luck and fortune.
On the first day of the festival yesterday, monks from Hemis Monastery performed spectacular mask dances at Leh Palace Monastery courtyard.
Another attraction of the festival was the fun filled grand shopping fair in the main market which spread from the historical Jama Mazjid to Moti Market where shopkeepers made brisk business. A large number of youth were seen engaged in gambling such as Tambola and other quick money making games.
One of the organizing committee member Samstan Lden said that such festivals were been celebrated since 600 years during the reign of kings of Ladakh and Leh Phu-Dho. He added that purpose of the festival is to bring peace, prosperity and harmony in the society and added that people have undaunted faith and devotion towards such practices.
Similarly, Liker Monastery festival known as Liker Dhosmochey also concluded today with the burning of yearly “Storma”.
It is believed that with the culmination of Dhosmochey festival, the weather will start becoming warmer with each passing day.

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