Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Feb 26: A two-day Dosmoche festival was commenced in the courtyards of the monasteries below the historic Leh Palace and Likir monastery, here today.
The festival is celebrated in Leh for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
Thousands of spectators and devotees, including tourists from India and abroad, gathered to witness the mesmerizing mask dances, an essential part of the Tantric tradition of Mahayana Buddhism.
The mask dances were performed by the monks of Hemis monastery, while the monks of Korzok and Dakthog monasteries conducted and prepared the sacred rituals of Storlok and Dos, respectively.
In Leh, the two-day Mela-Dosmoche was held at the Leh Polo Ground. The mela is also famous for its vibrant market. Thousands of people thronged the market for shopping and to enjoy games like tambola and lotteries.
The Dosmoche celebrations in Leh and Likir also mark the farewell to the harsh winter season and the arrival of warmer, more pleasant days.
The festivals will conclude on Thursday with the symbolic burning of the ‘Skorma,’ a ritual meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead.
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