Apart from Buddha Purnima, Hemis Gompa is considered as one of the most auspicious festivals for the Buddhist community in India. This festival marks the birth of Guru Rimpoche or Guru Padmasambhava who is also considered as the incarnation of Lord Buddha. In his remembrance, the Hemis fair is celebrated with great jubilance. This is actually a two day fair organized during 5th Tibetan month which normally falls in the June-July month. 9th to 11h day of this month are marked for Hemis Gompa fair. The term Hemis Gompa refers to the biggest Buddhist monastery that is located in Leh in Ladkah (Jammu & Kashmir).
There are other names of this monastery as well like Chang Chub Sam Ling or "the lone place of the compassionate person". It is concealed inside the Hemis national park. Surrounded by mountain rocks, this is an extremely beautiful and grand monastery. During the Hemis Gompa festival, Buddhists from all over the India and foreign locales come to the place and celebrate this occasion. Historically, this festival is held in occasion of the birth of head of Hemis Monastery and 12th Gyalwang Drukchen Rinpoche. He was also the chief spiritual head of the Drupka Kargyud lineage. He is credited with preaching the message of Buddhism in Tibet. His life was a sum total of efforts given into spreading spiritual harmony and intellectual prosperity among all human beings.
The two day festival is a great treat to the eyes and spirits. It symbolises enjoyment and enthusiasm. The prime attraction of the fair is traditional music that is played using the beating of drums, clashing of cymbals and long horns. Devotees also show their respect to the portrait of sacred Guru Rimpoche. Other attractions include the colourful dance performances using the vibrant masks.
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