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| DOSMOCHE
FESTIVAL |
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| Celebrated in
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Ladakh, JK |
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| Religion :
Buddhism |
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| In the month
of :
February |
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Masked dances in the royal
courtyard.
5, 6 Feb, 1997, 24, 25 Feb. 1998, 14, 15 Feb., 1999 |
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| An ancient tradition started by the Kings of
Ladakh, Dosmoche is still celebrated every year in February with great pomp and
fervour. The courtyard of the chapel below the gates of the Leh Palace comes
alive with the music of drums and the thumping steps of the masked Lamas from
different monasteries performing the sacred dance - drama. The Lamas prepare,
consecrate and eventually destroy the sacrificial offerings as the climax.
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The tantra of 'DO'
The Lamas from the Takthok Monastery, the only Nyingmapa foundation of Ladakh,
who are experts in tantric practice and astrology, prepare the elaborate ' DO'
or Thread crosses - the main objects of offerings, which ensnare all the evil
spirits, hungry ghosts and demonic forces when the prescribed mantras are
recited and requisite rites observed by the Lamas.
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The festive procession
Ten other kinds of offerings, of different shapes and sizes, complement the
main offering. These are brought down from the main venue and carried through
the main bazaar.
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| Black Hat dancers, followed by the lamas in
their religious costumes and the local people in their resplendent best, make
this a spectacular procession. Musicians and the monastic orchestra lead the
way. Outside the town, the offerings are burnt and destroyed with great fanfare
to wish away all evil spirits and guard against natural calamities and
disasters in the coming year. |
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| Dosmoche celebrations are also held in the
Likir (Indus Valley) and Deksit (Nubra valley) monasteries. In Deksit, a number
of folk dances are performed as interludes to the 'Chhams'.
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