The Kumbh Mela of Himalayas – Naropa Festival

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The Naropa Festival is organised in the Hemis Monastery every once in 12 years. It is being organised from September 13, 2016 till October 1, 2016. Ladakh is going to be the place for all you travellers who take avid interest in world culture and have a bucket list made of festivals from all over the world. My traveller friends, Naropa is surely worth it.

  1. Take a look at the programme list to know the events slotted for any particular. Choose the days that you would like to be a part of and purchase tickets accordingly.
  2. Hemis monastery is considered a living scared heritage of people in Ladakh and this is the reason why you have thousands coming forth to attend the festival from all over the world.
  3. One of the important days of the festival is when the ancient silk embroidery of Guru Padmasambhava is unfurled. This time, they will be organizing the unfurling of the largest silk embroidered brocade of Buddha Amitabha to mark the opening of Naropa 2016 on September, 19 2016.
  4. One must understand that people braze the weather and distance to be a part of this festival. Hence, one needs to be patient and enjoy the occasion as your day could be long.
  5. One of the most interesting parts about this festival also happens to be the Monk Dance or Mask festival where monks adorn masks and perform for devotees in the monastery.
  6. This year will also mark the 7th annual Drukpa Council where great Drukpa masters of the lineage from Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul, Sikkim and other parts of Himalayas come together to revive some unique aspects of the Drukpa Lineage.
  7. Another important event is when His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa who happens to be the will don the six ornaments – the same six which are believed to have been given to Naropa by Dakinis. This is done to grant the Grand Chakrasamvara Empowerment. Apparently, if one received this, while his Holiness is in the Six Bone Ornaments of Naropa the doors to the three lower and also unfortunate realms will be closed to you.
  8. Students, professors, monks, masters, and people from all walks of life participate in this event which is not just spiritual but also inspiring.
  9. There are also theatre performances and other cultural events held later in the day for interested audience.
  10. And also, it is important that you take some time off from the festivities to visit the other places in and around Leh!