Thiksey Festival

The Thiksey Gustor Festival is a two-day celebration held in October-November at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh. The festival belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and features various rituals, ceremonies, folk music, and traditional dances. The highlight of the festival is the masked dances, called Chhams, performed by the Black Hat Dancers, which enact the mythological tale of King Lang Darma's betrayal and eventual slaying. The rituals aim to transfer negativity and dark spirits to effigies, which are then burnt, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festival concludes with a sacrificial ceremony, where the Black Hat Dancers cut a sacrificial cake and distribute it among the people. The festival showcases Ladakhi culture and tradition, attracting tourists and locals alike. The monastery's 15-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue is a major attraction, making Thiksey Gustor Festival a unique and unforgettable experience.