Every year, on February 7 or 8, the Buddhist festival known as Likir dosmoche is held from February 27 to 29 of the 12th Tibetan month. The event, which is the final celebration of the New Year, is also referred to as the "Festival of Scapegoat". It was initiated by the Ladakh royal family. Eliminating evil is the purpose of the Dosmoche festival. Additionally, the populace actively engages in the customs that have been observed for aeons. Dough is used to make idols, and some rites have set times during the festival. The idols are either burned at the ritual or kept apart in seclusion. It is thought that by doing this, the bad spirits from the previous year either live around the idol or accompany them on their travels. In light of this, the community prepares for the New Year by dressing in traditional Ladakhi garb, and throughout the two-day event, musicians perform holy symphonic music.
Activities during the festival: Dough is used to make idols, and some rites have set times during the festival. The idols are either burned at the ritual or kept apart in seclusion. It is thought that by doing this, the bad spirits from the previous year either live around the idol or accompany them on their travels. Highlights include the elaborate decorations within the monastery, the mesmerising drumming music, the dramatic masked dance, and the distinctive rites carried out by the lamas.
Event Details
Date: 7 and 8 February 2024
Venue address: Likir Monastery, Leh Ladakh
Ticket: Free
