In Ladakh, two major monastic festivals, Leh Dosmochey and Likir Monastery Stromochey, are being celebrated simultaneously from today with great religious fervour and traditional grandeur.

The festivals symbolise the victory of good over evil, with sacred Buddhist tantric mask dances performed by monks as the main highlight.

The celebrations mark the conclusion of the harsh winter season in the region and signal the beginning of preparations for the upcoming agricultural season. Farmers traditionally look upon this period as the transition towards renewed activity and hope.

The festivals follow a fortnight of special prayers and rituals offered for world peace, timely snowfall and rainfall, and a prosperous harvest.