Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Hemis Gompa is a big Buddhist monastery in the Central Ladakh and the most important of the monasteries belonging to the Tibetan Buddhism Drukpa lineage. It is famous for the masked monks’ dance (cham) festival performed here every summer to commemorate birthday of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who was a great Buddhist master and teacher. He lived in the 8th century and is considered to be one of the most important figures, who helped in spreading Buddhism to Tibet. Every 12 years Hemis Festivals are particularly special, when a huge thanka (religious painting) depicting Guru Padmasambhava is displayed. Union Territory of Ladakh, India.