Latest news with #Padmasambhava
San Francisco Chronicle
07-07-2025
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
Photos of a Buddhist festival show ritual dances in India's Ladakh
LADAKH, India (AP) — One by one, 13 Buddhist monks wearing brightly colored silk costumes and wide-brimmed black hats, stepped onto the rectangular courtyard of the Hemis monastery. They began a ritual dance to a slow rhythm set by drums, cymbals and horns. As they moved, the white human skull motifs on their costume caught the morning sun. They danced to ward off mythical evil beings and clear the courtyard of negative energy. That set the stage for the ritual dances to follow at the Hemis Festival — or Hemis Tsechu. Hemis Gompa belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, it lies at an elevation of about 3,560 meters (12,000 feet) in the northern Indian desert mountainous territory. The festival, believed to have originated in the first half of the 18th century and observed annually ever since, commemorates the birthday of the 8th-century Indian master Padmasambhava, who is credited to have helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. The two-day summer festival falls on the 10th and 11th days of the fifth month in the Tibetan calendar. This year's festival was observed on July 5 and 6.
Al Arabiya
07-07-2025
- General
- Al Arabiya
Photos of a Buddhist festival show ritual dances in India's Ladakh
One by one, 13 Buddhist monks wearing brightly colored silk costumes and wide-brimmed black hats stepped onto the rectangular courtyard of the Hemis Monastery. They began a ritual dance to a slow rhythm set by drums, cymbals, and horns. As they moved, the white human skull motifs on their costumes caught the morning sun. They danced to ward off mythical evil beings and clear the courtyard of negative energy. That set the stage for the ritual dances to follow at the Hemis Festival–or Hemis Tsechu. Hemis Gompa belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, it lies at an elevation of about 3,560 meters (12,000 feet) in the northern Indian desert mountainous territory. The festival, believed to have originated in the first half of the 18th century and observed annually ever since, commemorates the birthday of the 8th-century Indian master Padmasambhava, who is credited with having helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. The two-day summer festival falls on the 10th and 11th days of the fifth month in the Tibetan calendar. This year's festival was observed on July 5 and 6.
The Independent
07-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Photos of a Buddhist festival show ritual dances in India's Ladakh
One by one, 13 Buddhist monks wearing brightly colored silk costumes and wide-brimmed black hats, stepped onto the rectangular courtyard of the Hemis monastery. They began a ritual dance to a slow rhythm set by drums, cymbals and horns. As they moved, the white human skull motifs on their costume caught the morning sun. They danced to ward off mythical evil beings and clear the courtyard of negative energy. That set the stage for the ritual dances to follow at the Hemis Festival — or Hemis Tsechu. Hemis Gompa belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 17th century, it lies at an elevation of about 3,560 meters (12,000 feet) in the northern Indian desert mountainous territory. The festival, believed to have originated in the first half of the 18th century and observed annually ever since, commemorates the birthday of the 8th-century Indian master Padmasambhava, who is credited to have helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. The two-day summer festival falls on the 10th and 11th days of the fifth month in the Tibetan calendar. This year's festival was observed on July 5 and 6.
India.com
30-05-2025
- India.com
Top 5 Lakes Near Shimla City For Boating And Picnics
Shimla offers world travelers complete engagement because it rests comfortably in the Himalayas. People visit Shimla to appreciate its historical elegance together with its mountainous views and extensive plant life while exploring multiple nature-centered activities. The most popular leisure activities in Shimla involve enjoying boating and picnicking at the peaceful lakes within the area. When visiting Shimla for boating and picnic activities you must visit these carefully selected water reservoirs that combine enchanting settings with picturesque locations. 1. Chadwick Lake The artificial 7-kilometer stretch from Shimla city makes Chadwick Lake the most visited destination by local people along with visitors. A British English engineer constructed this artificial lake which serves Shimla with water supply during the British period. In its dense deodar forest setting the lake presents a peaceful atmosphere along with breathtaking views toward nearby hills. 2. Gyara Lake Located approximately 6 kilometers outside Shimla within the Sanjauli area lies the beautiful water reservoir called Gyara Lake which creates an excellent travel destination. The small lake attracts many locals who need to escape the busyness of city life in search of relaxation. As a less commercialized destination compared to others Gyara Lake remains a peaceful place for resting. 3. Kufri Lake Traveling about 15 kilometers from Shimla leads visitors to Kufri which has gained fame for its skiing slopes and adventure activities. A charming body of water named Kufri Lake distinguishes this area of Kufri from the rest. The lake provides beautiful natural surroundings because it is positioned among pine trees and mountains that create a picturesque location for photographers and people looking for relaxation. 4. Collegiate Lake Within Himachal Pradesh University Summer Hill property there lies Collegiate Lake which remains unknown to common vacationers. The lake maintains a low profile but students together with residents enjoy visiting it the most for peaceful moments. The lake rests among academic buildings and lush green surroundings which make it unique. 5. Rewalsar Lake Rewalsar Lake ranks among the important lakes in Spate despite its distance from Shimla (at 140 kilometers) due to its religious value and natural charm. Buddhists together with Sikhs and Hindus consider Tso Pema to be a venerable sacred lake. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava practiced meditation at this site prior to his mission to spread Buddhism throughout Tibet. Conclusion Several lakes near Shimla serve visitors who enjoy active and relaxing leisure experiences in the region. Chadwick Lake provides boating opportunities while Gyara Lake invites visitors for picnics and Rewalsar Lake allows exploration into its spiritual atmosphere which altogether create lasting memories for each visitor. Verify the operational schedule and facility accessibility since some locations implement seasonal restrictions before your visit. The lakes around Shimla present both natural beauty and recreational activities which will create an environment that refreshes and inspires you.
