Doshmoche
Masked dances in the royal courtyard.
An ancient tradition started by the Kings of Ladakh, Dosmoche is till
celebrated every year in February with great pomp and fervour. The
courtyard of the chapel below the gates of the Leh Palace comes alive
with the music of drums and the thumping steps of the masked Lamas
from different monasteries performing the sacred dance-drama. he Lamas
prepare, consecrate and eventually destroy the sacrificial offerings
as the climax.
The tantra of 'DO'
The Lamas from the Takthok Monastery, the only Nyingmaps foundation of
Ladakh, who are experts in tantric practice and astrology, prepare the
elaborate 'Do' or Thread Crosses - the main objects of offering, which
ensnare all the evil spirits, hungry ghosts and demonic forces when
the prescribed mantras are recited and requisite rites observed by the
Lamas.
The festive procession
Ten other kinks of offering, of different shapes and sizes, complement
the main offering. These are brought down from the main venue and
carried through the main bazaar.
Black hat dancers, followed by the lamas in their religious costumes
and the local people in their resplendent best, make this a
spectacular procession. Musicians and the monastic orchestra lead the
way. Outside the town, the offerings are burnt and destroyed with
great fanfare to wish away all evil spirits and guard against natural
calamities and disasters in the coming year. Dosmoche celebrations are
also held in the Likir (Indus valley) and Deksit (Nubra valley)
monasteries. In Deksit, a number of folk dances are performed as
interludes of the 'Chhams'.
