Stok Festival 2020

When you land in Leh you have jumped from 120m in Delhi to 3’500m. The government regulations state that you have to aclimatize for 48 hours before venturing out and your guide suggests you relax in your room at least for the first afternoon.

As I know that the Stok Tsechu Festival is going on across the valley, we just drop our luggage and get into our car so we don’t miss any of the action and fun. The Stok Guru Tsechu Festival is a celebration that truly involves the entire community. The ‚Masked dances‘ performed by the priests of Spituk monastery in Ladakh are a highlight of the festival. This unique aspect, where local people actively participate, sets this festival apart from others. It’s an experience that’s not to be missed.

The Buddhist community of Leh-Ladakh holds deep faith in the Stok Guru Tsechu Festival. A significant part of the festival is the appearance of two oracles, who are usually laymen from the same town. These oracles, prepared by monks through various means, are believed to receive the spirit of the deities. The forecasts made by these oracles are strongly believed by the people of this area, adding a spiritual dimension to the festival.

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