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Masked Dances In The Royal Courtyard
An ancient tradition started by the kings of
Ladakh , Docmoche is
still celebrated every year in February with great pomp and fervour. The
courtyard of the chapel below the gates of the
Leh 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. The Lamas prepare, consecrate and eventually destroy the
sacrificial offerings as the climax.
The Tantra Of 'DO'
The Lamas from the Thak Thok Monastery, the only Nyingmapa 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 kinds of offerings, 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 to the 'Chhams'.