Spituk Gustor Festival of Leh is a two-day affair of colour, art and culture. It is a winter festival which brings warmth to your heart with soothing prayer-music and harmonious dance.
I was lucky to witness this festival here in Jan 2018, during my month-long solo trip to Leh-Ladakh.
I know I am sharing the glimpses of this fairytale a little too late. But better late than never, right? So read on!!
Cham (the mask dance) is the highlight of Spituk Festival. Monks perform cham by dressing up and wearing masks made of clay and paper. They dance to the music of longhorns, conch shells, bells and many other instruments.
Monks from all over Ladakh gather in Spituk Monastery to witness the festival.
See the proceedings of this festival below –
The dance is considered as an act of cleansing evil forces. 
The music would compel you to sway along and the sight would leave you spellbound. 
The dance brings merit to those who perceive it. 
Once witnessed, the finesse and essence of Cham remains in the memory everlastingly. 
Cham dances are considered a form of meditation and an offering to the gods. 
The festival gives an insight into the rich culture of Buddhism. 
The masks represent famous characters from historical episodes or Tibetan fables. 
Every villager assembles in the Spituk Monastery of Leh to watch these proceedings. 
.. and you’ll find such chubby cheeks to play with!
You’ll be visiting Spituk this year to watch these proceedings. Right?
Keep traveling!!
