Drukpa 800-Year Anniversary
Trip Start
Mar 21, 2005
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210
354
Trip End
Ongoing
Shey,
India
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Drukpa Kagyu Lineage is one of the sects of Tibetan Buddhism, dating back eight hundred years to Naropa, a great Indian yogi who traveled to Tibet. It was fitting that the anniversary celebration took place on the grounds of Naropa Temple, in Shey.
For two days, I watched the celebration, enjoying dancing, singing, and music by villagers from throughout the Himalayas and Ladakh. Dozens of performers participated in the two-day event, dressed in their traditional costumes. (click above to view a slideshow of the celebration).
In between performances, I walked along country roads through barley fields, bushwacked next to the Indus River, and visited Tikse Monastery twice. The fields were peaceful, though the sun was hot. The bushwacking was tiring and thorny, though the habitats were intriguing. The Indus River was clear and fast-flowing, having just emerged from Tibet in China. Tikse Monastery was imposing as I climbed up many stairs to reach the temple for morning puja.
The Indus River valley and the Drukpa Celebration added much color to my Ladakhi visit, as you will see in the slideshow.
Comments
Wow
Your photographs are stunning. They take me away...
:)