Ladakh is famous for several monastic festivals that are held throughout the year in different monasteries of the region. The solemn religious acts of Buddhism also are made reasons for the celebration by the people in Ladakh. In turn, have a significant contribution to spreading the joi de vivre among the people of Ladakh.
Mostly these festivals are celebrated by the monks who dress up colorfully and five memorable performances of dance, acrobatics, and drama. These festivals are attended by those who wish to be a part of the celebrations and gain spiritual benefits.
The Thiksay Gustor is a two-day festival that takes place in Ladakh. It is one of the many monastic festivals in Ladakh, which is attended by a large number of tourists from all over the country. The word ‘Gustor’ means literally ‘sacrifice of the 29th date. The Thiksay Gustor festival takes place at the different monasteries of Spituk, Thiksay, and Karsha Zanskar.
Description of Thiksey Gustor
After the two-day celebrations of the Thiksey Gustor, there is a ritualistic dispersal of the Torma or the sacrificial cake. This is done by the leader of the Black Hat dancers and marks the end of the Thiksay Gustor. By virtue of this act, there is supposedly the destruction of all forms of evils. The assassination of the Tibetan apostate King Lang Darma by a Buddhist monk in the mid-9th century is enacted during the festival of Thiksay Gustor.
During the Thiksay Gustor, an effigy symbolizes the stronger evil force, which is burnt in some of the monasteries. During this festival, there are early morning prayers that bring divine peace to the minds of those who take part in it.
Time for celebrating Thiksey Gustor
The time for celebrating the Thiksav Gustor is around the middle of November. It generally is held on the 17th, 18th, and 19th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
