Dosmoche Festival

The Dosmoche Festival is one of the most important religious and cultural festivals in Ladakh, marking the end of the Tibetan New Year celebrations. Also known as the "Festival of the Scapegoat," Dosmoche is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at some of the most significant monasteries in Ladakh, including Leh, Likir, and Diskit Monasteries.

Dosmoche Festival 2025 Date

In 2025, Dosmoche will be celebrated on February 26–27, bringing together monks, locals, and travelers to witness elaborate masked dances, ancient rituals, and spiritual ceremonies aimed at warding off evil spirits and ensuring prosperity for the coming year.

Venue of Dosmoche Festival 2025

Likir and Diskit Monastery

Main Celebrations:Leh Monastery (Leh Palace)
Likir Monastery
Diskit Monastery (Nubra Valley)

Each monastery celebrates Dosmoche in its unique way, but the core essence remains the same—purification, prayer rituals, and cultural performances.

Dosmoche Festival - Celebrations

The royals of Ladakh initiated the Dosmoche Festival as an example of the Monlam Prayer Festival. The festival begins with setting up of large wooden mast decorated with flags, streamers and sacred emblems outside Leh. Expert Lamas from Takthok Monastery who are distinguished in tantric practices and astrology, make intricate thread crosses to trap the evil spirits, hungry ghosts and other demonic forces. The Lamas continue to chant the prescribed mantras while weaving the crosses. This practice is locally known as Chams.

Rituals at the Dosmoche Festival

A favourite tradition of this festival is a sacred masked dance. It is an exciting, dramatic performance which takes place in the patio of the old chapel situated below the Leh Palace. The burning of ritual offerings marks the end of the performance. The dance performance along with the burning of offerings signifies the complete eradication of all the evil spirits. There is a belief among the folks that this festival will protect them from all the natural disasters in the nearby future.

There are specific timings for certain rituals and the idols for the rituals are made of dough. The idols are burnt or kept isolated so that the evil spirits of the old year dwells around the idol or waft with them. With this, the town gets ready to welcome the new year. They wear their traditional Ladakhi costumes and musicians play religious orchestra throughout the two days of the festival.

Highlights of Dosmoche Festival

1. Chham Dance – The Mesmerizing Masked Dance

One of the main attractions of the Dosmoche Festival is the Chham Dance, a sacred masked dance performed by monks dressed in elaborate costumes and vibrant masks. This ritual dance symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is an integral part of Buddhist celebrations in Ladakh.

The monks, adorned in traditional attire, perform intricate movements that narrate stories of Buddhist mythology, depicting the destruction of evil spirits. This dance is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional musical instruments like drums, cymbals, and trumpets.

2. The Ritual of the "Scapegoat"

The essence of Dosmoche lies in its purification ritual, where monks create elaborate thread crosses (Dosmo) and effigies made from dough, wood, and paper. These symbolic representations of evil spirits and misfortunes are later burned or thrown away, signifying the removal of negativity from people’s lives.

The ritual is performed with deep chants, prayers, and offerings, creating an aura of spiritual renewal and protection.

3. Cultural Celebrations and Festivities

Beyond the religious rituals, Dosmoche is also a celebration of Ladakhi culture. Visitors can experience:

• Folk music and dance performances showcasing the vibrant traditions of Ladakh.
• Local handicraft exhibitions, including Pashmina shawls, Thangka paintings, and traditional jewelry.
• Traditional Ladakhi cuisine, with popular dishes like Skyu, Momos, and Butter Tea.

4. Grand Celebrations at Leh, Likir, and Diskit Monasteries

Leh Monastery (Leh Palace)

• The grandest Dosmoche celebrations occur at Leh Palace, where monks from various monasteries come together for rituals and dance performances.
• Locals and tourists gather in large numbers to witness the purification ceremonies and cultural events.

Likir Monastery

• The monastery hosts smaller yet deeply spiritual Dosmoche celebrations, featuring the Chham Dance and purification rituals performed by the Likir monks.
• Likir Monastery is also known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views of the Himalayas.

Diskit Monastery (Nubra Valley)

• Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley, celebrates Dosmoche with rituals and festivities that blend spiritual and cultural traditions.
• The majestic Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley adds a breathtaking backdrop to the festival.

History and Significance of Dosmoche Festival

Dosmoche is one of the most sacred festivals in Ladakh, with roots tracing back to the reign of Ladakhi kings in the 17th century. It is believed that the Namgyal dynasty initiated this festival as a way to purify the land and people from negative forces.

The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The rituals performed during Dosmoche are meant to drive away evil spirits, misfortune, and obstacles, ensuring peace, harmony, and prosperity in the new year.

The term Dosmoche translates to “scapegoat”, referring to the ritual in which effigies made of dough, wood, and paper are burned or thrown away, symbolizing the removal of bad omens and negativity.

How To Reach Likir Monastery

The Likir Monastery is 52 kms from Leh. Buses, cabs and jeeps ferry people from Leh to Likir village. The monastery is 6 kms from the Srinagar Leh Highway, hence easily accessible by roadways.
The Diskit Monastery can also be reached by a local bus or taxi from Sumur or Leh. The monastery is located at a high altitude hence one would be required to walk for some distance.

The enchanting music, masked dance and unique rituals make this festival one of its kind and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour. With this festival, the town gets ready to welcome the New Year.