The Spituk Gustor Festival is a celebration of peace and prosperity. A symbol of traditional Ladakhi culture and traditions, this two-day festival showcases vibrantly colourful festivities. It is celebrated at the Spituk Monastery which is located approximately 8 km away from Leh. On the same day, the Geluk Pa Order of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is also commemorated. The annual festival is a winter celebration that aims at increasing brotherhood and friendship among believers. The mask dance, ‘Chams’ is one of the major attractions of the festival. Monks wearing colourful garbs perform enchanting dances, depicting different deities Paldan Lhamo, Mahakala, etc. This festival is observed during the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar. In the local language, ‘Gustor’ means ‘Sacrifice of the 29th Day.’ The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Seven days prior to the festival, prayers begin at the monastery. To celebrate the Spituk Gustor festival, the serene Spituk Monastery gets crowded with visitors from all over the world.
History Of Spituk Gustor Festival
Although the history of the Spituk Gustor Festival might not be traceable, it is said that Buddhism in India flourished during the reign of The Great King Ashoka in 200 BC. About Spituk Monastery, it was founded by Od-de, who was the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, when he came for Maryul visit in the 11th century.
After that, a translator named Lochen Rinchen Zangpo visited the place and named it 'Spituk' which means 'Exemplary'. Lochen Rinchen Zangpo aka Mahaguru was a translator of Sanskrit Buddhist Texts during the second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet. It is believed that he had built several monasteries or Gompas.
Spituk Gustor Festival 2024 Date, Time, & Venue
This two-day annual winter festival is celebrated amidst a lot of fanfare and gusto in Spituk Monastery, approximately 8 km away from Leh. This festival is observed during the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar. This festival has been celebrated since the 11th Century. Spituk Gastor Festival in Ladakh brings joy, happiness, and excitement to the locals and visitors, helping them to face the challenges of harsh winters.
Major Attractions Of Spituk Gustor Festival 2024
A prominent winter celebration in Leh & Ladakh, Spituk Gustor is a cultural and spiritual extravaganza that attracts locals and tourists from far and wide areas. Witnessing the traditional rituals of the monasteries is the best way to know more about the unique culture and traditions practices in Leh & Ladakh. Have a look at the major attractions of Spituk Gustor and look forward to attending this visually-appealing extravaganza.
1. Prayers
The charm and enthusiasm of the Spituk Gustor Festival can be felt way before it is observed. The prayers and worship start 7 days before the day of the festival.
2. Cham Dance
It is the famous dance of Ladakh that is performed in almost every Ladakh festival. Spituk Monastery also enjoys this dramatic dance form. In Cham Dance, Lamas wear animal masks (made from paper and clay) and beautiful spiky headgears which are usually in yellow color. The Cham Dance represents a drama that is based on the victory of good over evil. It is believed that the mask dance existed since the 8th century AD in Ladakh. It is performed in several ways including pair dancing, group dancing, solo dancing, etc.
3. Music
Cham Dance is supported by beautiful and melodious music and tunes of longhorns, cymbals, conch shells, bells, and many other instruments.
4. Get-together of Monks
The festival witnesses a number of monks across the world that including Stok, Sankar, Saboo, and Spituk congregate at the monastery.
5. Burning of Evil Effigy
The festival ends with the burning of evil effigies that represents the ultimate exister is good, not evil.
How To Reach Leh and Ladakh to Attend Spituk Gustor
India is famous across the world for its incredible diversity. Vibrant festivals, interesting cultures, and diverse lifestyles have made India a one-of-a-kind country. Spituk Gustor is a festival held at Ladakh. This annual festival takes place at the Spituk monastery. It is held in the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. The festival happens as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. Here is how you can reach Leh to be a part of these festivities. We are providing the details of the routes to reach there. You can choose any of them according to your budget and preferences.
- Nearest Major City. Srinagar
- Nearest Airport. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Nearest Railway Station. Pathankot Railway Station/Chandigarh Railway Station/Kalka Railway Station
- Distance from Srinagar. 256 km
By Air. The nearest airport from Leh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. After deboarding, hire a cab or look for other means of public transport to cover the remaining distance.
- Distance from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh. 2.4 km
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By Train. Leh is not connected by train services. Pathankot, Kalka, and Chandigarh are the nearest railway stations to reach Leh. Major Indian cities would have direct trains to Chandigarh, Kalka, and Pathankot Railway Stations. Visitors can board a bus or hire a can to cover the remaining distance to reach Leh.
- Distance from Kalka Railway Station. 611.2 km
- Distance from Pathankot Railway Station. 743.8 km
- Distance from Chandigarh Railway Station. 737.6 km
By Road. Depending upon your location, you can also plan a trip to Leh by road, too. You can either take your vehicle or may even choose a bus (government or private). Otherwise, you can also take a taxi to reach here. Bikers love to go to Leh and Ladakh by bike. It is one of the most popular routes and ways to reach Ladakh. Due to this reason, the roads of Ladakh and Leh are well-maintained. However, the Manali-Leh road is one of the finest roads in India. You can board buses from Manali, Kargil, or Srinagar.
- Distance from Srinagar. 256 km
- Distance from Jammu. 296 km
- Distance from Jalandhar. 366 km
- Distance from Amritsar. 376 km
- Distance from Gujranwala. 385 km
- Distance from Chandigarh. 388 km
- Distance from Delhi. 1006 km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 3168 km
- Distance from Hyderabad. 2577 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 2523 km
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spituk Gustor Festival 2024
Q 1. What is the Spituk Gustor Festival?
A 1. The Spituk Gustor Festival is a celebration of peace and prosperity. A symbol of traditional Ladakhi culture and traditions, this two-day festival showcases vibrantly colourful festivities.
Q 2. When is the Spituk Gustor Festival celebrated?
A 2. This two-day annual winter festival is celebrated amidst a lot of fanfare and gusto in Spituk Monastery, approximately 8 km away from Leh. This festival is observed during the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar.
Q 3. What is the major attraction of the Spituk Gustor Festival?
A 3. Cham Dance is the major highlight of the Spituk Gustor festival. In Cham Dance, Lamas wear animal masks (made from paper and clay) and beautiful spiky headgears which are usually in yellow color. The Cham Dance represents a drama that is based on the victory of good over evil.
Q 4. Which is the nearest airport to reach Leh to attend the Spituk Gustor festival?
A 4. The nearest airport from Leh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. After deboarding, hire a cab or look for other means of public transport to cover the remaining distance.
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