The Unique Phyang Tsedup Festival

The Phyang Monastery, Phyang (or Phiyang) Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Fiang village. It is approximately 15 or 16 kilometres west of Leh in Ladakh, in northern India. It was established in the year 1515. It consists of various sacred shrines inside the monastery, frescoes dating from the royal period, and a 900-year-old museum which has an extensive collection of idols including a number of fine Kashmiri bronzes probably that belong to the 14th century, thangkas, Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian firearms and weapons. The monastery is one of only two monasteries in Ladakh that belong to the Drikung Kagyu, Dri-gung-pa or Drigungpa school, one of eight schools that have been derived from the teachings of Phakmadrupa Dorje Gyelpo (1110-1170 CE). The Phyang Tsedup festival is one of their auspicious festivals. It will be celebrated from 30-31 st July this year. It is celebrated in Phyang Monastery in Ladakh which is about (19.1 km from Leh). The festival is a tribute to Jigten Gombo, the founder of Dringumpa Monastic Dynasty. During the celebration of this festival, one can witness smiling Lamas in bright dress and performing various characters of the dance drama. During the festival, Thankha of Jigten Gombo is also worshipped. It is symbolic of and marks the triumph of good over the evil, yet dance remains the centre of attraction for all during the festival. There are monks wearing rich silk costumes. They perform Chham and worship their deity. This festival is symbolic of enthusiasm, energy, fun and frolic. This festival is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd day of the 6th month of Tibetan Calendar. These days most commonly fall in the months of July-August. Few of the ritual offerings are burnt on the 2nd day and the Storma is destroyed to conclude the procession. The use of maskssteal the limelight of the festival. Different messages of Lord Buddha are displayed during the carnival. Exhibition of Buddhist artefacts is another major attraction. This festival is one of the best events to witness if one is planning a trip to Ladakh in the month of July.

By: Madhuchanda Saxena
Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyang_Monastery