Karsha Gustor Festival

About Karsha Gustor Festival Ladakh

The Karsha Gustor Festival is celebrated in the Karsha Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Zanskar & was built in the 10th century. Celebrated in the month of January, it is famous for the mask dances called Chamms which are performed by the monks.

The Karsha Gustor Festival is celebrated in the Karsha Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Zanskar & was built in the 10th century. It is located in the village of Karsha, which is the ending point of the famous Zanskar trek in Ladakh.

Festival Dates/Month

Karsha Gustor Festival is celebrated in the month of January every year.

Special Highlights of the Festival

People are dressed in their best attire for the festival. The ceremonies are held in the main courtyard of the monastery. It is a good idea to arrive early and secure a good spot for yourself to enjoy the events, as there is a place designated especially for tourists.

The rituals commence with monks with big yellow hats blowing the traditional trumpets. That is followed by the ushering of a sheep, horse & goat, and worshipping them. Finally, the masked dances begin.

After one set of monks complete dancing, the other set comes in wearing other kinds of masks. There is one other ritual where newly wedded couples are blessed by the monks and villagers with a sacred cloth called the Kata.