Lama Dancing

The Barom Kagyu traditional ten day Guru Rinpoche prayer and Lama dancing festival is held annually at Chodrak gompa. This is a very special occasion for monks, nuns and lay people alike. Nomads travel for many days to attend these celebrations which uphold an ancient tradition. Monks and nuns prepare with four days of prayer and meditation in the gompa, followed by four days of lama dancing. The dancing is held outside in the gompa courtyard under huge canvas awnings. During this time monks and nuns receive offerings of new robes and money from the public. For locals who attend, this is a time to put of their 'sunday best' with women displaying precious coral and amber jewellery in their long plaited hair. Some dances can last for hours, but the people who attend watch spellbound. There is also a party feel with clowns roaming into the crowds creating havoc which provokes roars of laughter from the crowd. This part of Tibet has seen few Western influences and so the people are beautifully open and generous. They are also very curious about western visitors. The local Tibetans extend their tongues to show they are not devils, with westeners expected to respond in the same way. This is a very special place lost in time.

Monks carry out ritual movements and dance to invoke their protector deities during special festivals still held annually at Chodrak monestary