Hemis Padlock Chain Photo

Photographer’s Note

The Hemis monastery is the largest in Ladakh and Zanskar and dates back to the 17th century...its name also translates into the "the Lone place of the Compassionate Person".

Run by the Drukpa sect the monastery comes specially alive every year during the time of the Hemis Gompa Festival. However the 12th year celebrations have special import.During this time a 12 m. long religious painting (Tankha) is unfurled from the fourth floor windows and shown to the people.

The lovely silk painting is then locked up for another 12 years in a dark , dry room away from sunlight that would soon fade the dyes used ....

The painting was displayed last week during the festival at Hemis and is now again in safe custody behind this old chain and simple lock till 2016 !

Enjoy history ...alive and well.

Nottinghill, Olga, avis2avis, sn00zie has marked this note useful

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Nottinghill (1085) 2004-07-06 2:45 [Comment]

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Olga (927) 2004-07-06 3:29

lovely work (what metal is it, do you know? "white metal"?) and the story goes very well to accompany the picture. Who keeps the key from the lock?

eleparc (24063) 2004-07-06 4:39

wow what an extraordinary photo vijay:-) !! it is very graphic and colorful... could be a painting;-) and you know i love paintings... eager to visit the place this summer...;-) great shot!

avis2avis (4262) 2004-07-13 2:02

Superb colors, great detailing, well seen and excellently captured. Loved the historical note! Well done.