The Leh Phudo Cultural and Welfare Society organised the annual Dosmochey festival with great religious fervor and devotion on February 7 and 8.

The sacred mask dance, known as 'Chaams,' adorned the courtyard of the Leh Palace. Monks from various monasteries took turns participating in the mask dance, with this year's performance led by the monks of Chemdey Monastery. The monks of Takthok Monastery crafted the 'Dhos' thread crosses, while the monks of Lingshed Monastery created the 'Storzhok' ritual effigy.

Ven Tsepak Namgyal from Takthok Monastery explained that Dosmoche has been celebrated since the time of the king's rule and is an annual observance in Leh and Likir. He described 'Dhos' as tall wooden structures adorned with vibrant threads, believed to dispel evil spirits, war, and diseases, fostering peace and harmony in society.

Ven Tashi Namgyal from Chemday Monastery highlighted the significance of the mask dance, featuring performances like the black hat, Lobon, Champon-Serkhem, Lamo, Gonbo Chak zi chams, Gombo Chardong, Chagmen chams, and more.

On the final day of the festival, the ritual effigy was ceremonially burnt at Katmochey, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits and ushering in peace and prosperity among the people.
The Dosmoche rituals aim to ward off evil spirits, war, and diseases in the region, fostering peace and harmony among the people.

In addition to the rituals and mask dance, the festival at the polo ground featured shopping centers, tambola, lotteries, street food, and Ladakhi cuisine, attracting large crowds and enhancing the event's allure. Simultaneously, the festival was also observed in Likir.