Gu-Stor, literally means 'Sacrifice of the 29th day', is a traditional festival celebrated by the Geluk-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It lasts for three days and is held at the monasteries of
Spituk,
Thiksey and
Karsha.
The prime attraction is a special dance performed by Black hat dancers wearing masks, which in turn represent the guardian divinities (Dharmapalas) of the Buddhist pantheon. This dance signifies the victory of good over evil. The assassination of the Tibetan apostate King Lang-dar-ma by a Buddhist monk is also enacted on this occasion.
On the concluding day, an image symbolizing the evil is burnt in some monasteries. The festival ends with the Argham ceremony, in which the leader of Black Hat dancers disperses the storma - sacrificial cake.
