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Matho Nagrang
Blindfolded oracles walk the monastery's high walls and speak for the coming year
The days follow the Tibetan calendar; Matho monastery and the Ladakh tourism department publish them in the monastic festival calendar, usually a year ahead.
The legend
Matho monastery was founded by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410. It is the only monastery of the Sakya school in Ladakh.
Two monks are chosen by lot to serve the oracles for three years; in the first year they meditate for nine months, then two.
The Rongtsan oracles are said to enter them for a few hours to foretell the fortunes of the villages for the coming year.
Customs
On the ramparts
Blindfolded, the oracles walk along the ramparts of the top storey above the drop.
Questions for the year
In trance they answer questions about the year ahead for Matho and Ladakh, and personal questions from individuals.