The 'Hemis Tsechu' festival commemorates the birth anniversary of:

Guru Padmasambhava

The correct answer is Option (1) - Guru Padmasambhava

The Hemis Tsechu festival is an annual celebration held at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Guru Padmasambhava is revered as the "Second Buddha" in Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the most important figures in the religion's history.

The festival typically takes place on the 10th day of the lunar month in the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls in June or July. It is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts devotees, pilgrims, and tourists from across the region to witness the festivities. During the Hemis Tsechu, monks perform traditional masked dances known as Cham dances in the monastery courtyard. These dances are accompanied by music, chants, and rituals, and they depict various aspects of Tibetan Buddhist mythology, including the triumph of good over evil, the subjugation of demons, and the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava.

Apart from the Cham dances, the festival also features other religious ceremonies, prayers, and rituals conducted by the monks. Devotees offer prayers, make offerings, and receive blessings from the lamas (Buddhist monks) as part of the celebrations. The Hemis Tsechu festival is not only a religious and cultural event but also a social gathering where people come together to celebrate their faith, heritage, and community bonds. It provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual practice, seek blessings, and experience the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism firsthand.

Overall, the Hemis Tsechu festival is a significant occasion in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava and celebrating the spiritual legacy of Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayan region.