Festivals of Sikkim

Some of the most vibrant festivities of Sikkim can be witnessed during Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Celebrated in February/March with centuries-old religious ceremonies invoking the blessings of the deities, it is an unmissable cultural delight. A high point is the Guthor Chaam held at Rumtek Monastery two days before Losar. 

Tashiding Bhumchu

Held on the 14th and 15th days of the 1st month of the Lunar Calendar (February/March), the festival has deep-rooted associations with unsealing of the holy water imbued with curative properties. It commemorates the consecration of the holy water by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the founders of Buddhism in Sikkim, before it was distributed amongst devotees. The vessel holding the holy water was said to have been made by Guru Padmasambhava. Nyadak Sampa Chempo had it installed at Tashding Monastery. The level of the water in the vessel augurs good or evil fortune.

Sakewa
This nine-day festival begins on the full moon of the Hindu month of Baisakh (April/May). The festival, which also heralds the start of the new farming cycle, is held by Sikkim’s nature-worshipping Kirat Khambu Rai community. The Bhoomi Puja and celebratory rites serve as tributes to Mother Nature. Intrinsic to the festivities are the Sakewa Sili ceremonial dances in which the performers propitiate Mother Earth and ask for a good monsoon.

Saga Dawa

The holiest festival for Sikkim’s Mahayana Buddhists, it commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha. This is even more significant because Buddha also attained enlightenment and passed away on this day. A high point is the colourful street procession of the holy books, ceremonially carried by the monks from the monastery to various places in Gangtok city. The ‘Triple Blessed festival’, as it is also known, is held in the month of May/June.

The Drukpa Tseshi Festival

Celebrated in the month of August, this festival marks the first sermon by Lord Buddha on the Four Noble Truths to his first disciples. Prayers are carried out in Buddhist monasteries throughout the day.

Guru Rinpoche’s Thrungkar Tshechu

The festival marks the birth of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Rumtek Monastery hosts the most colourful celebrations with special prayers and rituals by the lamas. Held in the month of June, the festival presents eight manifestations of Rinpoche and episodes from his life.

Pang Lhabsol Festival
The festival takes place in August/September in veneration of the holy Mt Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim. Pang Lhabsol also commemorates the Treaty of Brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias and the unity of the Sikkimese. Visitors get to witness dancing lamas representing the deity with fiery-red facemasks and a crown of five skulls, riding a snow lion.

Durga Puja Dasain
Held in the month of October, this colourful festival, which honours the Goddess Durga, is marked by prayers and joyful festivities. For the Hindu Nepalese community of Sikkim, it is also a celebration of feminine energy, empowerment and determination.

Kagyat Dance Festival

The solemn ritualistic dance performances of this annual festival are held on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar (December/January). This happens two days ahead of Losoong, the Sikkimese New Year, at Enchey, Phensang, Phodong, Rumtek and Ralong monasteries. These dances are performed by the lamas in the name of the eight tantrik gods and goddesses, commonly called Kagyed.