Festivals of Sikkim (2009 - 2010)
Ther are numerous festivals celebrated in Sikkim through out the
year. As people of Sikkim mostly follow Buddhism, the festivals
celebrated here are associated to the Buddhist festivals. Mostly
the festivals are celebrated in the Gompas or Monasteries of Sikkim,
where people gather in large number to commemorate the occasion.
Saga Dawa
On this day in different years of his life, Lord Buddha took birth,
achieved enlightenment and attained nirvana. These three important
events are celebrated in Saga Dawa Festival of Sikkim. A procession
carries the holy books of the teachings of Buddha from the Tsuklakhang
monastery. Saga Dawa is held on the full moon of the 4th month of
the Buddhist calendar in the end of May or early June.
Lhabab Dhuechein
Lhabab Duchen commemorates the Lord Buddha's descent from the
deva (heavenly or angelic) realm after teaching his deceased mother,
Mahamaya. Lhabab Duchen occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar
month each year.
Drupka TeshiPhang Lhabsol
Popularised by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal, the
snow covered range of Kanchendzonga is worshipped for its unifying
powers. This festival marks the signing of the treaty of brotherhood
between the Lepchas and Bhutias by "Kye Bhumsa" and "Thekong
Tek". On this day, masked Lama dancers portray the guardian
deity as a fiery red-faced deity with a crown of the five skulls,
riding a snow-lion. It is held on the 15th day of August.
Drupka Teshi
Falls on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan month, around August,
celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four "Noble Truths"
to his first five disciples in deer park at Sarnath. At Gangtok,
it is marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place
called "Muguthang" in extreme north Sikkim, followed by
Yak race.
Bumchu
Bumchu, an age old festival of Sikkim is celebrated at Tashiding
Monastery in the month of January / February. During this festival,
the lamas of the monastery open the pot containing the holy water.
The level of water in the pot foretells the future for the future.
If the water is to the brim, it prophesises bloodshed and disturbances;
if the pot is almost dry it symbolises famine and if it is half
full, it foretells a year in which peace and prosperity will prevail.
Experience The Sikkim Festivals
A part of the holy water is distributed amongst the participants
and then the pot is replenished with river water and sealed at the
end of the festival to be opened only in the next Bumchu.
Losoong
Losoong is a Bhutia festival, which marks the end of the harvest
season and also the end of the Tibetan year. Chaam dancings at the
monasteries at Palace (Tsuklakhang), Phodong and Rumtek, archery
competitions and other festivities mark the occasion.
Lossar
Lossar (also spelt as Losar) is the Tibetan 'New Year' festival
that falls in the month of February and is marked with lot of gaiety
and festivities.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat
Specific to the Lepchas, this festival marks the celebration of
the Tendong hill. According to legend, the hill had risen like a
horn during a great flood to save the Lepchas.
Tihaar
Corresponding to the Indian festival of Diwali, Tihaar is also
celebrated as the festival of lights in Sikkim with the lighting
of lamps accompanied with traditional caroling called "Deusi"
and "Bhailo".
Dasain
More or less occurring a few weeks before Losoong, Dasain is the
main festival of the Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. This too signifies
the victory of good over evil. The elders of the family apply 'Tika'
on the young and bless them. |
