Sikkim, a northeastern state in India, which is known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant
festivals.
Here are five famous festivals celebrated in Sikkim:
1.Losar : Losar is like a big party in Sikkim. It's their Tibetan New Year, and people celebrate it with lots of excitement. They wear special masks and dance in bright colors, making it a joyful sight. They also say prayers and light lamps to bring good luck. Losar usually happens in February or March, and it's a time when everyone comes together to have fun and celebrate a fresh start.
One of the most captivating parts of Losar is the performances at the Rumtek Monastery. Here, different communities showcase stories of the battle between good and evil. They enact these stories, and there's a ritual where they symbolically get rid of evil.
2.Saga Dawa : The festival that Mahayana Buddhists celebrate is called Buddh Poornima by Hindus. It's all about honoring Gautam Buddha and his important life events - his birth, the time he became enlightened, and when he achieved nirvana.
This festival happens when the moon is full in the fourth month of the lunar calendar. On this special day, people visit monasteries to seek blessings from Lord Buddha. It's like a birthday celebration for Buddha, and it's a time to reflect on his teachings of peace and wisdom. Both Buddhists and Hindus come together to remember and respect his remarkable life during this festival.
3.Pang Lhabsol : The Pang Lhabsol festival in Sikkim is a special celebration for Mount Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak, which the Sikkimese people consider as a guardian deity. This festival is all about rejoicing the grand Himalayas with traditions that have been around for centuries.
The rituals of this festival are very old, going back many, many years. Local monks, known as Lamas, play a big role in this festival. They wear costumes with five skulls, symbolizing Mount Kanchenjunga. Warriors dance around them, and monks recite sacred prayers called Sutras. This festival has been celebrated since the 13th century and was introduced by Chagdor Namgyal, the third spiritual king of Sikkim.
4.Tihar: In Sikkim, Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is celebrated with a unique blend of traditions. While it shares similarities with the way it's celebrated in other parts of India, there are some distinctive elements in Sikkimese Tihar.
In addition to lighting lamps and decorating homes, Sikkimese people pay special reverence to animals. Cows, dogs, and other animals are considered sacred, and they receive offerings, garlands, and heartfelt appreciation during Tihar. This is a reflection of the deep respect for nature and all living beings in the culture of Sikkim.
5.International flower festival: Sikkim's International Flower Festival is a yearly event that showcases the region's vibrant floral beauty. Taking place during the summer when flowers are in full bloom, it's a joyful occasion that brings people together to appreciate the abundance of blossoms. The exhibition of these colorful and fragrant flowers is the highlight, and it's a time when everyone in
Sikkim rejoices with great enthusiasm, making it a must-visit event for flower enthusiasts.
