Sikkim is a land of vibrant traditions and colorful celebrations. Sikkim festivals are a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse communities. Each festival in Sikkim is a unique event that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate in style. From lively parades and traditional dances to intricate rituals and festive feasts, these festivals offer a glimpse into the heart of Sikkimese culture.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top 10 festivals of Sikkim that you absolutely can’t miss. Discover what makes each festival special, and learn about the traditions and celebrations that make them stand out. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about Sikkim’s cultural scene, this guide will help you understand the essence of these incredible festivals and why they are worth experiencing.
Join us as we explore the list of festivals in Sikkim, and find out how each one adds to the vibrant tapestry of this beautiful region. Get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, color, and celebration of Sikkim!
Bumchu Festival
The Bumchu Festival is a sacred Buddhist celebration held at Tashiding Monastery in Gayzing, Sikkim. It usually takes place in February or March, on the 14th and 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Devotees from all over Sikkim, and neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, gather to participate in this important festival. The name “Bumchu” comes from the words “Bum” or “Boom,” meaning pot, and “chu,” meaning water. During the festival, sacred water is distributed to the devotees. From the water level in the vase, monks predict the fortune of the coming year.
The “boom” is a very sacred vase, made from holy soil, precious jewels, and water collected from various auspicious places. This vase symbolizes purity and is considered a powerful spiritual object. The festival is marked by prayer, chanting, and the distribution of this holy water. It is a time of great devotion and spiritual reflection, attracting people seeking blessings and connecting with their faith. The festival is a unique cultural experience, showcasing the deep spiritual traditions of Sikkim.
Drupka Teshi
Drupka Teshi, also known as Drug-pa Tse-Zhi, is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Gangtok, Sikkim, particularly at Muguthang. This festival marks the day when Lord Buddha first turned ‘The Wheel of Dharma’ and delivered his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths to his five disciples at the deer park in Sarnath. The festival is observed on the 4th day of the Drupka month (the 6th month) of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually falling between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. During Drupka Teshi, sacred ceremonies, and rituals are performed at various monasteries and temples throughout Sikkim, with devotees gathering to participate in these spiritual observances.
In addition to the religious rituals, the festival at Muguthang offers a cultural feast for visitors. A traditional yak race is a highlight of the celebrations, bringing excitement and joy to the crowd. The festival also features a variety of Sikkimese cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy local flavors and delicacies. The blend of sacred rites, cultural performances, and traditional festivities makes Drupka Teshi a memorable experience for anyone visiting Sikkim during this time. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, making for a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience in Sikkim.
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya Punhi, is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Sikkim, though it originally comes from Kathmandu, Nepal. This vibrant festival is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Newar people, who are primarily Hindu with Indo-Aryan and Indo-Burman ethnicities. The name “Yenya Punhi” combines three words: “Ye,” the old Newari name for Kathmandu, “Ya,” meaning celebration, and “Punhi,” referring to the full moon. Indra Jatra is held in September and spans eight days, celebrating Lord Indra, the Hindu king of the heavens. According to legend, Indra descended to Earth in search of the “Parijat” flower for his mother, Basundhara.
During the Indra Jatra festival in Sikkim, the main celebrations take place in Gangtok and Singtam’s Bhanu Park, where you can witness vibrant cultural events. One of the highlights is the Kumari Puja, where young, unmarried girls are worshipped as living goddesses. Chariot processions featuring the Kumari add a majestic touch to the festival, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike. The festival is a blend of religious rituals, traditional dances, and community gatherings, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage shared between Sikkim and Nepal. Indra Jatra is a unique celebration that brings together people in joyful homage to the divine, making it a must-see for visitors during this festive period.
Lhabab Duchen
Lhabab Duchen is a significant Buddhist festival that marks the return of Buddha to Earth from the God Realm of the Thirty-Three. Buddha traveled there to teach Dharma to the gods, including his mother, Mayadevi, who passed away shortly after his birth and was reborn in this divine realm. The festival is celebrated on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month in the Tibetan calendar. It is one of the most revered festivals, symbolizing Buddha’s compassion and commitment to spreading his teachings.
According to the legend, Buddha’s disciple, Maudgalyayana, urged him to return to Earth to continue his teachings. After thoughtful consideration and under a full moon, Buddha agreed to return. He descended from the celestial realm using a unique triple ladder crafted by Viswakarma, the god of machines. This descent is recognized as one of the eight great deeds of Buddha, representing his dedication to enlightening all beings. During Lhabab Duchen, devotees engage in prayers, perform acts of kindness, and make offerings such as incense and flowers to honor Buddha’s teachings and compassion.
Losoong / Namsoong
Losoong, also known as Namsoong by the Lepchas, is a traditional festival celebrated by the Bhutias in Sikkim. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and is held on the first day of the 11th month according to the lunar calendar, which usually falls in December. Neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan also observe Losoong with great enthusiasm. In Sikkim, the festival is famous for its vibrant masked dances, performed at Phodong, Tsuklakhang, and Rumtek monasteries. These dances narrate stories from the life of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.
Losoong is one of the most colorful and lively festivals in Sikkim, showcasing traditional Cham dances and vibrant costumes. The festival is a great opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. Besides the dances, the festival also features a traditional archery competition, adding to the festive spirit. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate this joyous occasion, making it a memorable experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Losar
Losar, which means “New Year” in Tibetan, is celebrated on the first day of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually in February or March. The festival lasts for 15 days, with the main celebrations taking place during the first three days. In Sikkim, Losar is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Gangtok and other regions like Pelling, Yuksom, and Lachung. The festival is a time of joy and feasting, as families gather to celebrate with friends and loved ones.
During Losar, homes are cleaned and decorated with traditional banners, flags, and prayer flags to welcome the New Year. People visit local temples and monasteries to offer prayers and make offerings to the gods and their ancestors. Monks perform cham dances to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the coming year. Special foods, such as dumplings and barley cakes, are prepared and shared among families, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Pang Lhabsol
Pang Lhabsol is a colorful festival in Sikkim that honors Mt. Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity, and Yabdu, the mountain’s leader. The festival is celebrated with great joy at the Tsuklakhang monastery, in the old palace area of Gangtok. It also marks the signing of a blood brotherhood treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias, which their local gods witnessed. It is held in August-September, on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Tibetan calendar.
The name “Pang Lhabsol” means “witness,” and this is shown through the rituals and masked dances performed. The guardian deity is portrayed as a fierce figure with a red face, wearing a crown of five skulls, and riding a snow lion. Jokers called ‘Atchars,’ entertain the audience with their playful acts during the sacred dances. This festival is important for showing harmony with nature and unity among the people of Sikkim. Pang Lhabsol celebrates the shared legends of the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, their bond with nature, and Sikkim’s cultural heritage.
Flower Festival
The Flower Festival is an international event held at the Flower Exhibition Centre near White Hall Complex in Gangtok. It is one of India’s most popular flower shows and the largest in Gangtok. The festival takes place every summer(April – May) and lasts for a month, attracting tourists from all over India. Held during Sikkim’s peak flowering season, the festival showcases the state’s rich floral diversity, including 600 types of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons, and many other plants.
The Sikkim government hosts this flower show and exhibition every year, inviting participants from other countries also. The event promotes Sikkim’s natural beauty, especially its Cymbidium orchids and other flowers. It includes a buyer-seller meet, symposiums, and discussions on orchid development, flower farming, and organic agriculture. A national-level Horticulture Exhibition and Sale also takes place during the festival. The International Flower Festival in Gangtok displays a variety of flowers native to Sikkim, such as orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, and herbs. The event also features seminars and lectures by plant experts.
Saga Dawa
Saga Dawa, or the Buddha Purnima, is an important Buddhist festival celebrated in Sikkim. It falls on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan lunar month, usually from late April to early June. The festival marks three significant events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and nirvana, all believed to have happened on the same day. The highlight is a colorful procession in Gangtok, where monks carry sacred scriptures and chant mantras while turning prayer wheels.
During Saga Dawa, Buddhists in Sikkim, perform religious rituals, prayed in monasteries, and lit butter lamps. A lively procession of monks and devotees carrying sacred objects starts at Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery and moves through Gangtok and other areas. People line the streets to receive blessings by touching their heads to the holy texts. This time is seen as especially good for performing good deeds and giving to charity, which is believed to bring greater blessings. The festival has a long tradition, with the celebration date set in 1950, and is marked with enthusiasm each year.
Kagyed Dance
The Kagyed Dance is a vibrant festival celebrated in Sikkim on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month in the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls in December before the Losoong festival. The dance is performed in several monasteries, especially the Old Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery, and Tshuklakhang Palace.
During the festival, monks dress in elaborate traditional costumes, wearing masks and carrying ceremonial swords. They dance to the rhythm of drums and trumpets, moving in perfect harmony. The dances tell stories from Buddhist mythology, particularly about Guru Padmasambhava and his powers. The colorful masks represent different characters, including humans, deities, and animals, making the festival a fascinating spectacle.
Sikkim’s festivals are a vibrant reflection of its rich culture, spiritual heritage, and natural beauty. Each festival offers a unique experience, from sacred rituals and colorful processions to lively dances and local delicacies. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a festive atmosphere, these celebrations provide unforgettable memories. Visiting Sikkim during these festivals is an incredible way to connect with its traditions and the warm hospitality of its people. Plan your trip to coincide with these vibrant festivities and experience the best of Sikkim’s culture, color, and celebration!
