In Sikkim the main two religions that are widely practiced are Hinduism and Buddhism. On account of this various festivals belong to these religions along with the traditions followed by the tribals are followed. Sikkim is mainly famous for its mask dance. It provides a visual retreat which is perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Sikkim are as below:
Phang Labsol: This unique festival is celebrated at the end of August. At this festival people offer thanks to snowy range of Kachanjunga. The festival also marks the signing treaty of brotherhood between Lepchas and Bhutias. The guardian deity is portrayed by a masked Lama dancer as a fiery red faced deity wearing the crown of five skulls and riding on the snow lion offers a colorful spectacle to watch.
Bum-chu: Bum means “Pot or Vase” and Chu means “Water”. Falls on the months of January/ February Bumchu means the pot containing the holy water. The festival is celebrated in Tashiding monastery. The festival is characterized by opening of the pot by lamas. The level of water tells the things to come in the forthcoming year. The water is then distributed amongst the participants and the pot is again replenished with water and sealed for the next year to be opened only at next Bamchu.
Drupka Tekshi: This religious festival celebrated at the end of August marks the first preaching of four noble truths by Lord Buddha to his first five disciples in Deer Park at Sarnath. At Gangtok prayers are scheduled followed by a Yak Race.
Saga Dawa: Saga Dawa is considered as the most sacred festival of Buddhists. It is considered as the Triple Blessed Festivals that celebrates the mark of three important stages of His life namely His birth, achieving of enlightenment and attaining the nirvana. There is usually a procession in Gangtok carrying the holy books on the life and teaching of Buddha.
Losoong: The festival is celebrated to mark the end of harvest season. It takes place on the 10th month of the Tibetan year. This festival takes place at Rumtek, Phodong and Tsu-La-Khang. Black hat dance that marks demonstrating the triumph of good over evil is demonstrated. There is usually an archery competition to mark the festival.
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