Celebrated in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, Pang Lhabsol pays tribute to Mount Kanchenjunga and signifies the unity among Sikkimese people.
The rich culture of Sikkim has been the biggest draw for the tourists from rest of the country and beyond. The northeastern state was its own mountain kingdom till 1975 and still retains a very distinctive personality. Mural-filled monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, breathtaking Hindu shrines, clean and green surroundings, colourful festivals, and intriguing tourist places in Sikkim make it worth a trip or two.
This September, arrive here to celebrate Pang Lhabsol. Started back in the 13th century, it is marked on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar and is falling on September 10 this year. This popular and most auspicious festival of Sikkim is celebrated to offer respect and homage to Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain.
Mount Kanchenjunga is considered as the guardian deity of Sikkim, and it is believed that on this day every year, the Sikkimese communities together invoke the mountain god to protect them and their holy land against all evil. As per the handwritten biography by Lhatsun Chenpo, the chief propagator of Buddhism in the state, it was divine visions sent by the mountain god that guided him to Demajong (former name of Sikkim).
Pang Lhabsol also commemorates the ‘treaty of brotherhood’ among Lepchas and Bhutias, signifying the unity among Sikkimese. This is the day when the oath of ‘Blood Brotherhood’ was taken by the chiefs of the two communities under the witness of Mount Kanchenjunga during the 15th century.
This brings the perfect opportunity to explore this quaint Himalayan state as it revels in festivities. The vibrant festival exudes a matchless aura of positivity and colours all around, bringing all the people of the state together to immerse in countless celebrations. Carnivals, cultural performances, the traditional Chham dance, and a scrumptious spread of authentic Sikkimese cuisine are the major highlights.
The main festival happens in the Tsuklakhang Monastery in Gangtok where the traditional dances are performed for hours. Locals and travellers alike from far and wide arrive to watch ‘Chham’, the ritualistic masked warrior dances that are usually organised as part of the grander festivities and performed by the monks of Tibetan Buddhism.
Different themes, ranging from ‘ancient folklores’, ‘tales from the life of the divine powers’ to ‘appeasement of the gods’, are picked for these performances. Expect to witness giant masks, vibrant costumes, and elaborate movements to traditional music of trumpets, drums, and cymbals! This is certainly the best way to experience Sikkim and its culture at its best.
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