Fairs & Festivals in
Sikkim
Sikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced
in the entire world. Perfromed by lamas in the gompa coutyard to celebrate religious
festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect foot work and grace. Costumed lamas
with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing
to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.
SAGA DAWA is a very suspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this
day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession
of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures.
PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer
thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the
supreme commander.
KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar.
The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by
the jesters.
DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population
is celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
DIPAVALI, the festival of lights is celebrated 10 years after Dasain.
