While anytime of the year is a good time to visit the gorgeous Himalayan state of Sikkim, planning a trip during a cultural festival comes highly recommeneded. Pang Lhabsol — which will be held in September — for instance makes for a great cultural extravaganza for the seasoned traveller. By Karan Kaushik
All you need to know about Sikkim’s Pang Lhabsol festival
View this post on Instagram
Held in the months of August/September, Pang Lhabsol is celebrated by the Buddhists in the many monasteries that dot the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The main centre of all festivities is the Old Chapel of the Royal Palace at Tshuklakhang, Gangtok. The festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in August or September as per the Gregorian calendar.
What is Pang Lhabsol?
View this post on Instagram
One of the most unique cultural festivals of Sikkim, Pang Lhabsol marks the consecration of Mount Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander of Mount Khangchendzonga. The festival draws history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and discerning travellers from all parts of India every year. On offer are scintillating Chham dance performances by talented artists, who adorn face masks and traditional costumes.
What is Chham dance?
View this post on Instagram
The popular Chham dance is a warrior dance. It is also called Pangtoed Dance. According to a popular belief, the dance form was invented by the third Chogyal (King) of Sikkim Chagdor Namgyal, after is believed to have appeared to him in a vision.
Significance of Pang Lhabsol
Pang Lhabsol is associated with the legend of Thekong Tek, a Lepcha Bongthing and the Bhutia chief, Khye Bhumsa. As history suggests, Khye Bhumsa and his wife were disheartened by the fact that they did not have children. When they heard of the Lepcha Bongthing, Thekong Tek and his special powers to grant the boon of a child, the couple travelled to seek his blessings. To their surprise, they were blessed with three sons in succession after they met Thekong Tek.
Khye Bhumsa and his wife returned to Thekong Tek with their offspring to show their gratitude. Legend has it that when Thekong Tek lifted one of the sons up in affection, the child’s feet touched him on the forehead.
View this post on Instagram
Thekong Tek saw this as a bad omen and immediately knew that this child’s descendants would rule Sikkim. His concern for his Lepcha brothers worried him so he called Khye Bhumsa to sweat blood brotherhood with him as a symbolic acceptance of Bhutias and Lepchas as equals.
Thus, a legendary pact of blood brotherhood was sworn between the Lepchas and Bhutias during the 15th century at Kabi Lungchok, 20km from Gangtok. Both the communities swore to stay blood brothers until the river Rangit stopped flowing and until Mount Khangchendzonga stood fast.
When: September 10, 2022
Where: Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok
About Gangtok
View this post on Instagram
Gangtok is a town with a cosmopolitan vibe and boasts quite a few good shopping complexes, nightclubs, pubs, karaoke nights, and places with live music. The city is blessed with a rich culinary heritage too. Then, of course, are the age-old monasteries, delightful cable cart rides, and beautiful natural locales. To know more about the city, read our guide to Gangtok here.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Soumitra Pendse / Shutterstock.com
Related: Treks In Sikkim That Should Be On Every Adventure Lover’s Radar
