............... Sikkim Cultural Tours...............
The people of Sikkim are simple and friendly with natural gaiety. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and smaller proportions of LIMBUS.
All communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other's culture, ethos, and traditions with the result there is now a Sikkimese culture, which is composite of all the three prominent communities. Most of the people speak Nepali, which is also the state language. It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to the name of the state derived form "Sukhim", meaning "happy home, a place of peace".
The Sikkimese culture finds expression in it's beautiful art and craft. Knotted woollen carpets with the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture.
Those who have lived in Sikkim long enough will testify that life here is, in a sense, an ongoing festival. Life in Sikkim, like in the rest of India, is rooted firmly in religion. Everything a person does is related to his faith. His daily life is governed by the patterns and customs of his religion. The majestic Mount Khangchendzonga- earth's third highest mountain range, plays a dominant role in the Sikkimese life. For those visiting Sikkim, the festivals of this place, offer a unique opportunity to participate and sample the rich traditions of an ancient culture; as well as the warmth and hospitality of a friendly people.
The people of Sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimese do it all with a gay abandon. And if you're fortunate you could persuade the Sikkimese to offer you 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented millet. The drink is served to you in hollow bamboo pipe.
There is an incessant row of festivities in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism, are the main religions, as is exhibited in many of the celebrations. The traditions of the Lapchas display rich cultural heritage. Enchey, Phoodong, Lachung, Pemayangtse, Tsuklakhang, and Rumtek are some of the beautiful monasteries where festivals are held. Pang Lhabsol, Drukpa Tseshi, Losoong, Saga Dawa and Dusain are the main festivals. Buddhism has been practiced in true sense on Sikkim. People visit the monastery to interact with the Buddhist monks to know more about Buddhist cult.
January/FebruaryLosoong (Sikkimese New Year). Full of joy and dazzling festivity. Guthor Chaam is held at Rumtek Monastery two days before Losar.
February / MarchTashiding Bhumchu. The holy water (consecrated by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the founders of Buddhism in Sikkim) is distributed to devotees . The water is believed to have curative properties.
JuneSaga Dawa. The Triple Blessed Day is the holiest of Buddhist festivals. It was on this day that lord Buddha was born, achieved Enlightenment and attained Nirvana. It is marked with a Procession of holy books carried from the monastery in the palace, to various places in gangtok town.
JuneTse-chhu Chham is held at Rumtek Monastery. It presents eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, fondly known as Guru Rimpoche. A mask dance shows episodes from his life and his fights against evil.
AugustDrukpa Tseshi celebrates the first preaching of the four Noble Truths by Lord Buddha. Markd by day-long prayers and observed in all monasteries.
August / SeptemberPang Lhabsol, unique to Sikkim, celebrates its guardian deity, Khangchendzonga. Lamas Portray the deity with fiery-red face-masks with a crown of five skulls, riding a snow-lion.
DecemberKagyed Dance is performed at Enchey, phensang, phoding, Rumtek and Ralong Monasteries, two days before Losoong (Sikkim New Year) .The dance is a solemn affair with cosmic episodes in between. It symbolises exorcism of evil and ushering in of peace and prosperity.