Culture is something, which I always look
forward to my trips. Visiting India
was already a great opportunity for a wanderer like me and the Sikkim tour
added to my pleasure.
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| culture of Sikkim |
Sikkim, the land of monasteries has
always fascinated me. On my Sikkim trip, I was sure
to learn a lot about the culture of Sikkim. Having heard a lot about Sikkim
fairs and festivals, I was too eager to become a bystander of those
colourful occasions.
Based on my research on internet, I came
across few major festivals of Sikkim. These are named as:
- Saga Dawa
- Drupka Teshi
- Losoong
- Kagyed Dance Festival
- Phang Lhabsol
As I was in India in late November, So I
decided to extend my trip to December. Reason being, to become a part of
Losoong, which takes place in the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar
(according to Hindu Calendar-December)
Losoong Festival is like another way to
celebrate the Sikkimese New Year. It is held at the
end of the harvest season and serves as the best time to rejoice and pray for a
better harvest.
I headed towards Rumtek monastery to
become a part of the festival. Commemorating the triumph of good over evil,
The Black Hat dance took place, which was very interesting to see. I
enjoyed the event with “Chamms” that takes place in various monasteries of
Sikkim.
Colourfully attired, the “Chamms” look
really attention grabbing. The dance represents a
way to exorcise the evil spirits and to greet the good spirit. I got to taste Chaang,
the local wine there, which was very common during the festival.
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| Losoong Festival |
What I experienced was that traditional
gaiety, excitement and colours by the Lepchas and Bhutias.
I was happy to plan my trip to Sikkim
during the festival time as it offered me the wonderful chance to witness the
extravagant carnival.
Losoong Festival in Sikkim was followed
by a series of competitions among which I liked archery the most. As I got to know, these competitions were to bring out the traditional
skills to public and it was very exciting to watch the competition as well.
Marking my presence in the sacred festival of Sikkim, I was contended with my Sikkim tour India where I learned a lot about Sikkimese culture.
