Sikkim Festivals Display the Vibrant Expression of Culture

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.

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.

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.

Sikkim Tour- Exploring the Treasures of Nature

Sikkim, the destination which conjures up the images of immense natural beauty, old monasteries and romantic hills in my mind. With my husband, I had planned it several times but every time we left in lurch. This time when I got to know about 1 week break of my husband, I too applied for leaves. I was feeling myself fortunate enough when I got the approval and we packed our bags for Sikkim Travel.

Rumtek Monastery Sikkim

Leaving from Delhi, we reached Bagdogra Airport from where Sikkim was a six-hour jeep ride away. On being reached theres, I found it among the most beautiful places which I had even seen in my life.The moody weather, the pristine purity, colourful flowers and beautiful peaks just enlighted my mood the moment I entered the place.

We stayed in a comfortable resort lodge in Gangtok which was situated in the outlying areas. The modern facilities and a good view from our room just made it a really refreshing experience for us. The home like atmosphere and scrumptious food allowed us to enjoy our tour without worrying anything. We used to get awake in the early morning as soon as the cool wind entered the room.

Endowed with wondrous natural resources, Sikkim is nestled in the Himalayas and offers an impressive scene with each turn of the road. We found people of Sikkim was very warm and welcome tourists with a big smile on their face which helped us to be friendly with them.

I had heard a lot about the attractions of Sikkim and among those, one was the Rumtek Monastery so I was eager to visit the place. Unwillingly my husband accompanied me to the monastery, which lies about 24 km from Gangtok. This monastery houses a number of sacred things and Golden Stu-pa is worth to mention. Visiting the monastery was to fulfill my much awaited desire to experience the spirituality at a monastery.

On our day trip, we visited Tsomgo lake which is an alpine lake with many rainbow trout. Considered as a sacred lake of Sikkim, it is a must visit attraction. Along with it, we also went Nathuala pass. It used to be a gateway to Tibet and prior to Chinese aggression, it was the only silk route to Lhasa.

Tsomgo Lake

We also visited a 17^th century monastery, known as Pemayangste Monastery. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, the monastery is known for its majestic sculptures. While seeing their decorated paintings on first floor, I was completely mesmerized.

How can I forget to mention the amazing view of mount Kanchendzonga which we enjoyed during our trip? Believe me, it seems like beckoning you with its spectacular views and to experience it, really enthralled me.

Being a passionate adventure, my husband decided to go for trekking in Sikkim and soon he was there. The thrill and excitement made me hold my breath till the time he was back. I wished to be with him but being scared of heights, I could not make it. After coming back from trekking, my husband told me that trekking through its dense forests, frosty waters and rocky trails is an amazing experience in itself. Next day, we woke up early morning, especially to visit Tiger hill. It was simply awesome and the best part of our Sikkim tour.

I love shopping and the charm becomes double when I am on any tour. The popular shopping items like handicrafts, the wall hangings and Tibetan carpets were just grabbed my attention and I could not help myself from buying them. At the end of our tour we drove to Bagdogra from Darjeeling to come back.  Our Sikkim tour ended with lots of photographs which we clicked with Sikkimese people.