Sikkim festivals and events reflect the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. The festivals and events of Sikkim constitute an integral part of the society of Sikkim. Festivals and events at Sikkim have a strong bearing upon the religion and customs of the people of Sikkim.
An estimate of the important
Sikkim festivals and events is as follows:
Bum-chu - Bum-chu celebrates the belief of the Sikkimese in forecasts. During the Bum-chu festival, the Sikkimese open a pot containing holy water. If the level of the water inside the pot reaches the brim, it signifies hardship; if the container is empty, it signifies famine. Moreover, half full container implies prosperity in Sikkim. This festival marks the belief of the Sikkimese in prophesies and foretelling.
Kagyed Dance - The Kagyed Dance is celebrated by the Sikkimese on the 28th or 29th day of the Tibetan calendar. This dance symbolizes the destruction of the evil forces and the genesis of peace and prosperity. The dance, which depicts various themes from Buddhism, ends with the burning of paper or wooden effigies.
Tihar - Tihar is also known as a festival of light. Tihar is a Sikkimese version of Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights. The festival is celebrated during the last days of Kartik, according to the lunar calendar. The first day of the Tihar festival is known as 'Kak' and second day of the festival is known as 'Kukkur' in Sikkim.
Janmastami - Janmastami is also known as 'Krishnastami' or 'Gokulastami' in Sikkim. Janmastami occurs on the eight day of the lunar fortnight of the lunar calendar. Janmastami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna; as a result, devotees throughout the length and breadth of Sikkim join hands to celebrate this festival.
Besides, we also come across a host of other festivals and events in Sikkim, such as:
- Saraswati Puja
- Namsoong
- Drukpa Tsheshi
- Sakewa
- Losoong
- Dasain
- Ramnavmi
- Nyempa Guzom
- Trungkar Tshechu
- Maghe Sakranti
- Bhanu Jayanti
- Tamu Lochar
- Lhabab Tsheshi
- Vishwa Karma Puja
- Teyongsi-Lho-Rum-Faat, etc.
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