Most festivals are celebrated in Sikkim Culture Gompas and Monasteries of Sikkim. These festivals are full of lively and vibrant dances and music from Sikkim citizens.
Sikkim is home to many tribes and races living together. Each of these diverse communities and tribes have its own unique dance styles, festivals, languages and culture. Sikkim Languages
Sikkim’s primary language is Nepali, while Lepcha (Bhutia), and Sikkimese are spoken in some parts of this north-east province. The people of Sikkim also speak English. Other languages include Kafle and Limbu, Majhwars, Yakha, Tamangs, Tibetans, and Sherpa.
Sikkim Culture Food:
Sikkim’s food reflects the state’s culture, which includes a mix of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet. Sikkim’s food consists mainly of noodles, Gundruk, Sinki and Thukpas soups, thukpas and tomato achar pickle. Traditional cottage cheese, fermented soybeans, bamboo shoot, fermented rice products and other fermented dishes are some of the most common. This is due to its extremely cold climate. The state’s staple food is rice. Momos, also known by the names dumplings or wantons, are a favorite among Sikkimese as well as tourists. They prefer to eat fish, beef, or pork when it comes down to non-vegetarian foods. Sikkim Culture famous momos are a must-try for anyone visiting the region. They come in a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, and pork. Most of the food is steamed or boiled, and there are not many masalas. However, you can use other local spices and herbs. Sikkimites prefer to drink along with their food, such as local beer, whiskey, or rum.
People in the state cultivate crops such as wheat, barley and buckwheat. People can preserve a lot of non-seasonal vegetables by using fermentation. This is a very traditional process.
Sikkim Festivals:
Sikkim, a northeast Asian state, is home to many festivals throughout the year. Sikkim’s majority follow Buddhism, so many festivals are held here. They are marked with pomp and according to the Buddhist calendar.
Lamas perform the most interesting form of ritual dancing, Chaam. This involves using colorful masks and incredible musical instruments. Lamas wear blithely-painted masks, ceremonials swords and sparkling jewels and dance to the beat of the drums, horns and music. These are some of the most famous festivals in Sikkim:
Saga Dawa Sikkim Culture:
Saga Dawa, a triple-favored festival, is considered to be one of Sikkim Culture most sacred festivals. It is especially important for Mahayana Buddhists. The Buddhists visit the monasteries and offer prayers. Butter lamps are also lit on this day. This event is a celebration of the existence of Buddha. This festival is either held at the end May or beginning June on the full moon in the fourth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar. The festival is held in Gangtok.
This festival marks the descent of Lord Buddha into the heaven. Lha is “Heaven”, and bab “Descent”. This festival celebrates Lord Buddha’s descent from the deva kingdom after he taught his departed mother Mahamaya. Every year, this festival is held on the 22nd of the 9th lunar months.
Losar Festival Sikkim Culture:
Losar, Tibetan New Year Festival, is celebrated with lots of celebrations, gaiety and merrymaking. This festival is usually celebrated in February’s first week.
4.Drupka Teshi Festival:
The Drupka Teshi Festival is another amazing festival that Buddhists celebrate. This festival falls on the fourth day in the sixth Tibetan month. It is around August.
Phang Lhabsol:
Phang Lhabsol, a unique festival in Sikkim Culture, was made famous by Chakdor Namgyal (3rd ruler of Sikkim). This festival includes worshipping Mount Kanchendzonga, and devoting to its unifying powers.
Bumchu Festival:
In the month of January, the festival of Bumchu in West Sikkim is celebrated with great pomp and zeal at Tashiding Monastery. Bum is “pot or vase”, and chu “water”. The Lamas in the monastery open the Holy Water-filled pot during the celebration.
The devotees who have gathered at this festival are then given a portion of the heavenly waters. The pot is then filled with water again and sealed for next year’s celebration. This signifies that the pot contains water of prosperity.
Losoong Festival Sikkim Culture:
Losoong Festival, another great festival in Sikkim Culture is also celebrated at the end the harvest season. It’s also held at the end the tenth lunar Tibetan year in rural Sikkim. The Sikkim people perform the Chaam dances during this festival. All of these festivals are held at the Tsu La-Khang monastery and Phodong monastery.
Dasain Festival:
It is the main festival for Hindu Nepalese of Sikkim, which occurs a few weeks prior to the Losoong Festival. This festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The family’s elders give blessings and apply “Tika” to the younger members of their families.
Tihaar Festival:
Another Sikkim Culture festival that is very exciting is the Tihaar Festival. It is known as the Festival of Lights, which is somewhat similar to Diwali.
Hee Bermiok Tourism Festival:
Hee Bermiok hosts an annual festival called Hee Bermiok. This city is close to Gangtok. The festival was established in 2005. Uncountable people visit this beautiful city every year to take part in this incredible carnival. Every year, the festival is held in May.
