Sikkim is home to breathtaking glaciers, beautiful landscapes, and varieties of flowers. Counted amongst the list of top travel destinations to visit, it is known for its natural beauty and also its rich history and culture. These elements are depicted well with the festivals celebrated here. There are many Sikkim festivals that can be enjoyed while on a vacation to this beautiful destination.
Hordes of history and a great lot of colours and vibrancy, these festive occasions in the state of Sikkim brings about a beautiful amalgamation of all these elements. With many rituals, ceremonies, and things to do during these festivals, the entire arrangement becomes a beautiful spectacle that one shouldn’t miss while on a holiday at this beautiful destination. Check out the Sikkim famous festivals list and plan your vacation accordingly.
15 Splendid Sikkim Festivals
There are many Sikkim festivals that one can enjoy while on a trip to this amazing destination. Check out the details of the many festivals of this state in the list that we compiled for you. While you are planning your trip, you could include the dates of these festivals in your itinerary if you are looking for a cultural experience while on the vacation. We’ve curated this list of festivals in Sikkim especially for you:
1. Losoong Festival
Beginning with the list of Sikkim famous festivals, Losoong is one of the most important festivals in this mesmerizing Indian state in the North East. This festival is the start of Sikkimese New Year – the reason why it is celebrated with immense joy and fervour. بايير مصر This is also the season of harvesting for the local communities and since the festival also coincides with this time, the celebration and merriment is doubled.
The festival has many traditional folk dances, rituals, and ceremonies. This is also an occasion to gorge upon the delectable Sikkimese cuisine. This occasion is celebrated with utmost gusto not just by the locals, but also by the tourists who are curious about the cultures of the state and the local traditional ceremonies and dances.
The dates for Losoong Festival are different every year, based on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. The day typically falls on the 18th day of the 10th lunar month, which is usually December. The duration of this festival is for 4 days and there are arrangements for cultural programs at monasteries like Rumtek and Tsuklakhang Palace. It is one of the most popular festivals of Sikkim.
When: NA
What’s special: Getting to taste the wonderful cuisines
Don’t miss: The Chaam dances at the monasteries
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2. Sonam Lhochhar Festival
Amongst the most famous festivals of Sikkim is the Sonam Lhochhar Festival, also spelt as Sonam Lhosar. It is celebrated by the Tamang community in this North-Eastern state in India. This marks the beginning of the Tibetan New Year for the community. The rituals are performed with the utmost gusto and the celebrations are full of fanfare and zeal.
Men and women get dressed up in colourful and traditional attire. There are masked men who dance to the rhythmic beats of Damphu to get rid of all the negative energies and evil spirits (a traditional small round drum). The exotic Tamang cuisine served during this time is delectable. This festival is also celebrated in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It is one of the most popular festivals in Sikkim.
When: Starts from 2nd February
What’s special: The Damphu dance performed by masked lamas
Don’t miss: Listening to Tamang Folk songs also called ‘Tamang Selo’
3. Losar
It is one of the most widely famous festivals in Sikkim 2022. Losar is a Tibetan word that translates to New Year in the English language. It coincides with the end of harvesting season giving the farmers a much-needed relief from all the work and celebrating their hard work and patience. The Sikkim festivals are mostly based on the celebration of the land, the harvest, and the local communities. This festival too brings about the same zeal and enthusiasm of these elements combined together.
The occasion is really special to the Tibetan Buddhists who are residing in this beautiful state. Along with the other things, the ritual of making a mixture of roasted barley flour and butter and offering it on home altars is significant. It is basically praying for a good harvest in the current New Year.
When: 3rd March 2022
What’s special: The food offering ritual
Don’t miss: The enthusiastic celebrations
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4. Bhumchu
The word Bhumchu translates to a sacred pot of water. This meaning is translated and converted to actuality with the ceremonies and rituals of the festival. Like other Sikkim festivals, this occasion is also celebrated with all the pomp and show with a specific focus on the ceremonies and rituals. The first day of the festival sees the monks at Tashiding Monastery opening the sacred vase of water. This is used to predict the future and generate forecasts for the impending year.
During the closure ceremony on the second day, the pot is re-filled with the water from the sacred river nearby and sealed to be opened next year. It is a great occasion for the tourists to take a peek or maybe a deep insight into Buddhism and its customs and rituals. It is one of the most zealous festivals in Sikkim 2022.
When: 18th March 2022
What’s special: The sacred rituals
Don’t miss: The first day of the festival
5. Chaite Dashain
Chaite Dashain is one of the most important Sikkim festivals. Ram Navami is celebrated a day before it and is also known by the name of Small Dashain. This occasion remembers the birth of Lord Rama. It is the perfect time to enjoy get-togethers and enjoy festive meals. The people who want to enjoy this festival can plan a vacation during the months of March to April months. It is one of the most important religious festivals in Sikkim 2022.
When: NA
What’s special: The festive meals
Don’t miss: The joyous celebrations in the temples
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6. Saga Dawa
Saga Dawa Festival is one of the most famous festivals of Sikkim. The festival celebrates Lord Buddhas birthday and is a great day for the people who follow Mahayana Buddhism. Tourists and travellers alike who want to understand the basic philosophies of Buddhism and are looking to acquaint themselves with it on their journey can be a part of this festival and get to see from close what the festival is all about.
The monks of Mahayana Buddhism light butter lamps on these days in the monasteries. This way they show their obeisance to Lord Buddha who is believed to have enlightened their paths in life. It is one of the best family-friendly festivals in Sikkim 2022.
When: June 14th, 2022
What’s special: You will get a chance to understand the basic philosophies of Lord Buddha
Don’t miss: The glimmering butter lamps created by monks
7. Tendong Lho Rum Faat
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is one of the most ancient and significant Sikkim festivals The occasion marks the time when the ancestors of the local Lepcha tribe were saved by Tendong Hill from a flash flood lasting 40 days and 40 nights. There are grand festivities over the entire state, with primary rituals and ceremonies happening at Namchi, the home to this sacred hill in Southern Sikkim.
A trek that goes to this hill from Ravangla is the highlight of the festival. If you are planning a vacation to Sikkim, this could be a great opportunity for you to experience this festival and induce some adrenaline rush on your journey.
When: August 8, 2022
What’s special: The adventure associated with this festival
Don’t miss: The beautiful views of the Ravangla mountains
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8. Indrajatra Festival
The Nepalese community in Sikkim celebrate this festival and there is a huge fanfare during it in the entire state. The festival is named after the Hindu God of rain called Indra. During the festival, one seeks the blessings of the rain gods in the forms of rain and showers. There are huge chariot processions, dance performances, use of masks and many classical dance performances. This is considered to be the best time to plan a trip to Sikkim and other nearby areas.
When: September 9, 2022
What’s special: The classical dance performances
Don’t miss: The huge chariot processions
9. Pang Lhabsol
Probably one of the most popular Sikkim festivals, Pang Lhabsol is the festival that commemorates Mt. Kanchenjunga, the guardian deity of Sikkim. It is said that this mountain had been protecting the very soul of this beautiful state. It is quite a vibrant occasion with carnivals, dance performances, warrior dances by the llamas, and the ever-so-delicious Sikkimese cuisine. Travellers can plan their trip accordingly and include this trip in their long journey.
When: September 10, 2022
What’s special: The vibrant celebration is an eye-candy
Don’t miss: The dance of the lamas
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10. Tihar
Out of all the Sikkim festivals, this occasion is on an off-beaten track, yet it tells many cultural stories of this beautiful destination. The festival is that of Diwali under the name of Tihar. The duration of this amazing festival is around five days with each day fixated on something special.
On the first day, crows are worshipped – the symbols of sorrow and sadness. The second day calls for Kukkar Tihar when dogs are worshipped and offered garlands and tilak. Each day out of the five honours some of the most significant animals in Hindu mythology. While enjoying a trip to Sikkim, do visit this place.
When: NA
What’s special: The celebration with animals
Don’t miss: The mythical stories from locals
11. Annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival
For the best paragliding experience, one should visit Sikkim during the Annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival held in Gangtok during the month of October and November when the weather is favourable. You will have the time of your life here and won’t be disappointed by the wide range of fun activities.
When: Oct 31 to Nov 3, 2022
What’s special: The valley views
Don’t miss: Well, paragliding!
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12. Mangan Music Festival
Every year in December, a three-day music festival is organized in Mangan. You can cheer the bands that come from all over the region, as well as from the other states of northeast India. The perfect combination of hills, music and cold weather makes it a great experience. An exhibition cum sale of local handicrafts takes place.
When: 12th – 14th December
What’s special: The uplifting vibes of the festival
Don’t miss: The music of the hills
13. International Flower and Garden Festival
The International Flower and Garden Festival is one of the most famous festivals of Sikkim which begins in May at the White Hall in Gangtok. The event features some of the best floral and landscape talent along with an extensive array of garden retail products from different parts of India.
When: NA
What’s special: The beautiful floral landscape
Don’t miss: The wide variety of herbal products
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14. Hee Bermiok Festival
Hee Bermiok Festival, which is organised in Sikkim in Summer, is a chance for the tourists to explore the culture and lifestyle of the region up close. The traditional festival is a showcase of a variety of rice and indigenous Sikkim culture. The visitors are served rice wine and local delicacies.
When: NA
What’s special: Getting a close look at the Sikkimese culture
Don’t miss: The food feast
15. Sikkim Summer Festival
Sikkim Summer Festival is a month-long celebration. It features entertaining cultural shows, local food festivals, white water rafting in Teesta, Sikkimese folk dances, a showcase of films on Sikkim tourism, local handicrafts exhibitions and stunning flower shows
When: NA
What’s special: The cultural shows and water sports
Don’t miss: The films on Sikkim tourism
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Go on and check out these interesting festivals that are indigenous to this state. A few of them are unique to the state yet are celebrated in other parts of the country with different names. Read through our list of Sikkim festivals that you can become a part of on your journey. If you are someone who loves festivals and vibrant colourful occasions can choose to experience these festivals. Such occasions would give you a peek into the history and culture of this amazing state. Go ahead and book your vacation to Gangtok with TravelTriangle and enjoy the beauty of the amazing festivals in Sikkim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sikkim Festivals
Which are the famous festivals of Sikkim?
Some of the most famous festivals celebrated in Sikkim include: Tihar Losoong Festival Sonam Lhochhar Festival Losar Bhumchu Chaite Dashain Saga Dawa Tendong Lho Rum Faat Indrajatra Festival Pang Lhabsol Mangan Music Festival
What is Diwali called in Sikkim?
The popular Hindu festival, Diwali is called Tihar in Sikkim. Additionally, it is known under the same name in the other parts of North East India and is celebrated with absolute fervour.
Which is the famous food of Sikkim?
Thukpa, a noodle-based soup with vegetables or meat, is the most famous food of Sikkim. Momos is another famous Sikkim food. لعبة باصره
Where can I visit for Sikkim sightseeing?
There are numerous tourist spots offering to witness the best of the destination. Some of the best ones are Tsomgo Lake, Yuksom, Nathula Pass, Lachung, Lachen And Yumthang Valley, Ravangla, Namchi, Zuluk, Teesta River, Gangtok, Pelling, Singalila National Park, and more.
What can I buy in Sikkim?
You can buy prayer flags, canvas wall hangings, woollen carpets, and tea when visiting Sikkim. Furthermore, you can head towards MG Road, Lal Bazaar, New Market, Old Market, and the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms to enjoy a perfect shopping experience.
