Saga Dawa

Full moon day of the 4th month in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, around end of May and early June. Saga Dawa is a very important festival for the Buddhists. This day is considered to be the holiest of the holy Buddhist Festival. On this day Lord Buddha took birth, achieved Enlightenment and passed away attaining Nirvana.

Phang Lhabsol

This festival is held on the 15th day of the 7th month around the end of August. This festival is unique to Sikkim. Popularized by the 3rd Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal, this festival marks the signing of the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepchas and the Bhutias by Khye Bumsa and Tetong Tek when the local deities and the snowy ranges of Khanchendzonga are worshiped. The lamas portraying the guardian deity perform colorful masked dances. Jesters called ‘Atchars ‘ lighten the mood of the spectators, who come in hordes to witness this festival.

Losoong

Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar year, around the end of December. Chaam dances are performed at the Palace (Tsuklakhang ), Phodong and Rumtek monasteries.

Losar

It is the Tibetan New year and is marked with a lot of gaiety and festivity. It falls normally in the month of February.

Gutor Cham

Gutor Cham is performed two days prior to Losar or the Tibetan New Year, this Cham or dance depicts the battle between good and the evil and the ritualised destruction of evil.

Bhumchu at Tashiding

The Bhumchu which takes palce on the 14th and 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calander,around February-March ,is one of Sikkim's most intriguing festivals. The water contained in the sacred Phumba or vase is measured into 21 cups of equal measure. The level of water is studied to divine the fortunes of Sikkim for the next year. Devotees from Nepal, Bhutan and the neighbouring hills all come for blessings.

Drukpa Tseshi

Tendong Lho Rum Faat

On the8th of August, the Lepachas worship Mount Tendong which they believe saved their race from destruction by a great flood. While the Lepcha 'Bongthings' or priests worship Mt. Tendong in South Sikkim, the Lepchas in Gangtok take part in day long cultural and literary programmes in their traditional costumes.