Sikkim is a small yet beautiful state located in the northeastern part of India. This state is known for its stunning natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, and warm hospitality. Sikkim is also famous for its colourful fairs and festivals, which showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage. Sikkim’s fairs and festivals reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into its traditions, customs, and way of life. These fairs are an excellent way to experience vibrant culture and warm hospitality. If you are planning to visit Sikkim, make sure to include these Famous Festivals and Fairs in Sikkim itinerary to experience the state’s unique culture and tradition.
Get Take a Closer Look at Cultural Fair and Festivals that Can Be Added to Sikkim Itinerary
1. Namchi Mahotsav
This is a popular fair in Sikkim which is celebrated in Namchi, the capital city of South Sikkim. The fair is organized by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation and is held in October every year. Namchi Mahotsav aims to showcase the cultural heritage of Sikkim and features traditional music and dance performances, exhibitions, food stalls, and handicrafts. The fair attracts many tourists and locals who come to witness the colourful celebrations and participate in various activities. One of the main attractions of Namchi Mahotsav is the display of traditional costumes, which represent the different ethnic groups of Sikkim. The fair also features a variety of traditional dances, including the famous Mask Dance, which is performed by monks and lamas.
Celebration Month: October
Time Required To Visit: 7-8 Hours
2. Losar Festival
This festival is a famous Buddhist festival in Sikkim which is celebrated in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is a significant festival that marks the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival begins with the cleaning of houses and offering prayers to the Gods. The festival is characterized by traditional dances, music, and other cultural performances. One of the most popular dances performed during the Losar Festival is the Cham Dance and performed by monks wearing colourful masks and costumes, and it represents various mythological characters. They also make special dishes such as Guthuk, a soup made with barley, and momos, a type of Dumpling.
Celebration Month: February or March
Time Required To Visit: 7-8 Hours
3. Gangtok Winter Festival
This festival is an annual festival celebrated in the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. Gangtok Winter Festival is organized by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation and features a range of activities, including music, dance performances, food stalls, and adventure sports. One of the main attractions of Gangtok is Gangtok Winter Festival is the display of traditional costumes, handicrafts, and souvenirs that represent the different ethnic groups of Sikkim. The festival also features a variety of traditional dances and music performances, including the famous Khukri Dance, which is performed by the Nepali community in Sikkim.
Celebration Month: December
Time Required To Visit: 7-8 Hours
4. Bumchu Festival
This is a unique and significant festival celebrated in Tashiding Monastery, located in the western part of Sikkim. Bumchu Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. The highlight of the Bumchu Festival is the sacred pot that is opened by the monks during the festival. The pot is believed to contain holy water, and the level of water in the pot is believed to predict the future of the community. The water level is closely monitored by the monks, and the level is revealed to the devotees during the festival. The festival also features traditional music and dance performances, religious rituals, and ceremonies. The monks perform the traditional masked dances, known as Cham dances, which depict the stories of Guru Rinpoche and other Buddhist deities.
Celebration Month: February or March
Time Required To Visit: 7-8 Hours
5. Sikkim Food and Culture Festival
The festival features a range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, workshops, food stalls, and competitions. Sikkim Food and Culture Festival provides a platform for the locals to showcase their traditional arts and crafts, as well as the rich culinary heritage of the state. The food stalls at the festival offer a variety of traditional Sikkimese dishes, such as momos, Thukpa, Chhurpi, and Gundruk. Visitors can also enjoy a range of beverages, including the famous Sikkimese tea, also known as Temi tea.
Celebration Month: February or March
Time Required To Visit: 7-8 Hours
Sikkim hosts several fairs and festivals throughout the year that attract visitors from all over the world. These fairs provide an opportunity for tourists to experience the local culture and traditions firsthand, as well as sample local food and shop for traditional crafts. If you’re planning a trip to Sikkim to attend one of these fairs, there are several travel offers for Sikkim available that can help you save money on your trip. We offer travel package deals for Sikkim and Gangtok that include flights, accommodation, and transportation to and from the fair. These packages can be tailored to suit your individual needs and budget and can be a great way to experience the best that Sikkim has to offer.
