Sikkim is a picturesque state in northeastern India known for its stunning mountain scenery, rich culture, and unique festivals. The region is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with its distinct traditions and celebrations. These are just a few of the many festivals celebrated in Sikkim throughout the year. The festivals are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage and offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the state’s rich traditions and customs. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best festivals in Sikkim that you should experience.

Best Festivals in Sikkim that can be added to your Sikkim Itinerary

1. Losar Festival

This is a famous festival in Sikkim that is celebrated as the Tibetan New Year festival, which is celebrated in late February or early March. It’s one of the most important festivals in Sikkim, especially for the Tibetan community. The festival marks the beginning of the New Year, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. The preparations for the festival begin weeks before the actual celebration. People clean their houses, decorate them with colourful prayer flags, and make traditional delicacies like “Khabsey” and “Khapse.” The festival is marked by colourful processions, traditional dances, and the lighting of butter lamps. The celebrations continue for several days, and it’s a great time to sample some of the traditional Tibetan cuisines.

Celebration Months: February or Early March

2. Saga Dawa Festival

This Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Sikkim, especially by the Buddhist community. It is also known as the Triple Blessed Festival and is celebrated to commemorate three important events in the life of Lord Buddha – his birth, enlightenment, and death. The festival falls on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, which usually falls in May or June. The Saga Dawa Festival is a month-long celebration, and it is considered to be one of the most sacred festivals by the people of Sikkim. During this time, the streets and monasteries are adorned with colourful prayer flags, and people offer their prayers and seek blessings from the monks.

Celebration Months: May or Jun

3. Bhumchu Festival

This festival is one of the most popular festivals in Sikkim. Bhumchu festival is celebrated at the Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim and is attended by people from all over the state. Bhumchu Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which usually falls in February or March. The festival is associated with a sacred pot of water that is believed to contain the essence of life. The pot is kept in the Tashiding Monastery and is opened once a year during the Bhumchu Festival. It is believed that the water in the pot has the power to bestow blessings and fulfil the wishes of the people.

Celebration Months: February or March

4. Drupka Teshi Festival

This festival is significantly celebrated in Sikkim, particularly by the Tibetan community. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the sixth lunar month, which usually falls in August. Drupka Teshi Festival marks the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after attaining enlightenment. The Drupka Teshi Festival is celebrated by offering prayers and performing religious rituals. The highlight of the festival is the traditional Cham dance performed by the monks in the monasteries. The Cham dance is a sacred dance that is performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity to the people. During the festival, people also offer butter lamps and incense to Lord Buddha and seek his blessings.

Celebration Month: August

5. Tihar Festival

This festival, also known as Diwali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Sikkim. The festival usually falls in late October or early November and is a celebration of lights, joy, and togetherness. Tihar is celebrated over five days and each day has a special significance. The festival, which usually takes place in October or November, is also known as the festival of lights, and it’s a time to honour the goddess Laxmi. The festival is marked by the lighting of Diyas and candles, colourful decorations, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.

Celebration Month: October or early November

6. Namchi Mahotsav

This Mahotsav is a popular festival celebrated in the town of Namchi in South Sikkim. The festival is usually held in October and is a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of Sikkim. During the Namchi Mahotsav, the town of Namchi is adorned with colourful decorations, and there are various cultural programs and performances organized for visitors. The festival showcases the traditional music, dance, and cuisine of Sikkim, giving visitors a glimpse of the local culture and traditions. One of the main highlights of the Namchi Mahotsav is the flower show, which attracts a large number of visitors. The flower show is organized by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and it showcases the various flora and fauna found in Sikkim. The flower show is a great opportunity for visitors to admire the beauty of Sikkim’s natural heritage.

Celebration Month: October

7. International Flower Festival

This Flower Festival is held in Gangtok every year in May and is a celebration of the region’s rich flora. The festival showcases a wide range of exotic flowers, including orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colours and fragrances of the flowers and participate in various activities, including flower exhibitions, cultural programs, and photography competitions.

Celebration Month: May

Frequently Asked Questions?

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In conclusion, Sikkim is a land of festivals, and there’s always something to celebrate. Whether you’re interested in culture, religion, or nature, Sikkim has a festival for you. So pack your bags and head to Sikkim to experience the magic of these festivals firsthand.