The paradise in Northeast India, Sikkim is small but beautiful - a place of natural wonders, cultural vibrancy, and a hearty lifestyle. The serenading landscapes, heartwarming hospitality, and vibrant festivals have been a significant part of Sikkim Tourism.
The festivals of Sikkim are a unique concoction of history and culture. Aka, the last Himalayan Shangri La, Sikkim brims with pleasant vibes and festive spirits all through the year. And this indeed allures tourists from around the globe.
With a plethora of festivals, there are quite a few that are totally worth exploring while you plan an escapade to paradise.
Top 10 Festivals of Sikkim That Are Unique, Vibrant, And Out of This World
Right from celebrating cultural festivals in full flair, folks of Sikkim stay enthusiastic whilst celebrating music, art, nature, adventure, and all that is necessary to put across the kaleidoscope of diversity that is an example in the world. Here’s a list of my personal favourites, I hope these excite you too. Take a dekko:
1. Losoong Festival
One of the most significant harvest festivals of Sikkim, Losoong Festival is the harbinger of the new year and new beginnings. It is a 4-day festival that is celebrated from the 18th day of the 10th lunar month that usually falls during the month of December. Various monasteries in Sikkim such as Rumtek and Tsuklakhang Palace organize cultural events that are a spectacle of traditional rituals and folk dances. At the time when locals and visitors take part in various ceremonies and gorge on the delectable cuisines of Sikkim, the festival takes on to another level of enjoyment and merrymaking. Losoong is definitely worth experiencing.
Highlights of Losoong Festival - The Cham dances at the monasteries
2. Losar Festival
Losar is the most important festival of Sikkim. Losar Festival holds special significance to the Tibetan Buddhists and local communities of the northeastern state. Losar is celebrated to mark the new harvesting season and new year. During this festival of Sikkim, Cham mask dance is performed by the lamas in monasteries, and buckets of Tsampa (a mixture made with roasted barley flour and butter) is offered at the altars of the home so as to bring prosperity by bounty harvest in the following year. People from all over the world visit Sikkim in the month of February to witness the cultural vibrance during this festival when every corner of the street is adorned with beautiful decorations.
Highlights of Losar Festival - Rituals and Yak dance performances on the streets
3. Bhumchu Festival