List of Fairs and Festivals for the year 2016.
Sl Name of the Date Significance
No Festival/ Venue
1 Jorethang Maghey 14th January Maghey Sankrati is celebrated all over Sikkim as
Mela, Jorethang, one of the major festivals of the Hindu community.
South Sikkim. However, it is not confined to only one religious
group. People of different religions come together
to take part in this festival. There are fairs in almost
all parts of Sikkim. People gather to take a holy dip
in the rivers of Teesta and Rangit. One of the
biggest
celebration of this festival is in Jorethang, South
Sikkim, which lies on the banks of river Rangit.
The main activities during this fair are sale and
exhibition of local handicrafts and handlooms,
floriculture and horticulture products, cultural
programme and competitions in local dance and
music. The festival carries on for almost a week.
People from neighboring State as well as tourists
from all over the country as well as abroad visits
Jorethang during this festival. Some of the
adventure activities which are popular in this area
are paragliding and angling.
2 Sonam Losar 9th February Lho means year or age and Sar means new or fresh.
The word Lhosar means New Year or beginning of
new era. Tamang community in Sikkim celebrates
their new year on the first day of new moon or in
other words the very next day after the no-moon
day of month of Magh. The Tibetan calendar is
made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins
on the first day of the first month.
3 Losar 9th February It is the Tibetan New year and is marked with a lot
of gaiety and festivity across the State.
4 Losar cum Tourist February The Daramdin area, West Sikkim is embarking on a
Festival, new journey of development with village tourism
Lama Amden Gumpa, as their main focus in mind. The festival is
Daramdin celebrated at the Anden Woolung Gumpa premises
with much fanfare. The theme of the festival is
embarking into a new journey of sustainable
tourism development towards peace & prosperity.
5 Yakten - Bojeytar February The theme of the festival being saluting the roots
Village Tourism towards preservation and prosperity is aimed at
Festival, Pakyong promoting the village eco - tourism and
empowerment of youth towards self employment
benefits under tourism.
6 Bhumchu at Tashiding 9th March The Bhumchu which takes place on the 14th and
Monastery, Tashiding 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar
, West Sikkim calander, is one of Sikkim's most intriguing
festivals. The water contained in the sacred
Bhumpa 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 neighboring hills all come
for blessings.
7 Dentam March The three day long Dentam Rhododendron Festival
Rhododendron is celebrated under Maneybong Dentam
Festival. Constituency in West Sikkim. The festival will be
staged in popular tourist destinations viz. Uttarey,
Dentam, Hee Bermoik, Chyataal, Gurasaydara,
Changay Village with host of activities ranging
from nature to adventure based.
8 Ram Nawami 15th April This is one of the most auspicious festivals of
(Chaitey Dasain) Sikkim and is observed in the honor of Lord Rama.
The grand celebrations commemorate the birth of
the virtuous king Rama who is universally adored
for his flourishing and righteous sovereignty.
People from all over the state gather together to
celebrate this festival with much excitement and
vigor. Also known as Chaitey Dasain it is also
celebrated as tourist festival. Devotees hikes
towards Tendong Hill, South Sikkim for offering
prayers.
March/April
9 Lampokhari Paryatan Located at a height of 5100 ft, Aritar is surrounded
Mahotsav, Aritar by lush green forest, lakes and paddy fields. The
entire Khanchendzonga range can be viewed from
this place. Aritar offers adventure sports, nature
trails. Lampokhari is one of the serene lakes where
one can enjoy boating. Added attractions are Aritar
Monastery, Mankhim Dara, Phusray Lake, Pango
Lakha and Rachela.
10 Sakewa 21st May Sakewa is celebrated with great fervor by all the
Kirat Khambu Rai community. Also known as
Bhumi/ Chandi Puja or land worshipping ceremony
it is celebrated all over the State. It is celebrated at
that time of the year when cranes migrate to the
Northern Hemisphere this indicates sowing season
of cucumber, pumpkin and other kharif crops. The
festival begins with Shakti Puja at Mangkhim
(temple) performed by a Chief Priest (Mangpa) for
good harvest followed by the Shova Yatra. Various
traditional dishes like Wachipa, Bongchipa, Arakha
Hengmawa, Baksa and Okrukma are served.
11 Saga Dawa 21st May 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.
12 Bhanu Jayanti 13th July A cultural festival organised to celebrate the birth
anniversary of the Nepali poet, Bhanu Bhakta
Acharya. Competitions for school children are
organised in various field such as poetry, drama
etc.
Other programmes include cultural parade and
culture programmes.
13 Drukpa Tshechi 6th August This festival celebrates Lord Buddha's first
preaching of the Four Noble Truths to his first five
disciples at Saranath. The festival is held on the 4th
day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Prayers are conducted in the major monasteries all
over the State.
14 Tendong Lho Rum 8th August Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the oldest festival of
Faat indigenous Lepcha community of Sikkim. The
festival is related to with a legend of deluge.
The indigenous Lepchas residing in the Himalayan
belt had earlier named each and every mountain,
hills, rivers, valleys and ravines which was known
as Nye-Mayel-Lang. Some of these mountains and
rivers, hills and ravines have not only carried
beautiful and romantic folk lore but historical
significance as well. These mountains and valleys
figure prominently in their local myths and
folklores.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is celebrated with great
pomp and grandeur in Sikkim on 7th and 8th August
every year. It is a unique ritual maintained by our
fore-fathers since time immemorial which is a
matter of great pride for all of us.
Realizing its importance and need to preserve this
age old tradition and culture of the indigenous
Lepchas, the Tourism Department has included this
festival in the tourism calendar of events.
The festival is organised annually by the Tendong
Lho Rum Faat celebration committee.
15 Guru Rinpoches 13th August Guru Thrunkar Tshechu is celebrated as the birth
Thrunkar Tshechu day of Guru Padmasambhava, reverentially referred
as Guru Rinpoche in Eastern Himalayan region
and Sikkim in particular.
Guru Rinpoche is revered and worshipped as
guardian saint in Sikkim who blessed this land as
Bayul Demojong (hidden valley of rice) and
transmitted tantric Buddhism in the region adjoined
by Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th Century AD.
Among the galaxy of Buddhist monks, Arahats and
Rinpoches, the prominence of Guru
Padmasambhava as the principal associate and
disciple of Lord Buddha stands out. It was his
prominence that transformed this land into
predominantly a Buddhist land. Guru
Padmasambhava is not only revered by Buddhist
but is held in high regard by the Sikkimese across
all faiths.
16 Janmasthami 25th August This festival is celebrated in the state of Sikkim
with as much pomp and show as that of the whole
country. Dedicated completely to Lord Krishna this
festival celebrates his birth with much adoration.
The added attractions of this festival include
raasleelas, kirtan, bhajan and various other local
functions at various temples across the State.
17 Indrajatra 15th Indrajatra is an important religious festival
September celebrated with pomp and fanfare by the Newar
community in Sikkim. It is belived that many
centuries ago, Indra (king of Heaven)s mother
needed specially scented flowers (Parijat). Indra
looked for them but could not find them in heaven.
Indra discovered Parijat flowers in the Kathmandu
Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He
was caught and imprisoned by people in the Valley.
Indras mother came searching for him and people
were shocked to know what they had done. They
released Indra and dedicated one of the most
colourful festivals of Nepal to him to calm down
his anger.
18 Pang Lhabsol 16th Pang Lhabsol, a festival unique to Sikkim is
September celebrated to offer gratitude to Mt
Khanchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim
and to Yabdu, the Supreme Commander. Rabong is
now emerging as one of the important Buddhist
Pilgrimage Destinations.
Situated at the base of Maenam Hill, a sub-
divisional headquarter and transit point for
beautiful spots such as Chozo Lake, Ralong
Monastery, Manilakhang Sakyamuni Cultural and
Pilgrimage Centre and various tourist destinations
of South Sikkim, Base Camp for trekkers to
Maenam Hill and Borong Hot Spring. A trek down
to the sacred lake Shar Chok Bhepu, one of the
four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a
memorable experience.
19 World Tourism Day 27th World Tourism Day is one of the main events for
September the Tourism Department as well as tourism stake
holders of the State. The World Tourism Day is
considered as the big landmark for the global
tourism as it aims to aware people about the
significant role of the tourism inside the
international community as well as to exhibit how
the social, economic, cultural, political values are
affected by it globally.
Workshops and Seminars based on World Tourism
Day on theme as declared by the UNWTO as well
as other tourism related matters such as Village
Tourism, Eco- Tourism and Adventure Tourism are
conducted.
Stakeholders from all over the State are invited to
participate and interact with each other. Tourism &
Civil Aviation Department presents the State
Tourism Awards of Excellence for those who excel
in this field. This is done with the view to
encourage those involved in tourism promotion for
quality service.
World Tourism Day offers an opportunity in
bringing then Department of Tourism and Civil
Aviation and the Tourism Stakeholders of the State
together to share their success stories, views and
suggestions for bringing greater economic
prosperity to the State.
20 Dasain ( Durga Puja) 8th - 12th Also known as Durga Puja, this fortnight long
October Hindu festival usually falls in the month of
October. The festival symbolizes the victory of the
Hindu Goddess Durga over evil. Barley seeds are
sown in the soil on the first day of this festival and
their growth foretells good harvest. A week later is
Phulpati meaning the day of flowers, followed by
Maha Astami and Kala Ratri and Navami. The 10th
day of the festival is known as Vijay Dashmi and
also marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
During this day people smear their foreheads with
colored rice and the barley sprouts, which was
sown on the first day of Dasain, are picked and
placed over the ears.
21 Namchi Mahotsav October Namchi Top of the Sky, nestled among the hills
Namchi ,South Sikkim at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The town commands a
panoramic view of the surrounding hills and snow
capped mountains and stretches of the valleys
[Link] is an excellent place for short stay and
village excursions. Samdruptse The Wish
Fulfilling Hill has 135 ft high statue of Guru
Padmasambhava which is the highest in the world.
Siddheshvara Dham (Char Dham) is another state
of the art pilgrimage centre wherein replica of all
four Dham has been built around an eighty seven
feet high statue of Lord Shiva. All 12 jyotirlingaas
are also built around the temple complex.
With so much to offer to the visitors the Toursim
Committees are actively involved in promotion and
publicity of Namchi, South Sikkim. Every year
Namchi Mahaotsav is celebrated in the month of
October. There are activities like traditional sports,
sale and exhibition of local arts and handicrafts,
cuisine, flower show and sale etc.
22 Diwali (Tihar) 30th Oct - Tihar is the Festival of Light and symbolizes the
1st Nov return of Lord Ram to his hometown from exile
after victory over Ravana and covers a period of
five days. The festival honors certain animals on
successive days. The first days known as a Kak
Tihar is dedicated to crows and they are offered
rice and some if caught are even garlanded. On the
second day, which is known as Kukkur Tihar,
dogs are garlanded. On the third day the cows are
honored with garland and their horns are painted in
bright colours. It is the turn of bullocks on the
fourth day. Deepali, which falls on the third day is
considered to be the most important day when
goddess Lakshmi comes visiting every home which
is lit bright with candles and electric lights. The
fifth day is also known as Bhai Tika in which
brothers visit the home of sisters and they apply
tikas vermilion to each others forehead. It is also
an occasion for exchanging gifts. During Tihar,
traditional carols called Bailo or Deusi are sung.
23 Maniram Village Oct/Nov Maniram Bhanjyang Tourism Festival is organised
Tourism Festival, for promotion of village tourism. There are number
Maniram, of homestay facilities available offering local
South Sikkim cuisine and an experience of traditional customs
and other local activities.
24 Lhabab Duechen 28th This festival epitomizes in a significant manner the
November descent of Buddha from the heaven of the thirty-
three Gods after visiting his mother. It is
universally believed that Lord Buddha through his
spiritual powers came to know about the
whereabouts of his mother who did not live for a
long time after his birth. After gaining the
necessary information about his mother he
ascended to Heaven where he delivered sermons to
his mother and other celestial beings. During this
period the disciples of the lord could not bear his
long separation and longed to hear his preaching.
Buddha finally relented and descended on earth
along a triple ladder that was prepared especially
for the occasion by Viswakarma.
25 Cherry Tea Festival November Tea plantation at Temi, South Sikkim was
Temi commenced in the year 1969. The plantation ranges
South Sikkim between the elevation range from 1460 to 1890
msl. Temi being agro- climatically suitable for
cultivation of China variety of tea plants initially
procured from Darjeeling Tea Gardens. The tea
factory with orthodox type of manufacture was
established in 1977. The garden is consistently
producing superior quality tea acceptable to wide
markets both international and domestic segments.
The festival is organised with objectives as under:
1. To promote Sikkim (Temi) Tea globally.
2. To promote new destinations in and around
South District.
3. To promote home stays and village tourism
in order to enhance and generate income of
the local community.
26 Red Panda Winter December The winter season in Sikkim draws a spectacular
Festival, image of Mt. Khangchendzonga in its ivory
Gangtok grandeur, providing an alluring background while
corpuscular rays pierce through the scudding
clouds over the skies, adorning Sikkim perfectly for
the cold season.
Red Panda Winter Festival previously known as
Sikkim Winter Carnival is organized in the cold
months of December/ January annually. Like most
festivals, the Red Panda Winter Festival showcased
the traditions and culture of the Sikkimese people.
The festival integrates the locals as well as the
tourists with events and activities themed on a
typical Himalayan winter. From food stalls that
serves exquisite and delicious cuisines of various
ethnic tribes and communities, to cultural carnival
showcasing diverse culture and traditions of
Sikkimese people, flower shows, handloom and
handicraft exhibitions, adventure sports,
photography contests, rock shows, karaoke and
dancing and many more other interactions forms
the affair of the festival.
27 Teyongsi Sirijunga 14th It is the birth anniversary of Teongsi Sirijungha
Sawan Tongnam December Singthebe he was a great social awakener of
Limbus who revived reading and writing of the
Limbu language. The puja is performed for long
life and prosperity
28 Barahimizong 18th The festival of Barahimizong is celebrated by the
December Mangar community living in Sikkim. The
celebration reflects the faith in almighty as the
bestower and protector of mankind. Through this
festival, the gratitude to God is expressed by
offering fresh harvest and seek good fortune for the
coming days.
29 Christmas 25th Christmas is celebrated with much fun & fervor
December along with the rest of the world. People visit
different Churches in Gangtok like [Link] the
Apostle Church, Bethlehem Fellowship Church,
and the House of Grace Church to seek blessings.
Gangtok wears festive look during the month of
December since Lossong & Christmas fall in this
month. Unique feature of Sikkimese people is that
every one celebrates & enjoys all the festival with
great pomp and show. M.G. Marg in Gangtok is the
most happening place. It is wonderfully decorated
with lights, candles and Christmas trees. You can
see the arrangements till New Year and even
beyond.
30 Kagyed Dance 27th Kagyed dance, a customary dance festival,
December celebrated annually in Sikkim falls on the 28th and
29th day of the tenth month according to Tibetan
calendar, which according to English calendar falls
in the month of December. In the name of eight
tantrik Gods and Goddesses commonly called
Kagyed, lamas on these days perform dances and
sing songs in different monasteries and offer
prayers to them requesting these deities to save
human beings from the tormenting evil spirits and
to bless them for good health and fortune.
31 Namprikdang 30th Namsoong is celebrated to welcome the good
Namsoong , December spirits for the New Year. Namsoong has now
Dzongu, become an important festival where visitors from
North Sikkim all over the world can get to see the local sporting
events like archery, pole climbing etc
Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural
programmes are some of the added attractions
during the festival.
32 Tamu Lochar 30th Harvest festival of Gurung community.
December
3rd January
2017
33 Loosong 30th Lossong celebrated all over Sikkim marks the end
December of the harvest season at the end of the tenth month
3rd January of the Tibetan Year. Taking cue from a good
2017 harvest and praying for even better prospects for
the next crop, the festival is marked by religious
masked dances in Enchey Monastery. The dances
symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits and the
welcoming of the good spirits for the new year.
Lossong has now become an important festival
where visitors from all over the world can get to
see the local sporting events like archery, climbing
of greased pole.
Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural
programmes are some of the added attractions
during the festival. The festival is organized by
Tribal Youth Association of Gangtok.
34 Pelling Tourism December Pelling is one of the most popular tourist
Festival destinations. Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view
of the mountains including Mt. Khangchendzonga,
the 3rd highest mountain in the world. There are
numerous tourist spots in and around Pelling .A
weeklong festival includes cultural extravaganza,
sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and local
cuisine.
35 Lingee Payong December Festival of Lepcha community, Namsoong is
Namsoong Festival celebrated continuously for seven days to mark the
beginning of the new year
