Sikkim is famous for masked dances and festivals that exhibit rare and elegant colors. These festivals taint the carnival with richness and diversity. The Saga Dawa festival is one of Sikkim’s renowned festivals, performed in the state with great enthusiasm and zeal every year. This celebration is significant especially to the Mahayana Buddhists, who attained enlightenment and salvation from the corporeal world on this day. This is a day for observing religious rites. For all the cultural enthusiasts and travelers who want a sneak peek into Buddhis culture, Saga Dawa Festival in Sikkim is perfect for attending. The religious ceremonies and street processions are a visual treat that should not be missed.
Saga Dawa Festival in Sikkim- Everything you need to know!
History of Saga Dawa Festival
It is said that this festival dates back many centuries, but Saga Dawa was first formalized in 1950 at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Today, the Saga Dawa Festival of Sikkim is celebrated in many countries in different ways and under other names. While Tibetans and Sikkim people call it Saga Dawa, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and other Southeast Asian countries call and celebrate Vesak Day. Also, all over India except in the northeast part, Saga Dawa is commonly known as Buddha Purnima.
Celebration of the Saga Dawa Festival
Saga Dawa is a sacred event in Sikkim connected with people’s beliefs and fascinating legends.
On the day of the Saga Dawa, the people of Sikkim, especially the Mahayana Buddhists, gather in temples and pay due honor to the Lord who has endowed them with various gifts along with the supreme bliss of life; life as we all know it is that milk of paradise which we drink till our last breath; it is god-gifted.
Buddhists of Sikkim gather in the temples and light up lamps in honor of the Supreme Lord; he is supposed to have enlightened the path of the travelers who travel eternally only to lose their way. When their approach is lost, they wander amidst the worries of life, but almighty come with a saving hand. Therefore, the Mahayana Buddhists regard Buddha as their supreme Lord who enlightens their life path. So, the Mahayana Buddhists of Sikkim light lamps to show gratitude to the Lord.
Butter lamps are usually lit, and the ceremony is followed by a grand pageant which consists of Monks who move along with Holy Scriptures and chants hymn while moving forward. This pageant travels around the city of Gangtok and is an auspicious occasion. The convoy starts from the Tsuklakhang Monastery.
Saga Dawa Festival
This festival is usually held at the 4th month of the Buddhist Calendar. This is approximately in May or early June. It is a magnificent carnival of Sikkim.
This festival is usually held in the 4th month of the Buddhist Calendar. This is approximately in May or early June. It is a magnificent carnival of Sikkim. You can plan your tour to Sikkim to participate in this festival on your nex6t vacation in this state of the Northeast.
