The calendar reflects numerous fairs and festivals in Sikkim that are celebrated with zeal. Losoong is one of Sikkim’s grand festivals, displaying the beauty of culture, and is counted as one of the significant festivals of Sikkim. Moreover, it is the celebration of the Sikkimese New Year. Therefore, Losoong is an extravagant carnival in Sikkim. According to the Tibetan Calendar, the festival falls on the 10th month of every year, generally the month of December. Chaam dance and archery contests are the major attractions. Beyond Bhutias and Lepchas, the Losoong festival in Sikkim is also celebrated grandly by Nepalese, Sikkimese, and other tribal communities in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Nepal.
History of Losoong Festival Sikkim
Based on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, Losoong falls on the 18th day of the 10th month. Therefore, Losoong is recognized as the Annual Harvest Festival of the Sikkimese. The celebration falls around the end of the year during December. This is the time that marks the end of the year’s harvesting season. The farmers have worked hard, and now they spend a few days of leisure and merry-making. The excitement of these few days helps to be motivated through the hardships throughout the year.
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Celebrations of Losoong in Sikkim
The Losoong Festival is inspired, or better to say, it is rather adapted from the traditions and rituals of the Tibetan New Year, Losar.
Take a look at the highlights, rituals, and traditions of the Losoong Festival in Sikkim –
Cham Dance – The major attraction of Losoong in Sikkim is the Cham Dance, which is colorful and lively and a significant part of Tibetan and Buddhist festivals. These holy men play music using traditional instruments and dance wearing elaborate masks and classic attire, performed only by monks.
The cham dance symbolizes an offering to the Gods. The dance reflects the festive mood and welcomes the new harvest season. The core concept of the Cham dance is a depiction of moral instructions. Dancers dress up as mystical figures as well as Godly personalities. The dance is a kind of exorcism of evil, and whoever witnesses the dance is bestowed with a lot of blessings, good health, and wealth. The most significant dance events occur in bigger monasteries in Sikkim like Tsuklakhang Palace, Rumtek Monastery, etc.
Offerings – The New Year celebration begins when the priest offers Chi-Fut, particularly alcohol, to the gods. The offering is followed by burning the effigy of the demon king. Burning the demon represents destroying the evil from the lives of the people.
Traditional Food & Decorations – Similar to most festivals in India, Losoong Festival in Sikkim is incomplete without special delicacies of the respective region. Sikkimese cook particular foods. The delicious locally made drinks are also a part of the festivities. Monasteries and homes are seen decorated in colorful flags as well as festoons. The bliss of white winters and the burst of colors make it an incredible sight.
How to Reach Sikkim
Almost all the modes of transportation are available to visit Sikkim. Despite being a hilly state, transportation is comfortable and well connected by air, rail, and road.
By Flight: The close airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. It is 124 km away from Gangtok.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to reach Sikkim. Located in West Bengal, the railhead is 125 km from Gangtok.
By Road The road lifeline of Sikkim is National Highway 31A which connects Gangtok with Siliguri. This picturesque highway has regular bus service, adequate number of private buses, jeeps and taxis. To know more details about How to reach Sikkim click here!
If you plan to attend the Losoong Festival in Sikkim, check out accommodations from our listed collection. Luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget lodgings, and all kinds of hotels in Sikkim and Gangtok are available for booking. To explore more of Sikkim, you may want to browse through our collection of Sikkim tour packages. So what are you waiting for? Make hassle-free travel plans with us and explore the North Eastern frontiers of India.
