Thursday, August 23, 2007

PANG LHABSOL CELEBRATION 2007


GANGTOK, August 22: Pang Lhabsol or the worship of Mt Khangchendzonga will be observed in a grand manner here in Gangtok at the Statue of Unity park.

Calling a press conference today, Thukchuk Lachungpa, President, Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee (Statue of Unity) said that this year being the eleventh year of celebration will be done in a special way with Governor V Rama Rao as the chief guest.

The chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling is likely to attend the celebration as the guest of honour, Mr Lachungpa said.

The main function will start from the evening of August 27 at the vicinity of statue of unity in MG Marg where the spiritual leaders will perform offerings and prayers.
On August 28 from 8 am onwards, cultural presentations will be shown by different NGOs, associations and school students.
Besides highlighting the importance of the festival by the committee, the agenda features Essay writing competition on the topic “Significance of Pang Lhabsol in Sikkim”.
The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held every year on the fifteenth day of the seventh Buddhist month.

Pang Lhabsol has its origin in the worship of the snowy ranges and became influential when the blood brotherhood pact was signed between the Lepchas and Bhutias with Thekong Tek, Nekong Nyal and Khye Bumsa keeping Mt Khangchendzonga as the witness to the treaty.
Moreover, Pang Lhabsol is also marked with a Pangtoed Chaam, which is known to be introduced by Chogyal Chador Namgyal, the third king Sikkim.
Pangtoed Chaam will be performed every year in Pemayangtse monastery, Ralang monastery and Mani Chokerling in Rabong, South Sikkim.