Sikkim to Celebrate Pang Lhabsol Festival

Pang Lhabsol, a festival commemorating the conservation of Mt. Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity of the state, is unique to Sikkim. It has its origin in the Lepcha people's belief that the mountain is their place of origin. It is also believed that the festival has its roots in Lhatsun Chenpo's (the propagator of Buddhism in Sikkim) vision. It is said that while meditating in a cave at Dzongri in west Sikkim, the mountain the guardian deity of the state.

Subsequently, Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim, introduced the "pangtoed" dance and dedicated it to Kanchenjunga as a war deity. However, the actual origin of the festival is said to be the blood-brotherhood pact between the Lepcha bonthing, Thekung Tek, and Khye-Bumsa, the ancestor of the Namgyal royal family.

Pang Lhabsol combines masked dance with warrior dance, giving the festival an inherent drama, which surpasses that found in other Buddhist festivals. There are resplendent costumes and colorful masks, and the choreography is spectacular. Kanchenjunga itself is represented by a dancer wearing a red mask mounted with five human skulls, on top of which are mounted flags.

Yabdu, Kanchenjunga's Supreme Commander, wears a black mask, while the warriors who accompany them are attired in the traditional Sikkimese battle dress, complete with helmets, swords and shields. The dramatic entry of Mahakala, the protector of the dharma, or faith, is one of the highlights of the dance. It is Mahakala who commands Kanchenjunga and Yabdu to defend the faith and bring peace and prosperity to Sikkim.

A week prior to the dance, the lamas of Pemayangtse monastery in west Sikkim, where the festival takes place, offer prayers, invoking Dzonka - the popular local name for Kanchenjunga - to protect the land and look after the people. The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar.

Sikkim Festivals : Feast for the eyes

Sikkim’s buddhist festivals are worth seeing!!
THOUGH a small chunk of Sikkim’s population consists of Tibetans, many a Tibetan festival is celebrated across the state round the year. Saga Dawa, also known as the Triple Blessed Festival, is considered the holiest Buddhist festival. On this day, Lord Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment and attained nirvana; and these three important events are celebrated during Saga Dawa.
The festival falls on a full moon in the fourth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which is between the end of May and the beginning of June in the Gregorian calendar.
Lhabab Dhuechen is a festival that symbolises the descent of the Buddha from heaven after visiting his mother. “Dhuechen” means festival while “Lha” means heaven and “bab” means descent. Legend goes that Queen Maya, mother of Lord Buddha, did not live long after his birth and took rebirth in Trayastrimsa or the heaven of the 30 Gods. After attaining enlightenment (Bodhi), Lord Buddha through spiritual powers came to know about the whereabouts of his mother and at the age of 41 ascended to heaven along with thousands of his followers. Lord Buddha stayed in heaven for three months during which he delivered sermons to his mother and other celestial beings. Lord Buddha had left behind on earth one of his disciples, Maudgalyayana, as his representative. This disciple and other devotees of the Lord could not bear the long detachment and longed to hear his preaching. Maugalyayana, who possessed miraculous powers, was asked to go up to heaven to beseech the Lord to return to earth. The gods were not willing to let Lord Buddha return but Maugalyana suggested that as the earthly beings did not have the powers to visit heaven, the celestial being could rather come to the earth to attend his preaching. Lord Buddha finally acceded and descended to earth at a place called Sankasya by means of a triple-ladder that was fabricated especially for the occasion by Viswakarma, the God of Tools.
Drukpa Tsheshi is another festival that is observed by Buddhists to commemorate the event when the Buddha delivered his sermons to his five disciples at Sarnath for the first time. This festival celebrates the Buddha’s first preaching of the four Noble Truths. The first is the Noble Truth of Suffering, the second the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, Karma and Delusion and their causes; the third the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering or the Attainment of Nirvana; and the fourth being the Truth of the Eight Ways Leading to Nirvana. The day falls on the fourth day (Teshi) of the sixth Tibetan month (Drukpa), which is around the end of July and the beginning of August. In Gangtok, Drupka Tsheshi is marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place called Muguthang in extreme north Sikkim. The festival is felicitated with a Yak race.
Phang Lhabsol is a unique festival of Sikkim. The third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal, made this festival popular. In this festival, the snowy range of Kanchenjungha is worshipped for its unifying powers. The festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood-brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by Khye Bumsa and Tetong Tek when, it is said, the local deities were invoked to witness the occasion. On this day, the guardian deity is portrayed by masked dances. The dancer, dressed as a red-faced deity with a crown of five skulls, rides a snow lion. To boost the mood of the spectators, clowns called Atchars play antics during the Chaams dance. This festival is held on the 15th day of the seventh month which is around the end of August.
Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the 10th month of the Tibetan Year. Taking a cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by Chaam dancing at the monasteries at Tsu-La-Khang, Phodong and Rumtek. The dances symbolise the exorcising of evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits of the new year. It is best observed in the countryside. Archery competitions and festivities mark the occasion. Men become gods during the dances and don attire with mystical symbols.

The Tibetan New AYear festival, Losar, is equally shared by the Sikkimese. People come out on the roads and join in the Yak Dance with yells to usher in the new year. They wear their best brocades, sing and greet each other with warm hugs. Picnickers are seen having a time out in groups in the lovely vales.
Sikkim’s Tibetan festivals are worth seeing, even if this means getting there from miles away.

PANG LHABSOL - WORSHIP OF THE Mt. KANCHENJUNGA

Pang Lhabsol, a festival commemorating the conservation of Mt. Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity of the state, is unique to Sikkim. It has its origin in the Lepcha people's belief that the mountain is their place of origin. It is also believed that the festival has its roots in Lhatsun Chenpo's (the propagator of Buddhism in Sikkim) vision. It is said that while meditating in a cave at Dzongri in west Sikkim, the mountain the guardian deity of the state.

Subsequently, Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim, introduced the "pangtoed" dance and dedicated it to Kanchenjunga as a war deity. However, the actual origin of the festival is said to be the blood-brotherhood pact between the Lepcha bonthing, Thekung Tek, and Khye-Bumsa, the ancestor of the Namgyal royal family.

Pang Lhabsol combines masked dance with warrior dance, giving the festival an inherent drama, which surpasses that found in other Buddhist festivals. There are resplendent costumes and colorful masks, and the choreography is spectacular. Kanchenjunga itself is represented by a dancer wearing a red mask mounted with five human skulls, on top of which are mounted flags.

Yabdu, Kanchenjunga's Supreme Commander, wears a black mask, while the warriors who accompany them are attired in the traditional Sikkimese battle dress, complete with helmets, swords and shields. The dramatic entry of Mahakala, the protector of the dharma, or faith, is one of the highlights of the dance. It is Mahakala who commands Kanchenjunga and Yabdu to defend the faith and bring peace and prosperity to Sikkim.

A week prior to the dance, the lamas of Pemayangtse monastery in west Sikkim, where the festival takes place, offer prayers, invoking Dzonka - the popular local name for Kanchenjunga - to protect the land and look after the people. The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar

Low key Pang Lhabsol celebrations in Sikkim

Gangtok,August5: Amidst a gloom, deep sorrow and grief for the demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. YSR Reddy, the 26th Pang Lhabsol celebration was held at Ravangla in South Sikkim Friday. Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling, who was to be chief guest, did not attend the traditional celebration. Instead, the Minister for RM&DD Mr. CB Karki was chief guest of the restrained function.

The celebration started with the traditional ‘Chham’, the warrior dance, at Manelakhang premises, Ravangla.

Chham and the final of Open Volleyball Tournament 2009 were the only two items in the day’s programme. In the volleyball tournament CLC Barfung defeated Tashiding CLC by three sets to one.
The programme was attended by Minister for Power and Cultural Heritage Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, Area MLA Barfung Mr. Sonam Gyatso, MLA Temi-Tarku Mr. BS Panth, Mr. Madan Century, MLA Zoom–Salghari and Political Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KN Rai, among others.
In the capital, Gangtok, the celebration began with a cultural programme on Thursday evening but it was put off on Friday. “As the nation mourns the death of Andhra CM, the cultural fest is postponed”, announced Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee (Statue of Unity) chairman, Mr. T. Lachungpa. He however distributed prizes to winners of various competitions held on the occasion.

26th Pang Lhabsol festivities in Ravangla starts

GANGTOK, August 31: The unity of Sikkimese cultural enormity and plurality that it’s different indigenous communities-Nepalis, Bhutias and Lepchas- encompasses is set to come alive during the State wide festivities of Pang Lhabsol.
The celebrations are held to pay obeisance to Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and the common thread for the complete communal harmony here.

Over the years, Rabongla in South Sikkim has been the hub of Pang Lhabsol festival with the celebration committee straddle firmly with one foot in tradition and the other foot in modern amusements.

Having completed silver jubilee celebrations of Pang Lhabsol at Rabongla last year, the committee is all set to continue the festivities during the 26th Pang Lhabsol which will commence from September 2.

The opening day will witness rural sports, open volleyball semi-final, traditional dances and bike stunts.

Besides the famed Pang Toed Chaam dance on September 4, the other chief attraction is the volleyball tournament featuring several teams. The celebrations will be held at Mani Chokerling complex.

Rabongla over the years has grown as a volleyball hub in Sikkim Himalayan region and every volleyball lover awaits this event held along the sidelines of Pang Lhabsol celebrations.

The day celebrations will be wrapped up musical evenings by hard hitting rock band Robin N Looza and rap outfit Nepsydez.

Rural Development minister CB Karki and Barfung MLA Sonam Gyatso Bhutia have extended warm invitations to all to witness the 26th Pang Lhabsol festival at Rabong.

Chess tournament in Pang Lhabsol at Ravangla

Gangtok,August28 : Open State Level Pang Lahbsol Chess Tournament will be organized by Ravangla Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee (RPCC) at V.C. Ganju Lama Senior Secondary School, Ravangla, from 2- 4 September.
Sikkim Chess Association (SCA) is participating for the first time in Ravangla Panglabsol Celebration, Mr. Mahindra Dhakal, General Secretary of SCA and an international chess player said in a press conference at SCA office at 6th mile Tadong on Friday. Mr. Nir Kumar Gurung, RPCC publicity secretary, Chogyal Bhutia, treasurer and Bikash Rai, member, were present. Around 80 players are expected to participate in the seven round league match, Mr. Dhakal said.
Objective of the tournament is to give chance to the chess players and to develop chess in sports sector, said SCA president H S Sharma. The winner and runners-up in the final will be given trophy, certificate and also cash prize, of which the amount is yet to be decided, the organizers said.
Chief Patron of the chess tournament is C B Karki, Minister for Rural Management and Development (RMD) and Dushan Pariyar chairman of RPCC.

Scholarships to three students by Gangtok Pang Lhabsol celebration committee

Gangtok,August12: Pang Lhabsol will be celebrated as unity day by Pang Lhabshol celebration committee on 4th September at Gangtok. Mr. Thukchuk Lachungpa, president of the committee, in a press conference at his residence on Tuesday, said every year the celebration is organized as a unity day as “a tradition in the State”.
Stating that Pang Lhabsol has both religious and cultural importance he said, the celebration committee will organize the programme as a cultural event.
Governor Mr. B.P. Singh will be invited as chief guest and Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling will be invited as guest of honour for the programme which will be presided by the president of the celebration committee, Mr. Lachungpa informed.
On the day, two categories of cultural competitions would be organized for NGOs and students, he said adding, from this time the celebration committee has decided to provide scholarships for degree course to needy best three students of the State who have scored more than 80% in Class XII exam. “The celebration committee has decided to bear the best three students’ education expenses irrespective of their streams and colleges in India,” Mr. Lachungpa said

Preparations for Sikkim Pang Lhabsol festival begins

GANGTOK, August 11: Preparations for the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations have begun.
The President of Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee Thukchuk Lachungpa today said that the festival held in honour of Mt Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim would be carried out with usual pomp and gaiety.
Addressing a press conference at his office here today, Mr. Lachungpa said the celebration will begin from September 2 with ritual prayers. “From September 4 onwards, a variety of cultural programmes of different communities will be organised,” he said.
The president of the celebration committee added that Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh will be the chief guest on the final day programme while Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be attending the programme as the guest of honour.
The celebration to be held at the State Capital will have participation from students from schools in and around Gangtok along with participation from other NGOs, clubs and other associations. “There are separate categories for students as well for the NGOs, clubs and associations with lots of attractive prizes,” Mr Lachungpa said.
This year the Pang Lhabsol falls on September 4, coinciding with the 15th day of the seventh Buddhist month.
He further said that the committee will take up the initiative of sponsoring financially deprived students who secure above 80 percent in their board exams for their degree courses.

PANG LHABSOL RENEWS TIES OF BROTHERHOOD

Statues of Unity Park vibrates with colours of cultural heritage and communal bonding

GANGTOK, August 28: Pang Lhabsol, the festival commemorating the consecration of Mt Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity was observed here at the Statue of Unity in Gangtok in a grand manner.
Bongthings and monks offered their prayers in front of the Statue of Unity seeking peace and prosperity in this tiny Himalayan State.
The Governor V Rama Rao attended the occasion as the chief guest along with the NK Pradhan, MLA, Gangtok.
The festival is unique to the State and is observed every year on the 15th day of the seventh Buddhist month, falling between August and September.
Addressing the congregation, the Governor said, “Sikkim has been tremendously blessed with the natural, flora, fauna and scared mountains which is infact exclusive in the entire region.” He also voiced on the festival’s uniqueness in uniting the Sikkimese people. “May peace and tranquillity prevail in Sikkim forever,” the Governor wished.
NK Pradhan felt that the way of observing the festival itself reveals the determination of the people to live in unity.
Thukchuk Lachungpa, President, Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee said that the celebration this year was done in a simple way with the participation of few schools and cultural organisations.
In the school level dance competition, which formed a part of the Pang Lhabsol celebrations here, Kyi- De- Khang School bagged the first position while Palden Khangsar School and Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School won the second and third positions respectively.
Similarly, Hamro Parivar of Assam Lingzey, stood first in the open competition. Nitya Kala Sansthan, Sichey and Rong Ong Ronjeshum bagged the second and third prizes respectively.
The winners were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and 2000 respectively. This festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood brotherhood signed between the Lepchas and Bhutias by Khye Bumsa and Thekong Tek when the local deities were invoked to witness the occasion.
Later, in the seventeenth century, the festival was popularised by the third king of Sikkim, Chogyal Chagdor Namgyal when he introduced the Pangtoed Chaam during Pang Lhabsol. In the Chaam, the guardian deity, Dzonga is portrayed as a fiery red-faced deity with a crown of five skulls and riding a snow lion.
In Rabong, the festival was celebrated for three days and culminated today with a Pangtoed Chaam performed by both the monks and laymen at Mani Chokerling.
Monks and Bongthings also went to offer their prayers at the sacred caves, sacred lakes and in the foothills of Mt Khangchendzonga.
As usual, Pemayangtse and Ralang monasteries also performed the Pangtoed Chaam in a solemn way.

Sikkim Pang Lhabsol festival concludes

RABONG, August 28: The three-day long Pang Lhabsol festival concluded here at Mani Chokerling Mani Lhagang, with a colourful Pangtoed Chaam.
Somnath Poudyal, Minister, Agriculture and Horticulture was the chief guest of the day.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Poudyal congratulated the organizers and urged the youth folk to imbibe positive aspects of the festival which is being celebrated exclusively in Sikkim as a festival of unity, communal harmony and brotherhood. He also stressed on the importance of preserving the sense of unity and integrity as proclaimed in the festival.
DD Bhutia, Minister, Urban Development and Housing Department who is also the chief patron of the Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee in his address highlighted about the significance and the history of the festival. He also informed that the Pang Lhabsol next year will mark its silver jubilee year and that it will be celebrated in a big way with the inclusion of all the north eastern states in the festival where their cultural heritages will be showcased.
Earlier, the celebration began with prayers performed by monks at the Mani Lhagang. The celebration was also attended by PS Tamang, Minister, Sports and Youth Affairs, ND Chingapa, Chief Secretary, Zilla Adakshya and Upadakshya, DC, SP and other officials of Namchi and Rabongla along with the huge public presence

Sikkim worships guardian deity

RABONG (South Sikkim) Aug 28: Over 7,000 people including monks, students and state government officials thronged Mani Chokerling shrine at Rabong in South Sikkim today to witness Pang Lhabsol, a mask dance festival. People offered prayers to Mount Kanchanzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim. The day was also observed to mark the signing of the brotherhood treaty between Lepchas and Bhutias in the 13th century. "We are celebrating the festival here since 1984," said Mr DD Bhutia, state urban development and housing department minister who was the chief patron of the organising committee. "We will celebrate the silver jubilee of the festival next year in a big way," Mr Bhutia, added. Various cultural programmes were organised and traditional dances performed to mark the festival. Tourists also took part in the celebrations. People from all walks of life including children were present at the Rabong monastery to watch mask dance. "The main reason behind organising the event is to preserve our traditional culture, such as mask dance, which is fast vanishing," Mr Bhutia, said. "This festival also brings peace in our society as we pray in the monastery for peace and tranquility," he added. More than 25 departmental stalls from different parts of the state were put up in the exhibition and locals were engaged in food stalls selling traditional local food. "Another reason behind organising the event is to engage unemployed locals in this way," Mr Bhutia, said. Students from various schools performed traditional dances, such as snow lion dance on the occasion. A volleyball match and other sports event students were also organised.

SIKKIM PANG LHABSOL FESTIVAL 2007

Gangtok, August 28: The Pang Lhabsol celebrations here in Gangtok today started at the Statues of Unity Park with offering of pujas to the guardian deity Khangchendzonga and the renewal of the faith in the oath of brotherhood between Khye Bumsa and Thekong Tek, which laid the foundation for the Sikkimese society.
The Boongthings and Lamas offered prayers to the guardian deity Khangchendzonga for peace, tranquility and prosperity in the State.
On August 28, the celebration started from early morning with the offering of prayers which were followed by a cultural showcase.

Pang Lhabsol, a festival commemorating the conservation of Mt. Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity of the state, is observed as the "Unity Day in Statue of Unity Park, Gangtok today. It has its origin in the Lepcha people's belief that the mountain is their place of origin. It is also believed that the festival has its roots in Lhatsun Chenpo's (the propagator of Buddhism in Sikkim) vision. It is said that while meditating in a cave at Dzongri in west Sikkim, the mountain the guardian deity of the state. Pang Lhabsol was traditionally held at Tsuklakhang, the royal chapel in Gangtok where it was a very solemn occasion, an event patronized by the royal family. Since its discontinuation at Tsuklakhang, Pnag Lhabsol has moved out of the sate capital to the interiors. . The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar.

GOVERNOR, CM GREETS PEOPLE ON PANG LHABSOL

GANGTOK, August 28: On the auspicious occasion of Pang Lhabsol, the Governor, Shri V. Rama Rao and Smt. Vasantha Kumari have extended their warm greetings and best wishes to all the people of Sikkim.
Similarly, the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling and Ms. Tika Maya Chamling have also extended their warm greetings to the people of Sikkim. In their greetings, they have stated that may the mighty Khangchendzonga continue to bestow peace and communal harmony in Sikkim and guide the people to path of progress and prosperity.
Similarly, the Chief Minister and Ms Tikamaya Chamling have also greeted the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan

Rural sports at Sikkim festival

Rabong, Aug. 27: Sporting activities ruled the roost at this South Sikkim town on the second day of Pang Lhabsol today.
The three-day festival is unique to Sikkim and is observed to pay obeisance to Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of the state. It also commemorates the signing of the blood brotherhood between the Lepcha chief Thekung Thek and his Bhutia counterpart Khye Bhumsa in the 8th century with Khangchendzonga as witness.
In Rabong, the festival is being held for the 24th year in a row and the occasion is used to promote rural sports along with the traditional and religious aspects of the festival. Even senior citizens and women avail of a chance to participate in the various rural sports organised by the Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee.
The participants took part in tug-of-war, bamboo-pole climbing, pillow fights, musical chairs, balloon fights, cock fights and sack race.
“Besides the religious ceremonies, we organise activities for the promotion of rural sports which is losing out to other games,” Y.C. Bhutia, a senior member of the organising committee told journalists.
The other big attractions are the volleyball tournaments. While one is an intra-Sikkim tourney, the other is a national-level meet with cash prizes and trophies. Some of the best national players including Arjuna awardees and members who have represented the Indian and Nepali sides in international matches descend on Rabong for the meet.
The three-day festivities will come to an end tomorrow at the Mane Chokerling complex here.
The highlight of the celebrations tomorrow is the Pangtoed Chaam, the warrior dance to be performed on the final day. Pangtoed Chaam is the manifestation of a dream by the fourth ruler Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal in the 17th century and was later choreographed by him.

Sikkim Pang Lhabsol celebrations

GANGTOK, Aug 27: Sikkim will celebrate the 28th Pang Lhabsol Festival in Gangtok on Tuesday. This festival celebrates the signing of a treaty of brotherhood by the Lepchas and the Bhutias in the 13th century. On this occasion, the general populace of Sikkim also pays homage to their guardian deity, Mount. Kanchanjunga. This is the biggest festival that is celebrated in the state. This year there will be grand celebrations in the eastern capital city of Gangtok and in the southern town of Ravangla .“We celebrate this festival in memory of the treaty signed between Lepchas and Bhutia for blood brotherhood” said Mr Thukchuk Lachungpa, President of Pang Lhabsol Committee. “It is important to celebrate this in the 21 st century as it emphasises on the spirit of unity,” He added. “We will be having an open cultural programme, an essay writing competition and other traditional events,” said Mr Lachungpa. “The chief minister will be our chief guest and the governor the special guest at the occasion”, he added. “Every year, we bring an artist from Nepal and Darjeeling to perform at the musical night but this time we failed to do so.”In Ravangla, celebrations are held in the traditional manner. Prayers are offered to Mount. Kanchanjunga and monks showcase their traditional mask dance called “Pangtoed Chaam”.“Apart from the traditional celebrations, we also organise national level volley ball matches, other rural sports, fairs exhibitions and cultural shows,” said Mr Pema Leyda, a member of organising committee. “The reason behind organizing such an event is to preserve our culture and tradition”, he added. “The colorful festival also attracts many foreign tourist inlarge numbers to Ravangla. This gives a boost to local entrepreneurs and helps improves their business,” said Mr Leyda. “On this special occasion, even monks and locals from all the monasteries of Sikkim gather here to witness the mask dance ,” he added.

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.