Introduction:
A beautiful state of Northeastern India, called Sikkim, surrounded by the sacred and beautiful Himalayas, and it celebrates a very significant festival of peace and spirituality, known as Pang Lhabsol. It is celebrated every year around late August or early September. This festival symbolizes cultural pride, respect, and unity.
Most of the Indian festivals are based on mythologies, seasons, and folk tales. Pang Lhabsol also represents spirituality and politics. The intention initially was to bring people of diverse groups together through shared traditions. The festival pays tribute to Mount Kanchenjunga. It is considered the protective spirit of Sikkim. Additionally, this festival also honors the long-standing ties between the tribes of Lepcha and Bhutia.
History of Pang Lhabsol
The beginning of Pang Lhabsol is connected with the old belief system of the Lepcha and Bhutia people. Legends say that a respected Buddhist monk, Lhatsun Chenpo, had a supernatural vision of a mountain deity, which led him to the sacred valley of Demajong, which is Bhutia’s sacred name of Sikkim. It was said that the Kanchenjunga guards this valley, and it guards the well-being and calmness.
Sikkim joined India in 1975, and after that, the ceremony of Pang Lhabsol stopped being held in the Tsuklakhang palace. The monks from Pemayangtse monastery helped to start it again in 1994. By the mid of 1990, a new version that focused on the unity of the Lepcha and Bhutia people came into Gangtok. With time, the event started becoming bigger. Celebrations begin happening in other monastries Rabong and Lachen monasteries. Eventually, the Tsuklakhang Trust was formed in 2000, and by 2016, they thankfully managed to revive the ceremony in the palace successfully.
This festival is a reminder of the brotherhood bond between the communities of Lepchas and Bhutia. This was the pledge taken by both tribes, and it is the most important factor in the beginning of this festival. Both communities are pillars of Sikkimese identity.
The Significance of Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga is way more important to the people of Sikkim as it’s a symbol of kindness, also referred to as “Five Treasures of Snow”. People believe it offers protection to them and guidance.
For Sikkimese people, the mountains are more than a geological entity. Mountains are living beings that have their own strengths, personalities, and abilities. It is the world’s third-highest peak and a primary deity of Sikkim. This festival the way to show consideration to their protector and it’s bond with the people.
Important Customs and Rituals
Pang Lhabsol is primarily celebrated at the Tsuklakhang Monastery (the Royal Palace) in Gangtok, but celebration also held in different monasteries, such as Rumtek Monestary etc. On this day, people celebrate it with many dance performances, social events, and rituals.
- Pangtoed Cham (Masked Warrior Dance):
The monks who perform the dance wear very beautiful, decorated design costumes. They look more like warriors. The performance looks amazing, includes very strong, impressive movements, spiritual, pleasing everyone in the audience. They dance in front of the monasteries.
The dancers used different mask represent different deities and animals. The monks with the higher rank are attired as Kanchenjunga and Mahakal. It is believed that Mahakal gives blessings to the land and orders Kanchenjunga to look after and take care of Sikkim.
- Celebration:
In the morning, people play many games together. Volleyball competitions, tug of war, and races are organized. People make traditional Sikkimese food, fruits, and sweets, and enjoy themselves with families and friends. People meet and greet each other. Mandala art also holds an important significance in this festival. It represents cosmic balance and peace. The mandala used in the ceremony is very vibrant and beautiful.
Scroll Buddhist Thangka paintings are displayed during the festival in the monastery and outside the monastery as well. Thangka depicts the sacred Kanchenjunga; these paintings enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the festival. Audience receive the blessing from it feel the spiritualism.
Significance of Pang Lhabsol
This festival is not limited to ceremonies only, but also it is also connected with the sacred geography of Sikkim. It is an important cultural heritage of Sikkim. The land of Sikkim is sacred and protected by gods and deities. People appreciate nature, and they are inspired to live in peace.
Environmental preservation is also an important aspect of this festival. Sikkim is struggling with ecological decline and climate change. The festival also helps to make people aware of the preservation of the Himalayan ecology. The community tries to raise awareness about protecting forests, water resources, and promoting sustainability.
With time, the festival evolved and became flexible with its traditions. It takes responsibility for the future and pays respect to the past.
Conclusion:
Pang Lhabsol is now gaining recognition beyond Sikkim. Travelers from across India and the world come to visit Sikkim to experience this amazing festival live. Visitors experience the beautiful, rich, cultural, and lively dances, peaceful ceremonies, and spirituality.
It is not just a festival but more of a celebration of the sharing community of Sikkim. Rooted in sacredness and ancientness, this festival also addresses modern issues. This festival continues to inspire generations, people celebrate the bond between communities, honor Kanchenjunga, and raise awareness about the preservation of the environment.
References:
- Assam Tribune. (n.d.). Pang Lhabsol festival. https://assamtribune.com/archive/wordle-915-answer-today-december-21-click-here-to-check-hints-and-clues-for-the-word-of-the-day-1510706
- Chattopadhyay, A. (2022). Traditional rituals as conduits for political ascendancy: The Pang Lhabsol festival of Sikkim, India. New Theatre Quarterly, 38(3), 283–297. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266464X22000203
- Government of India. (n.d.). Pang Lhabsol. Utsav Portal. https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/pang-lhabsol-1
- Namchi District Administration. (n.d.). Devotees celebrate Pang Lhabsol at Udhar Che Sum Mani Chokerling Gumpa, Ravangla. https://namchi.nic.in/devotees-celebrates-pang-lhabsol-at-udhar-che-sum-mani-chokerling-gumpa-ravangla-with-spiritual-fervour/
- Offbeat Sikkim. (n.d.). Pang Lhabsol festival. https://offbeatsikkim.com/blog/pang-lhabsol-festival
- Sikkim Project. (n.d.). Pemayangtse Monastery and Pang Lhabsol rituals. https://sikkimproject.org/pemayangtse-monastery-and-panglhabsol-rituals/
- Sikkim Tourism. (n.d.). Pang Lhabsol festival. https://sikkimtourism.gov.in/Public/ExperienceSikkim/FairsAndFestivalDetails/FF20A071?type=Festival
- YourTours. (n.d.). Pang Lhabsol festival celebrated in Sikkim. https://blog.yourtours.in/pang-lhabsol-festival-celebrated-in-sikkim/#hfaq-post-6833