Losar Festival: Cultural Extravaganza in Sikkim

HIGHLIGHTS OF LOSAR FESTIVAL IN SIKKIM 2023

Start and End Date: 21 February 2023 to 27 February 2023
Venue: Sikkim, Main celebration held in Rumtek Monastery and Phodong Monastery
Famous for: Local Traditions, Food, Cham Dance, Folk Dance and Music
Nearest Airport : Bagdogra International Airport (124 km)
Nearest Railhead: Siliguri Railway Station(145 km)

SIKKIM

Sikkim is a gleaming northeastern state of India, whose economy is majorly dependent on Agricultural and Tourism. Tourists around the world visit Sikkim for its alpine, biodiversity, breathtaking views, rhododendron flowers, and Tibetan-style Buddhist Gompas. It is host to the famous mountain Kanchenjunga which is the highest peak in India and the third highest in the world. The locals of Sikkim value tourism, agriculture, and spiritual peace. Sikkim is full of culture and unique festivals, Losar festival in Sikkim is celebrated among the locals of the state joyfully.

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LOSAR FESTIVAL IN SIKKIM

Losar Festival is among the most popular festivals in the Northeastern state of Sikkim. Losar festival- Tibetan New year, falls in February and marks the start of the lunar calendar. A harvesting festival, Losar is a significant festival for Tibetans. This vibrant and glorious festival is celebrated in Sikkim with zeal and enthusiasm. In the state of Sikkim, this festival is known as Gyalpo Losar. Losar is the time for friends and family to come together, celebrate, and make merry. Losar festival is celebrated in Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Darjeeling region.

Losar is a Tibetan word that means “New Year” in English. Being the festival of harvest, this is a delightful time for farmers. This festival is a celebration of the hard work of the farmers. Not only that but it is believed that this colorful festival marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Losar is a festival that is not to be missed and is a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, beauty, and tradition of Sikkim. If you are planning to visit Sikkim this month, then plan out the whole weekend and don’t miss this lively festival celebration of Losar.

ORIGIN OF LOSAR FESTIVAL

The Losar festival goes long back even before Buddhism arrived in Tibet and its nearby areas like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. During ancient times Losar was the festival of winter as a gesture to thank the Gods. But over the centuries the Tibetan Astrological methods have changed, and the people celebrate this as the new year and as a new harvesting season.

The high-spirited festival originated in Tibet and later was brought to Sikkim by the Tibet refugees who fled their homeland. This festival has been celebrated for centuries among the Buddhist community. The people believe that celebrating this festival drives away negative spirits. Today, Losar is celebrated by the local people of Sikkim and the Tibetan community and has become an essential part of the state’s culture. The festival is also seen as an occasion to let go of the past and embrace the new beginning with hope, faith, and prosperity.

WHERE IS THE LOSAR FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN SIKKIM?

The festival of Losar is celebrated among friends and families. The main celebration of this zest festival takes place at Rumtek Monastery and Phodong Monastery. The locals of Sikkim celebrate the festival in different places like Lachen and other places. The celebration depends on the locals and the locations because not all the places can be accessible due to the snow covering roads in the state, but the main festival is held at both the monastery.

HOW IS LOSAR FESTIVAL CELEBRATED

The festival of Losar is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sikkim. The festival has been celebrated for over a thousand years. The celebration goes on for a week, during which time the streets of the state come alive with vibrant colors, folk songs and dances, and mouth-watering foods. The preparation begins weeks in advance. The celebrations among the locals of the state begin by cleaning their houses and indulging themselves in the vibrant decorations of the houses.

Before a few days of Losar, rituals and Gutor Cham, a ritual carried out by the monks. Gutor Cham is a Lama dance performed that showcases the victory of good over evil. Locals also performed rituals to the water spirit – Naga. Religious ceremonies take place during the festival in various monasteries, where locals chant prayers. On the day of the New Year, waking up early, wearing new clothes, and offering prayers to God is the custom followed during the day.

The locals of the state also give gifts to the monks as respect and a gesture of thanks. People immerse themselves in the celebrations of the festival by heart. Firecrackers are also set off to keep the negative spirits at bay. The feast held during the celebration is the highlight of the festival. The food cooked is symbolic but also delicious. Food like Momos, Rice Cakes, and Guthuk are a few of the many dishes that are served during the festival. The festival is the time spent with friends and family to celebrate the start of the new year filled with joy, hope, and positivity.

HOW TO REACH SIKKIM

As the Losar festival in Sikkim arrives in February, it is the best time to visit Sikkim and the month of February is the peak tourist month in Sikkim with an abundance of visitors coming here every year. To celebrate this festival with locals, you need to travel to Sikkim. Here is how you can reach Sikkim.

By Air

The nearest major airport to travel to Sikkim is Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal (124 km) approx. This airport connects with all the major cities in India. The domestic airport of Sikkim is Pakyong Airport which is 31 km from the capital of the state, Gangtok.

By Railhead

The nearest railway station to reach the beautiful Sikkim is Siliguri Railway station (145 km) and New Jalpaiguri (188 km). Both these stations are located in West Bengal and are connected to the Indian metro cities.

By Road

The National Highway 31A connects Sikkim to the rest of the states. NH 31 connects Gangtok to Siliguri (West Bengal), and the latter is connected to the other major cities through highways. One can enjoy lush green scenic views and the Teesta river while travelling by road.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIKKIM DURING THE LOSAR FESTIVAL

There are various hotels and homestays in Gangtok and other cities of Sikkim to stay during the celebration of Losar. Book your accommodation in advance for hassle free travelling and stay, so you can enjoy this cultural extravaganza in Sikkim.