News & Announcement
Pang Lhabsol Reaffirms Sikkim’s Heritage of Faith, Unity and Harmony
Gangtok, August 28 (IPR): The auspicious occasion of Pang Lhabsol was celebrated with traditional religious fervour and devotion at Tsuklakhang Palace, Gangtok, today, in the presence of the Governor, Mr Om Prakash Mathur and the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
The occasion was also graced by Minister for Ecclesiastical and PHED Departments Mr Sonam Lama, MLA cum Chairman, Public Accounts Committee Mr Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, members of the Royal Family, revered Tulkus and Khenpos, members of the Sangha, dignitaries and devotees.
The day’s observances commenced with the traditional Thrulsey Ceremony. The Chief Minister was subsequently escorted to the Royal Palace Ground, where he attended the Rumfaat ceremony.
The ceremonial procession thereafter proceeded towards Tsuklakhang, accompanied by sacred prayers and ceremonial flags. The dignitaries were escorted to the ceremonial venue, where the religious observances continued with the Shelen Ceremony and the traditional offering of khadas to the Kusabs (effigies).
The Governor was then formally received by the Tsuklakhang Trust and Organising Committee, following which the traditional Chhaam was performed by the monks.
A major highlight of the celebration was the sacred Pangtoed Chaam, the traditional warrior dance associated with Pang Lhabsol. The spectacular Pang Toed, or warrior dance, is traditionally believed to have been introduced and choreographed by the Third Chogyal, Chagdor Namgyal (Chakdor Namgyal), based on a visionary dream. With the incorporation of Pang Toed Chaam into the festival, the personification of Khangchendzonga as the Warrior God was also formalised.
The elaborate costumes, intricate movements and symbolic representation of deities reflected the deep spiritual significance and rich Buddhist cultural heritage of Sikkim.
Pang Lhabsol is among the most historically significant festivals of Sikkim. Celebrated annually on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to late August or early September, the festival commemorates the consecration of Mount Khangchendzonga as the Guardian Deity of Sikkim.
The festival also commemorates the historic blood brotherhood between the Lepcha and Bhutia communities at Kabi Longchok, solemnised under the witness of Mount Khangchendzonga. The occasion continues to symbolise unity, peace, harmony and brotherhood among the communities of Sikkim.
The celebration at Tsuklakhang concluded with prayers for lasting peace, harmony, wellbeing and continued progress and prosperity of Sikkim and its people. The programme also included the felicitation of former Trustees and the release of a commemorative book.
The occasion served as a solemn reminder of Sikkim’s enduring spiritual traditions and the profound reverence accorded to Mount Khangchendzonga, the State’s revered guardian deity.
The occasion was also graced by Minister for Ecclesiastical and PHED Departments Mr Sonam Lama, MLA cum Chairman, Public Accounts Committee Mr Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, members of the Royal Family, revered Tulkus and Khenpos, members of the Sangha, dignitaries and devotees.
The day’s observances commenced with the traditional Thrulsey Ceremony. The Chief Minister was subsequently escorted to the Royal Palace Ground, where he attended the Rumfaat ceremony.
The ceremonial procession thereafter proceeded towards Tsuklakhang, accompanied by sacred prayers and ceremonial flags. The dignitaries were escorted to the ceremonial venue, where the religious observances continued with the Shelen Ceremony and the traditional offering of khadas to the Kusabs (effigies).
The Governor was then formally received by the Tsuklakhang Trust and Organising Committee, following which the traditional Chhaam was performed by the monks.
A major highlight of the celebration was the sacred Pangtoed Chaam, the traditional warrior dance associated with Pang Lhabsol. The spectacular Pang Toed, or warrior dance, is traditionally believed to have been introduced and choreographed by the Third Chogyal, Chagdor Namgyal (Chakdor Namgyal), based on a visionary dream. With the incorporation of Pang Toed Chaam into the festival, the personification of Khangchendzonga as the Warrior God was also formalised.
The elaborate costumes, intricate movements and symbolic representation of deities reflected the deep spiritual significance and rich Buddhist cultural heritage of Sikkim.
Pang Lhabsol is among the most historically significant festivals of Sikkim. Celebrated annually on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to late August or early September, the festival commemorates the consecration of Mount Khangchendzonga as the Guardian Deity of Sikkim.
The festival also commemorates the historic blood brotherhood between the Lepcha and Bhutia communities at Kabi Longchok, solemnised under the witness of Mount Khangchendzonga. The occasion continues to symbolise unity, peace, harmony and brotherhood among the communities of Sikkim.
The celebration at Tsuklakhang concluded with prayers for lasting peace, harmony, wellbeing and continued progress and prosperity of Sikkim and its people. The programme also included the felicitation of former Trustees and the release of a commemorative book.
The occasion served as a solemn reminder of Sikkim’s enduring spiritual traditions and the profound reverence accorded to Mount Khangchendzonga, the State’s revered guardian deity.
