News & Announcement
Pang-Lhabsol festival celebrated with traditional grandeur at Yuksam
Gyalshing, September 18 (IPR): The historic Pang Lhabsol festival, honoring the guardian deity Mount Khangchendzonga and commemorating the ancient brotherhood treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias, was celebrated with traditional splendor at Yuksam, the erstwhile capital of Sikkim.
The event was graced by Mr Tshering T Bhutia, Minister-cum-Area MLA as the Chief guest, along with Mr Ds Limboo Zilla Adakshya Gyalshing, Mr Chandan Singh Subba SDM Yuksam, Mr Samber Man Limboo BDO Yuksam, Ms Geeta Gurung BDO Chongrang, Mr Tenzing W Bhutia Range officer-KNP alongside gram Panchayats and local dignitaries were present amongst other prominent officials.
The day-long celebrations began with a Riwo Sang Puja at the sacred Norbugang Chorten Complex, conducted by revered spiritual masters. Ritual prayers were also simultaneously offered at the sacred site Dzongri today following ancient traditions.
Khenpo Rinzing Chewang, one of the spiritual leader present, briefed the gathering on the cultural significance of Pang-Lhabsol, emphasizing its roots in Sikkim’s heritage. The festival, celebrated annually, serves as a way to honor the sacred Mount Khangchendzonga, believed to be the protector of the state since the days of the Chogyal kingdom.
The event featured a series of cultural performances, including traditional dances and music from the Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali communities, reflecting Sikkim’s rich cultural diversity. A skit portraying the history of the Pang-Lhabsol festival was also performed, bringing to life the legacy of the state’s guardian deity. The tug-of-war competition was another highlight, with enthusiastic participation from various teams.
Letters of appreciation and mementos were presented to local organizations and individuals for their contributions on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister Tshering T Bhutia spoke about the importance of preserving Sikkim’s unique cultural traditions and urged the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of the Pang-Lhabsol festival. He praised the efforts of the organizing committee for their role in keeping the festival alive and vibrant.
The Minister also outlined several key projects under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative of the Tourism Department, aimed at enhancing the state's tourism infrastructures. The Minister also outlined several upcoming projects under the Sikkim INSPIRES, aimed at promoting tourism and development in the state. He also highlighted the state government's support for young entrepreneurs through the Unnati scheme, offering 50% subsidized loans for startups in sectors like manufacturing and service.
The celebration concluded with the traditional Sutuk Shyabda dance, performed by the Sikkimese Bhutia community, symbolizing harmony and unity. The Pang-Lhabsol festival at Yuksam, celebrated in the buffer zone of Khangchendzonga National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—highlighted the deep connection between Sikkim’s cultural and natural heritage.
The event was organized by the Pang-Lhabsol Celebration Committee, Yuksam with support from various government departments, local NGOs, and gram panchayats.
The event was graced by Mr Tshering T Bhutia, Minister-cum-Area MLA as the Chief guest, along with Mr Ds Limboo Zilla Adakshya Gyalshing, Mr Chandan Singh Subba SDM Yuksam, Mr Samber Man Limboo BDO Yuksam, Ms Geeta Gurung BDO Chongrang, Mr Tenzing W Bhutia Range officer-KNP alongside gram Panchayats and local dignitaries were present amongst other prominent officials.
The day-long celebrations began with a Riwo Sang Puja at the sacred Norbugang Chorten Complex, conducted by revered spiritual masters. Ritual prayers were also simultaneously offered at the sacred site Dzongri today following ancient traditions.
Khenpo Rinzing Chewang, one of the spiritual leader present, briefed the gathering on the cultural significance of Pang-Lhabsol, emphasizing its roots in Sikkim’s heritage. The festival, celebrated annually, serves as a way to honor the sacred Mount Khangchendzonga, believed to be the protector of the state since the days of the Chogyal kingdom.
The event featured a series of cultural performances, including traditional dances and music from the Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali communities, reflecting Sikkim’s rich cultural diversity. A skit portraying the history of the Pang-Lhabsol festival was also performed, bringing to life the legacy of the state’s guardian deity. The tug-of-war competition was another highlight, with enthusiastic participation from various teams.
Letters of appreciation and mementos were presented to local organizations and individuals for their contributions on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister Tshering T Bhutia spoke about the importance of preserving Sikkim’s unique cultural traditions and urged the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of the Pang-Lhabsol festival. He praised the efforts of the organizing committee for their role in keeping the festival alive and vibrant.
The Minister also outlined several key projects under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative of the Tourism Department, aimed at enhancing the state's tourism infrastructures. The Minister also outlined several upcoming projects under the Sikkim INSPIRES, aimed at promoting tourism and development in the state. He also highlighted the state government's support for young entrepreneurs through the Unnati scheme, offering 50% subsidized loans for startups in sectors like manufacturing and service.
The celebration concluded with the traditional Sutuk Shyabda dance, performed by the Sikkimese Bhutia community, symbolizing harmony and unity. The Pang-Lhabsol festival at Yuksam, celebrated in the buffer zone of Khangchendzonga National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—highlighted the deep connection between Sikkim’s cultural and natural heritage.
The event was organized by the Pang-Lhabsol Celebration Committee, Yuksam with support from various government departments, local NGOs, and gram panchayats.