SIKKIM

After Buddha attained Nirvana, differences of opinion arose in the religion causing the formation of new sects. Finally in about 100 AD a split took place that caused the formation of two schools, which later became known as the Hinayana (Southern) and the Mahayana (Northern).

Sakewa (Rai)
Sakewa is one of the important festivals of Kirat Rai Community, which is celebrated annually in the month Baisak. The nine day long ceremony starts from the full moon day of Baisak, in which mother earth is worshipped. The Sakewa Puja is usually performed by the Nakchhong (priest) with the help of mongpas in an open place as community puja.

Maha Puja (Newar)
The worship of inner self, Maha Puja, is an important festival of New people. Mha puja is performed for purification, strengthening and understanding of oneself. It also exposes relationship between human and the nature and its cosmos

Dassain (Nepali)
The fortnight long festival usually falls in the month of October, in which Goddess Durga is worshipped.

Tihar
Just after fortnight of celebration of Dassai, Tihar is celebrated. The day marks the return of Hindu God Ram to his capital after vanquishing Ravana in a bloody battle at Lanka. The day is also observed as Laxmi Puja, the festival of lights. Bhaitika is a unique feature of Tyohar festival in which sisters prays for the betterment and long life of their brothers.

Maha Sangrati
Like in other parts of the country, Maha Sanrati is also observed in the month of January. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh (January) continues for three days: It is one of the holy festivals of Hindus. Huge fairs are organised along the river banks and confluence of the rivers, Jorethang, Saramsa, Rorathang and Triveni are the important places where such fairs are held every year. The rituals are solemnised from dawn at the banks of the rivers, which is indeed a rare spectle to watch.

Chaite Dassain Ram Nawami
This religious festival is usually observed in the month March. The day signifies the birth of Lord Rama.

Sonam Losoong
Sonam Losoong is a New Year celebration of Sikkimese Bhutia, falls on the 1’8th day of 10th month of Tibetan Lunar Calendar, when the harvesting season is over. On the occasion pujas are performed for peace and prosperity for the new year. The festival continues for 15 days.. Kagyed dance (Monastic dance) preceds the Lossong festival. Nyempo Guzom, which also falls during Lossong, is considered most inauspicious occasion. And no good works or venture are made during the period.

Namsoong
Namsoong Festival is celebrated by the Lepchas of Sikkim which also coincides with the Sonam Lossong festival of Bhutias. According to Dungkit Karchu (Lepcha Calendar), Namsoong festival begins from 1st day of the ‘Kurneet Lovo’, corresponding to the month of December/January every year. The festival continues for seven days.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat (Worship of Mt. Tendong)
is one of the oldest festivals of the Lepchas. According to Donkit Karch (Lepcha Calendar, this festival falls on ‘Purveem Lovo’, the seventh month of the calendar, corresponding to August 8, every year.

Sunwar (Mukhia alias Koinch) Sagoon
This is a minor puja ceremony done twice a year by Natso with Syamboo, incense, Bospati to propitiate the Sunwar gods and spirits of the death ancestors.

Chhengoo
During the puja Poibos invoke Sunwar deities and the spirits of the dead camping temporarily in a monastery after death.

Kash
An expensive worship which lasts for three days.

Geel
This is a greatest and most celebrated puja ceremony off the Sunwar caste, which requires sacrificing 360 birds and animals.

Chandee
This ceremony is performed in the month of Vaisak full moon day with pomp and grandeur.

Tamu Lochar (Gurung)
Tamu Lochar is one of the traditional festivals of the Gurung Community. It marks the beginning of the Gurung New Year which falls on the 15th day of Pusa, according Vikram Sambat and 30th December in English Calendar. The festival is celebrated with the family and community as a whole.

Sonam Lochar (Tamang)
Sonam Lochar is an important festival of Tamang community. The festival falls in the month January and February (Magha Sukla Pakcha) Spring saeason. Like other communities, the Tamangs also celebrate their festival with great joy and religious fervor which lasts for five to fifteen days from place to place.

Barahimzong (Magar)
Barahimizong is observed on the fifth day of Mangar Purnima. In Mangar language Barahi means God, Minaat or Mi means worship or prayer and Zong means fort. The Barahimizong has been named affter the day of Mangar worship their forefathers or Kul Dev taas

Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Accoding to the Tibetan lunar calendar the first day of the first month of Tibetan Calendar corresponding with English Calendar the month of February-March. They offer prayers and welcome The New Year.