Every year in mid September, Sikkmese celebrate the festival to worship Mount Khanchendzonga, as their protector deity

Sikkim, the second smallest and the least populous state of India has many unique things to its credit. One such distinctive thing is “Pang Lhabsol” festival. Celebrated in the mid of September to offer gratitude to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander of Mount Khanchendzonga.

Introduced by the king Chakdor Namgyal in the 18th century, it is the oldest and one of the much celebrated festivals in Sikkim. It is known for its mask dances.

It is believed that the King himself choreographed several of the mask dances which are even performed today. The performers in the dance represent the characters of that time for example; the swordsmen today were the real rulers of that period. This was a trick of a king to keep his soldiers fit.

Out of all the places in Sikkim, Rabong’s “Pang Lhabsol” has traced a different journey over the years. In last 26 years celebrations in Rabong has become a major tourist attraction. With its vibrant celebrations along with cultural programme and sporting activities it is drawing lot of attention around the world.

Pang Lhabsol is also important as it symbolizes the harmony and unification in the state. When there are snag all over the country this festival presents the perfect example peace and prosperity among the various communities. This ancient ritual of human integration is now an act of veneration.

Reason to celebrate

In the legendary past the great Tibetan Chief Khye Bumsa from the Chumbi Valley in Tibet had vowed a pact of blood brotherhood with the Sikkimese Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek. The local deities were then invoked to remain witness to the ceremony and bless it. The two races then became brethrens. It is in that spirit they still celebrate today.

At the dance the guardian deity, Mt Khangchendzonga is symbolized as a fierce ruddy faced deity. It’s mask is coronet with five frightening skulls astride their equally terrifying mounts of mythical snow lions.

Celebrations

The celebration starts few days prior to the ceremony. The artificial bars of cake are prepared by the monks of the monastery. These cakes are called as Chezings. On the fifteenth day, they offer elaborate prayers, exclusively the khelen a prayer which, intends to remind the deities of their responsibility to protect the land from all anti-religious forces, Dze-Mga and Yabdui, after which common people throng inside the shrine to offer grains, rice, fruits, etc to the deities.

Pang Lhabsol in Rabongla isn’t just a tradition being followed because it is written on the almanac. To the devout, it is the realization of goals and objectives more profound, and there were many who come to get blessed.

 

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