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Sikkim is a world onto its own amidst the beautiful and majestic Himalayas. A world where two different religions with different cultures and traditions coexist peacefully with astonishing skyline structures that emphasizes on its connectivity to the world even though the cloud covered mountains seem to reflect another story.
Sikkim is an ideal vacation spot as it is difficult not to fall in love with this warm hearted place that is colorful and thriving with a positive energy. Whether you are a first timer or an old lover, you will always discover something interesting in Sikkim. With no shortage of places to visit or things to do when you are relaxing in Sikkim, you will definitely discover something about yourself as you leisurely trek to the Tsomgo Lake to watch migratory ducks and the riot of flowery colors or simply enjoy a meditative moment as you gaze out at Mt. Khangchendzonga from your hotel window. However, the festivals of Sikkim are what make this place a truly vibrant destination for travelers.
Festivals in Sikkim are a story that never fails to attract attention and admiration which is one of the best time to visit sikkim. While India celebrates all her festivals with much sound – both in form of firecrackers and human enthusiasm – Sikkim is more colorful with its decorations and dances, as it maintains the organic and clean feel that the world has come to associate with this paradise. Rustic beliefs, colorful decorations and a whole lot of laughter characterize some of the best festivals of Sikkim.
It is an important day for the Mahayana Buddhists as it celebrates the three most important phases of Gautama Buddha – his birth, his enlightenment and his attaining nirvana. This triple celebration, which is the biggest in Sikkim, is observed on the full moon of the fourth month of the lunar calendar of the Buddhists and typically falls between the end of May to beginning of June – what the rest of India celebrates as Buddh Poornima. The day is celebrated with people paying a visit to the Sikkim monasteries and offering lamps of butter to show their devotion and love.
It is unique as it celebrates nature. The festival and all its celebrations are surrounding the third highest peak in the world, the Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga. Besides celebrating the peak this festival also honors the treaty signed by Bhutias and Lepchas where all the local deities were welcomed to witness this occasion. Celebrated around the fifteenth day which falls in the seventh month as per their calendar, end of August as per the standard calendar, the festival is a depiction of the deity who is the guardian by the lama who dons the garb and dances. This scenes is accompanies by much joking and laughter.
It is the Farmer’s New Year is like the Baisakhi festival of the North where farmers celebrates their bountiful harvest where the lama dances keeping in tradition of the expulsion of the evil spirit and to welcome the new spirit via the New Year.
This festival is held in Gangtok every year in the month of May, is another example of Sikkim’s respect for nature. Orchids, gladioli, ferns, herbs, roses, cacti, creepers, you name it they have it on display. The colorful display and the intoxicating fragrance of so many flowers mingling will definitely soothe your soul.
Festival which is heralded by the Guthor Chaam that witnesses the lamas of Rumtek and Pemayangtse showcasing the traditional and beautiful dance. Celebrated in the month of February, the Gyalpo Losar is about offering flowers to the monasteries, visiting friends and families and hoping for a better year.
When you are in the land which is tagged as the window to the Himalayas, there is no shortage of places to visit that will tug at your heartstrings. This quaint kingdom turned state of Sikkim has always enraptured travelers. Whenever you plan to visit Sikkim (and you should definitely add it to your bucket list) make sure you do visit these places:
Yuksom is an historic and old place and is considered to be the best place to visit in Sikkim. A paradise for trekkers, the beauty of Yuksom and the quietness of the place is perfect for the solitude seeker. Do check out the Khangchendzonga National Park and the Dubdi Gompa which is the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
Nathula pass which connects India to Tibet is another sight to behold with the prehistoric and stunning Silk Road.
Namchi is for the flora lovers. The scenery of the place is unimaginable and when coupled with the fragrance that transports you to heaven, you will keep wanting more and more. Check out the Rock Garden and the splendid tea gardens while you are at it.
Even though Sikkim is landlocked and straddles the borders of India with Tibet and China, Sikkim is not bereft from its fair share of adventures to appease the thrill seeker. Be it river rafting in the Teesta, trekking through some of the challenging trails, going on wildlife sightings or paragliding through the clean skies, you can have both – a soulful experience or a thrilling day.
Sikkim is the perfect getaway for everyone. Be it a family outing, solo trekking or a honeymoon trip, you can be assured of finding compatibility amidst the mountains and valleys of Sikkim. Its colorful festivals which give importance to nature as well as to the Buddha, their lively dances and the smiling faces of the locals are sure to stay with you for the rest of your life, making you want to go back time and again.
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April 15, 2024 
