Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim marked its sacred bond with Mount Khangchendzonga on August 28 during the Pang Lhabsol festival. Crowds gathered at the Tsuklakhang Palace grounds in Gangtok for the rituals. The day honored the mountain as the guardian deity of the state.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang led the event. Attendees included Minister Sonam Lama, MLA Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, and members of the former royal family. Monks, Tulkus, and Khenpos oversaw the proceedings. It was a busy day. Ceremonies began with the Thrulsey event, followed by the Rumfaat ceremony and a formal procession to the palace grounds.
The schedule included the Shelen ceremony and the offering of khadas to the Kusabs. The Tsuklakhang Trust and the organizing committee greeted the Governor at the venue. The main spectacle was the Pangtoed Chaam, a warrior dance showing the mountain as a protector. Tradition claims the Third Chogyal, Chagdor Namgyal, created the dance after seeing it in a dream. "The dance symbolises Khangchendzonga as the Warrior God and forms an important part of Sikkim's Buddhist cultural heritage."
Pang Lhabsol happens every year on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. It highlights the historic blood brotherhood pact between the Lepcha and Bhutia people at Kabi Longchok. This treaty remains a foundation for local peace. Organizers wrapped up the day by releasing a commemorative book and honoring former trustees. They prayed for the future wellbeing of Sikkim.
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