Holi or Fagu Purnima the festivals of color in Nepal
When does Holi take place? 29th and 30th March 2021 10th and 11th March 2020 20th and 21st March 2019 Holi or Fagu Purnima’s date changes according to the Hindu calendar. The Hindu calendar is based on solar and lunisolar calendars. It is very different from the Gregorian calendar, so most important festivals occur on other dates or even months on the Gregorian calendar. In Nepal, we have a unique practice where the hillmen celebrate a day ahead of the Terai residents. Like many of the festivals of this region, there are many myths and stories behind each festival. Holi is welcoming spring and summer. It is also observed to get a blessing of God for coming harvests and fertility of the land. This festival is celebrated in most South Asian counties. Holi takes place on the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdasi. However, the celebration starts on the next day of the Fullmoon (Purnima). Holi is the festival of colour, camaraderie, and love. How Holi is celebrated Holi in Nepal starts a week before the primary day of the festival. The tradition is to erect a long bamboo pole covered with different coloured cloths (called Chir locally) in Basantapur, Durbar Square. On the eve of Holi, the bamboo pole (lingo) is brought down, and the bamboo pole (Chir) is burnt. This occasion is known as Holika Dahan or Chir Haran, after which the festival of Holi begins. This festival is celebrated with colours, music, sweets and most of all with water. The participants put colours on one another, a token of love. People go from house to house with relatives and friends in groups during the celebration. Putting coloured powder or liquid form while eating traditional Indian sweets throughout the day is how they celebrate Holi. Some people also play music and dance during this festival. The people of the hills in Nepal celebrate this festival a day ahead of the Terai region and India. Therefore the festival of Holi is celebrated for two consecutive days by the different areas of the nation. Some participants use water guns to squirt water on others during the celebrations. Traditionally it used to be made of bamboo, but these days modern plastic water guns are used. In addition, the popularity of balloons and plastic bags filled with water is a less expensive way to have fun for the youth. Children start throwing water-filled plastic bags and balloons as early as a week before Holi begins. People gather firewood to light fires while playing music and dancing. Some indulge in bhang (an edible cannabis preparation) with mixed lassis to enhance their celebration. The alleys of villages and towns are alight with firewood. This is considered an essential part of the Holi festival. It symbolizes the end of Holi (Holika Dahan). Government offices are closed on Falgun Purnima in the hilly regions of Nepal as Holi is an official holiday here, while the Terai region celebrates Holi the next day. Tales behind Holi There are numerous stories behind the Holi festival. Lord Krishna and Radha It is said that Lord Krishna was continuously moaning to his mother, Yasodha and that all his girlfriends teased him by calling him the dark one (Kala). He is believed to have asked Yasodha why he was dark when all his girlfriends (Gopinis including his beloved Radha) were fair. Yasodha, in turn, gave Krishna various colours and asked him to throw them on all the Gopinis’ faces so they too would look dark like him. Krishna brought the colours and applied them to all the Gopinis. The Gopinis loved the colours as they were all head over heels in love with Krishna and enjoyed the occasion. This is one of the tales of how Holi began. Death of Holika It is also believed that Holi is the day Holika died. It is to celebrate her death. Praladh was the son of Hiranyakasyapu, a demon. Hiranyakasyapu thought of himself as the most powerful being in the Universe and wanted everyone only to worship him. Praladh, on the other hand, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyapu tried to convince his son numerous times to worship him but failed miserably. So Praladh continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakasyapu plotted the murder of his 5-year-old son. He ordered Holika, his sister, to kill Praladh. Holika was gifted with a fireproof dress. It is believed that she carried Praladh into a flame. However, due to his faithful devotion to Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna came to his rescue and burnt Holika instead. Holika Dahan, which means the end of Holika, is now known as Holi. People celebrate the death of Holika with colours to this day. The people make a replica of Holika out of hay and burn it at the festival of Holi. Krishna and Draupati It is also said that Holi is celebrated to honour Krishna’s protection of Draupati’s modesty by producing several lengths of cloth when the Kauravas stripped (Cheer Haran) her. At the same time, her husband, the Pandavas, hung their heads in shame. So it is another tale linked to the celebration with Holi. Dhundi and boys Another tale has it that once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Prithu, a horrible ogress called Dhundhi began to trouble the children. She had received a boon from Lord Shiva, which protected her from getting harmed by Gods, men, weapons, heat, cold, snow, or rain, making her more or less indestructible. However, Shiva had also given her a curse whereby boys could be dangerous to her. Through the advice of his priest, King Raghu arranged for some boys to go out seeking the ogress with wood in their hands. They were further empowered with mantras to go around Dhundi thrice while chanting them, making loud noises to annoy the ogress. On the first day of spring, the group of boys collected firewood, lit it alight, and started dancing, and the consumption of bhang intoxicated them. Then, in the influence
Vesak day
Vesak Day or Buddha Purnima 26th May 2021 15th May 2020 18th May 2019 Vesak day is also known as Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday) in Nepal. His first name was Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BCE in Lumbini, which is now part of Modern Nepal. Birth and birthplace of Lord Buddha Siddhartha was the son of King Suddhodhan and Queen Maya Devi, the Ruler of Kapilavastu. Siddhartha was born in Lumbini, in a forest of Sal trees – Latin name, Shorea Robusta. Lumbini now lies in Rupendehi district, Province number 5 of modern Nepal. Lumbini was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Buddha was born on a full moon day, achieved enlightenment on the same day of the same month 35 years later, and gained Nirvana on the same full moon day at the ripe old age of eighty. This day is also known as Buddha Purnima (full moon). Buddha means the enlightened one. Buddha was also known as Shakyamuni. Gautam Buddha Buddha left his physical body and attained Pari Nirvana at the age of eighty. Nirvana is a state where one gets out of the circle of life and death. The Life of Buddha It is said that soon after his birth, Siddhartha took seven steps, and before each foot touched the ground, a lotus flower bloomed for each of the seven steps. He took the seven steps towards the north immediately after birth and looked around for supreme beings in this universe. Then, he raised a finger to announce in the Pali language. * “Ako hamasmi natho” I am the senior-most. * ” Ako hamasmi loko” I am the first and foremost. * “Ako hamasmi shresth” I am the supreme one. * These words are phonetically spelt and roughly interpreted in layman’s terms, so most of us can understand them. Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha near Lumbini Garden’s pond while in her parental home. He was given a bath in the garden pond at Lumbini. That same pond is now known as Siddhartha Kunda. Kunda means either a pond or a lake in Sanskrit. Maya Devi’s idol was built at the very spot where Siddhartha was given birth. Maya Devi passed away a week after giving birth to Siddhartha. A holy man prophesized that Siddhartha would either be the greatest Ruler or the most exceptional spiritual leader. His father, the king, obviously desired his son to be the greatest emperor ever. So the king brought up young Siddhartha in opulence and sheltered him from the realities of life and hardships. Siddhartha lived his life as a perfect prince. He loved all the luxuries of life as a young man. He was married to Yasodhara at sixteen and had a son called Rahul. His princely lifestyle continued to the age of 29. Quest for the remedy of suffering. It was not too long before Siddharta’s life changed drastically. One day he and his good friend snuck out of the palatial quarters to wander around the city. Not long before, he started observing various types of sufferings humanity faced. The nightmares began to be felt within him. Siddhartha saw diseases, old age, and death. He also came across a monk who had donated all his belongings on his quest for humankind’s welfare. Siddhartha was deeply moved by this outing which made him restless with questions about finding the way out of this circle of life and death. He wanted to find a way to end all these sufferings. So one day, he quietly sneaked out of the palace to search for the answers/ways to alleviate the anguish. The Ascetic Life before Enlightenment Siddhartha lived as an ascetic for the next six years. He studied and meditated using verses from various religious teachers as his guide. He joined a group of five ascetics to practice his new way of life. His devotion to his quest was so dedicated that the five ascetics soon became Siddhartha’s followers. He redoubled his efforts when the answers he sought did not appear while enduring pain, refusing water and fasting to near starvation. However, hard Siddhartha tried, he could not reach the level of achievement he sought. Finally, he got up from his meditation and bathed in a nearby river. A young village girl saw the starving sage and offered him a bowl of rice pudding. He suddenly realized that physically punishing the body was not the way to achieve personal liberation. He found the answer to be the middle path. He ate the rice pudding and drank water after bathing in the river. The five ascetics were furious with Siddhartha for ‘giving up the ascetic life and what they considered ‘following the ways of the flesh, and they immediately left him. Siddhartha encouraged people to walk on the path of balance instead of symbolizing extremism, the well renowned – Middle way. The Buddha Surfaces One night, Siddhartha sat under a Bodhi tree, vowed not to get up until the truths he pursued were found, and he meditated until the sun rose the next morning. He remained in the same spot for several days, observing his whole life and previous lives while purifying his mind in meditation. During this period, he overcame Mara’s threats, an evil demon who had challenged his right to become a Buddha. Siddhartha touched the ground with his hand and asked the Earth to bear witness to his enlightenment when Mara tried to claim the enlightened state as his own, which Earth did and banished Mara. Furthermore, a vision formed in his mind of all that took place in the universe, and Siddhartha found the answers to the questions he had been searching for over so many years. Thus, Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha in that moment of pure enlightenment – ‘he who is awake.’ Buddha’s Teachings. Equipped with his new wisdom, the Buddha was hesitant to teach initially because what he knew could not get through to the others in words. Legend
Ram Navami Festival of Nepal.
Ram Navami Festival of Nepal 21st April 2021 2nd April 2020 14th April 2019 14th April 2018 Lord Ram is considered to be another incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. The Nepalese have an ingrained opinion and devout confidence in him. His control, clean heart, kindness, love, bravery, peacefulness, and expressiveness in speech gave him the desired status amongst his devotees. Ram Navami is one of the well-known festivals of the Hindus. It falls on the Navami of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Month, consistent with the Hindu calendar. These days it is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ram, the son of King Dasharatha. Ram is the seventh incarnation of the Hindu god – Vishnu. Ram Navami marks the quiet of the nine-day utsava, referred to as Chaitra Navratri. On the day of Ram Navami, the houses are cleaned, and Lord Ram’s pictures are placed on a platform in preparation for the puja. In addition, Bhajan (devotional songs) praising the exploits of Lord Ram are sung at various houses and temples. This day is celebrated as the Ram Navami festival all over Nepal and India. His life story is told in the much-adored Hindu epic- the “Ramayana.” It is believed that the planet became under the control of an evil and monstrous mischievous sprite, king Ravan, before Lord Ram’s birth. Ravan had pleased Lord Brahma, who bestowed Ravan a boon that no God or demon could kill him. This gave Ravan protection from everyone apart from a mortal. To get rid of the evil ruler, Lord Vishnu took Lord Ram to the town of Ayodhya. Why is Ram Navami celebrated? King Dasharatha, who ruled over Ayodhya, had one stress – none of his three queens could give him any sons. So Lord Vishnu gave them nectar to drink, and momentarily the eldest son Ram was born to the first queen, the second queen gave birth to Bharat, and the third queen had the twins, Lakshmana and Shatrughana. All 4 of them became ideal youths, but Ram grew up with charm and chivalrous charisma. King Janak, who ruled the Mithila Kingdom in southern Nepal, had a lovely daughter known as Sita. When she turned 16, Janak detained a top-notch match wherein it became introduced that the one who could cord the perfect curtsy of Lord Shiva would be successful in coming first and winning the hands of fair Sita. Princes and Kings from far and wide tried to do it; however, all failed. Finally, Lord Ram did not just bend the arrow but also snap it into two. Therefore, Lord Ram won Sita’s hand, seen as the epitome of womanhood- stunning, pious, loyal, mild, and modest. During his 14-year exile from Ram, the demonic Ravan abducted Sita. However, she determinedly resisted his advances. Finally, the loyal servant monkey Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, located Sita’s location. Ravan had taken her to his beautiful kingdom Lanka, a mythical country now believed to have been Sri Lanka. Finally, with the assistance of Hanuman and the monkey horde, Ram and Lakshman slew the evil Ravan and eradicate the entire dynasty of demons from the earth. It is for that reason Ram Navami is celebrated as Lord Ram’s Birthday. It is marked by many pleasant ceremonies at Janaki Mandir in Janakpur. Large processions of elephants and bullock carts and ever so often, as many as 100,000 pilgrims visit this city, dancing and singing songs that praise Lord Ram. In Kathmandu, hundreds of humans, including the royal circle of relatives, visit the temples to respect Ram, as symposiums are detained to praise the proper existence he used to live. In Bhaktapur, the neighbouring city of Kathmandu, the humans go to the banks of the waterway Hanumante; a temple containing Ram’s statue with his devoted servant Hanuman is located. As a consequence, Ram Navami is widely known at some point in the kingdom with incredible fanfare. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Holi or Fagu Purnima the festival of colors in Nepal
Holi or Fagu Purnima, the festival of colours in Nepal When does Holi take place? 29th and 30th March 2021 8th and 9th March 2020 20th and 21st March 2019 Holi or Fagu Purnima’s date changes according to the Hindu calendar. The Hindu calendar is based on solar and lunisolar calendars. It is very different from the Gregorian calendar, so most important festivals occur on other dates or even months on the Gregorian calendar. In Nepal, we have a unique practice where the hillmen celebrate a day ahead of the Terai residents. Like many of the festivals of this region, there are many myths and stories behind each festival. Holi is welcoming spring and summer. It is also observed to get a blessing from God for coming harvests and fertility of the land. This festival is celebrated in most South Asian counties. Holi takes place on the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdasi. However, the celebration starts on the next day of the Fullmoon (Purnima). Holi is a festival of colour, camaraderie, and love. How Holi is celebrated Holi in Nepal starts a week before the primary day of the festival. The tradition is to erect a long bamboo pole covered with different coloured cloths (called Chir locally) in Basantapur, Durbar Square. On the eve of Holi, the bamboo pole (lingo) is brought down, and the bamboo pole (Chir) is burnt. This occasion is known as Holika Dahan or Chir Haran, after which the festival of Holi begins. This festival is celebrated with colours, music, sweets and most of all with water. The participants put colours on one another, a token of love. People go from house to house with relatives and friends in groups during the celebration. Putting coloured powder or liquid form while eating traditional Indian sweets throughout the day is how they celebrate Holi. Some people also play music and dance during this festival. The people of the hills in Nepal celebrate this festival a day ahead of the Terai region and India. Therefore the festival of Holi is celebrated for two consecutive days by the different areas of the nation. Some participants use water guns to squirt water on others during the celebrations. Traditionally it used to be made of bamboo, but these days modern plastic water guns are used. In addition, the popularity of balloons and plastic bags filled with water is a less expensive way to have fun for the youth. Children start throwing water-filled plastic bags and balloons as early as a week before Holi begins. People gather firewood to light fires while playing music and dancing. Some indulge in bhang (an edible cannabis preparation) with mixed lassis to enhance their celebration. The alleys of villages and towns are alight with firewood. This is considered an essential part of the Holi festival. It symbolizes the end of Holi (Holika Dahan). Government offices are closed on Falgun Purnima in Nepal’s hilly regions as Holi is an official holiday here, while the Terai region celebrates Holi the next day. Tales behind Holi There are numerous stories behind the Holi festival. Lord Krishna and Radha It is said that Lord Krishna was continuously moaning to his mother, Yasodha and that all his girlfriends teased him by calling him the dark one (Kala). He is believed to have asked Yasodha why he was dark when all his girlfriends (Gopinis, including his beloved Radha) were fair. Yasodha, in turn, gave Krishna various colours and asked him to throw them on all the Gopinis’ faces so they, too, would look dark like him. Krishna brought the colours and applied them to all the Gopinis. The Gopinis loved the colours as they were all head over heels in love with Krishna and enjoyed the occasion. This is one of the tales of how Holi began. Death of Holika It is also believed that Holi is the day Holika died. It is to celebrate her death. Praladh was the son of Hiranyakasyapu, a demon. Hiranyakasyapu thought of himself as the most powerful being in the Universe and wanted everyone only to worship him. Praladh, on the other hand, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyapu tried to convince his son numerous times to worship him but failed miserably. So Praladh continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakasyapu plotted the murder of a 5-year-old son. He ordered Holika, his sister, to kill Praladh. Holika was gifted with a fireproof dress. It is believed that she carried Praladh into a flame. However, due to his faithful devotion to Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna came to his rescue and burnt Holika instead. Holika Dahan, which means the end of Holika, is now known as Holi. People celebrate the death of Holika with colours to this day. The people make a replica of Holika out of hay and burn it at the festival of Holi. Krishna and Draupati It is also said that Holi is celebrated to honour Krishna’s protection of Draupati’s modesty by producing several lengths of cloth when the Kauravas stripped (Cheer Haran) her while her husband, the Pandavas, hung their head in shame. So it is another tale linked to the celebration of Holi. Dhundi and boys Another tale has it that once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Prithu, a horrible ogress called Dhundhi began to trouble the children. She had received a boon from Lord Shiva, protected from getting harmed by Gods, men, weapons, heat, cold, snow, or rain, making her more or less indestructible. However, Shiva had also given her a curse whereby boys could be dangerous to her. King Raghu arranged for some boys to seek the ogress with wood in their hands through his priest’s advice. They were further empowered with mantras to go around Dhundi thrice while chanting them, making loud noises to annoy the ogress. On the first day of spring, the group of boys collected firewood, lit it alight, and started dancing, and the consumption of bhang intoxicated them. Then, under the influence of
Ghantakarna Chaturdasi Festival of Nepal
Ghantakarna Chaturdasi Festival of Nepal This festival is generally celebrated in July/August. However, this year it was on the 30th of July 2019. Since the beginning, people have given ‘peace’ offerings and sacrifices to demons, serpents, supernatural beings, and natural elements such as water, fire, and the wind. Legend has it that a demon named Ghantakarna was a notorious demon who was known to spread havoc amongst the people. Therefore, this festival is to remember and celebrate the end of Ghantakarna. Effigies of the demon are erected at the crossroads of all the streets. People place pots of cooked rice at all intersections for the beast. A man coloured in black and blue paint all over his body goes around begging for money. The demon’s effigy is dragged to a nearby river to get rid of the painted man sitting on it. People offer the model of demon meat and other food today; people also wear metal rings known as Gathemangal ko aunthi (Gathemang’s c. It is believed that this ring safeguards people from all evil spirits. In addition, the locals hammer three-pointed nails onto the doorposts to keep the evil at bay before nightfall. As usual, several legends and myths are connected to this demon, Ghantakarna, which is part revered and part feared. The children make the effigies of Ghantakarna out of bamboo, tree branches, and dried corn stalks. The children collect money from passersby in the name of Ghantakarna. The children shout and call those who refuse to give money, “look at the grandson of Ganthe Mangal; he is coming!” This day also marks the beginning of the month-long Lakhe Naach (Mask dance) In the past, when water scarcity or thunderstorms brought illnesses such as gastrointestinal problems, common during the monsoon period, people believed that evil spirits were behind the diseases. They found that evil spirits could cause these diseases because of the absence of The Nine Durgas (Nava Durga). People do these things on this day. Cleaning of the houses Enacting the mythical drama in the streets Make effigies denoting Ghantakarna and place them at the crossroads of every main street. Girls hang their hand-made dolls on this effigy to protect themselves from evil spirits. People wear a wrought iron ring on their fingers and ornaments made of silver or gold on their children’s wrists and ankles. Girls apply henna to their palms. Groups of boys roam, asking for alms shouting ‘Aaju Jaya Haa, Om Shanti Jaya Nepal.’ The collected money was used for the ritual works for their deceased family members in the past. Locals gather to erect the effigy, and a monster-like drawing is painted on it. ‘Aaju Jaya,’ the one who impersonates Ghantakarna by smearing himself with paint, is served beaten rice with curd under the puppet. ‘Aaju Jaya’ is then made to wander the streets with a burning torch made out of the husk and begging for alms. The man goes around the effigy three times. Finally, everyone volunteers to drag Ghantakarna to a nearby river. However, during the process, ‘Aaju’ escapes from the way. Even though no recorded history is available of when this festival started, it is believed that it began during the Lichhavi period during the reign of the Gopala Bansha (the cowherds). Once again, there are several versions of this festival. A slightly different version of this folklore is; A demon called Ghantakarna, who wore a pair of bells as earrings, terrifies the people and kills them. The meaning of his name was Ghanta (bell), Karna (ears) When all attempts to kill the demon failed, a wise frog was successful in executing this demon. The frog lured the demon into a swamp, trapped him while out hunting, and managed to kill the monster. It is said that this day of the new moon marks the celebration of the Ghantakarna Festival. This is why the Newar community worships the frog on this day. There is also a slight confusion/controversy about whether Ghantakarna was a demon or a deity. The Hindus worship Ghantakarna as a devotee of Lord Shiva, while the Buddhists consider him a form of Bhairav. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Gai Jatra Festival of Nepal
Gai Jatra festival of Nepal 23rd August 2021 11th August 2020 19th August 2019 Most festivals in Nepal have turned into a coersion today. However, in specific cases, it has become a burden financially and time-wise due to the dilution of the sources and concealed reasons. The Gai Jatra (Sa Paro in Newari), or the cow festival, is one such event that is more appropriate these days than ever. It is a festival that helps family members cope with the death of a near and dear one. It is an essential factor in helping with the healing process. Every town within and outside the Kathmandu valley celebrates this festival differently. History has taught us that King Pratap Malla, the ruler of Kathmandu from 1641 – 1674 AD, began the festival to heal his wife’s grief after the demise of their son. The long parade concept was to help her recognize that many families in the city had also lost a loved one the same year. He believed that this experience would lessen her grief a little. He then is supposed to have announced a reward to anyone who could bring a smile to his wife’s face when the parade could not help. To achieve this, he granted complete ‘freedom of speech during this festival—the public dressed in ridiculous attire and makeup and performed satirical performances. Then, seeing the queen smile, he began to pay them to perform in front of their houses as well. The queen then voiced her request to bathe in numerous confluences of rivers in the region. King Pratap Malla was again faced with the challenge of fulfilling her wish. The king, renowned as an innovator, had Rani Pokhari (Queen’s pond) constructed, filled with water from all the holy sites she yearned to visit. Today when you drive into the heart of Kathmandu city, you will notice a dry pond under construction after the 2015 earthquake. During the Gai Jatra festival, families where death has occurred will bring a cow or dress up young boys as cows and parade in Kathmandu’s streets. It is believed that the deceased will make it to the gates of paradise safely by holding on to the cow’s tail. In the old days, one could get a sense of the number of deaths that had taken place in that particular year among the Newar community by counting the number of participants. Moreover, the parade was a simple way to keep consensus and begin healing the deep sorrow caused by any form of death of the bereaved families. The satire with the complete ‘freedom of speech, where no one is spared, helps speed up the healing process. Cartoons, comic books, cross-dressing, mimicry, poetry, street theatre, speeches; you name it, and you will be able to enjoy all of these and more both on the streets and stages (dabali). There will be music and feasting everywhere. Recently, the public has complained that some of the presented materials are of poor taste and downright vulgar. This festival is a great outlet to release resentment, annoyance, and dissatisfaction while making fun of those whom you usually would not be permitted to be ridiculed. Traditionally the parade walked past the palaces of the old Malla period in the valley. The parade marches past Birendra International Convention centre (BICC), where the reinstated parliament meets. The politicians need to be reminded of the corruption and inconveniences that the Nepalese must bear and make sure the politicians are reminded that the public sees everything. There is a similar story that prevails from the time of the Buddha. When the Buddha was going around giving Dhamma lessons, a woman named Krishna Gautami approached him, carrying a dead child and wailing. She insisted that her child be brought back to life if he was as great as people claimed. So the Buddha gently asked the woman to get some mustard seeds from a house where no deaths had occurred so that he could sprinkle the seeds on the child to bring them back to life. The woman happily agreed and began searching for seeds from a household where no one had died. She went from house to house only to be told sad tales of death in every home. Finally, the woman realized the futility of her efforts as the way went on to understand that death is inevitable, and every family experiences it. Hence her healing process began. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Festivals of Darjeeling and Sikkim
Festivals of Darjeeling and Sikkim It would help if you visited Darjeeling and Sikkim to witness the riot of the kaleidoscope of colours. Sikkim and Darjeeling are tucked away in the North-Eastern corridor of India in the shadows of the Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, while Darjeeling is part of West Bengal. The festivals here match in grandeur with all of India. An array of festivals is celebrated annually with rich, diverse cultures and traditions. However, you must plan a trip first to experience the celestial and colourful festivals. Here are some of the most celebrated festivals. 1. Saga Dawa: 26th May 2021 Saga Dawa is considered one of the most religious festivals in Sikkim and Darjeeling amongst the Mahayana Buddhists. The day begins with locals visiting monasteries and offering butter lamps as a token of their devotion. This festival celebrates the three occasions associated with the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. First, it is the birth, enlightenment, and achievement of Nirvana by Lord Buddha. Second, this celebration takes place on the full moon day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, around the end of May and early June. 2. Drukpa Teshi: 14th July 2021 Drukpa Tseshi is celebrated with full zeal and splendour as this was the day Buddha gave his first sermon of four Noble Truths to his initial five devotees at a deer park in Sarnath. This day is celebrated on the fourth day (Teshi) of the Tibetan calendar’s 6th month (Drukpa), usually during July or August. It is one of the widely celebrated festivals in Gangtok, with mass prayers at Deer Park and Muguthang in North Sikkim. The day is then concluded with a Yak race, which highlights the celebration at Muguthang. 3. Pang Lhabsol: 2nd September 2021 Pang Lhasbsol is unique to Sikkim. It was made famous by Chakdor Namgyal, the third king of Sikkim. The festival involves worshipping Mount Kanchenjunga. It also marks the age-old blood brotherhood treaty signed between the Lepchas and Bhutias by KhyeBumsa, TetongTek, and the local gods/deities who witnessed the event. A masked monk depicts the guardian deity during this festival. While riding a snow lion, he is dressed in a bright red costume and a mask with a crown of five skulls. “Atchars” or jesters play pranks and antics on the spectators to lighten up the otherwise solemn ceremony. This occasion is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, around the end of August. 4. Bumchu: 27th February 2021 The festival of Bumchu is observed in West Sikkim at the Tashiding Monastery in January. ‘Bum’ means ‘pot or vase,’ and ‘Chu’ means ‘water.’ The Lamas of the religious community open the pot that contains the Holy Water during the festival. Some of the holy water is distributed amongst the devotees gathered for the festival, and the pot is refilled with water and sealed to be utilized the following year. The water level in the container predicts the outcome of the year. If the water overflows, it means the coming year will be disturbing, and on the off chance the pot is dry, it implies a drought and starvation. 5. Kagyat Dance: 24th & 25th December 2021 Kagyat Dance is performed every 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. The monks in the Tsuklakhang Monastery usually perform this dance. The custom move finishes with the burning of effigies made of flour, wood, and paper, which symbolize the destruction of the evil powers of hatred. Before beginning this remarkable Buddhist religious festival, the monks usually offered Prayer at the beginning of this Buddhist festival. Then, they get together and pray for the prosperity of their community through the medium of dance. 6. Rumtek Chaam: 14th December 2021 Rumtek Monastery is renowned for its ‘Chaam’ – the traditional lama dance and the adapted ‘opera’ performed by the laypeople who live in the monastery’s vicinity. The vital ‘Chaam’ of Rumtek is completed two days before the Tibetan New Year and is shown on the tenth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. It is also known as ‘Tse Chu Chaam,’ these Chaams represent the eight different manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, an Indian sage who spread Buddhism’s teachings in Tibet. 7. Losoong: 16th December 2021 The Sikkimese New Year is known as ‘Sonam Losar’ (the Farmer’s New Year). It is the event wherein the farmers’ cheer and celebrates their harvest. Losoong is celebrated among relatives and companions; the spirit of this delightful festival in Sikkim brings all people together for a common reason. Lama dances are held in almost all leading monasteries two days after Losoong. These dances are believed to expel the previous year’s wicked spirits and welcome the high spirits for the coming year. 8. Enchey Chaam: No dates available for 2021, probably due to COVID 19 The annual ‘Chaam’- a traditional dance performed by the Lamas of the Enchey religious community, is conducted each year on the eighteenth and nineteenth days of the Tibetan calendar’s eleventh month, usually in December. Like in all the Chaams in different parts of Sikkim, this Buddhist religious festival in Sikkim watches the Lamas in their fabulous outfits and perform the divine dance with each other. However, in Enchey, the Drag-dMarChaam of Padmasambhava is believed to be in his most wrathful form! 9. Loshar: 12th – 14th February 2021 Loshar is the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated by welcoming neighbours, companions, and relatives to social events. A few days preceding Losar is the Guthor Chaam, where beautiful lama dances are held in the Pemayangtse and Rumtek Monasteries to welcome the Tibetan New Year. The Hindus of Nepalese origin celebrate various Hindu festivals like in Nepal. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Festivals of Tibet
Festivals In Tibet Many grand and vibrant Tibetan festivals make up our Lhasa festivals and events list. The highlights are The Tibetan New Year, the Shoton Festival, and the Thangka Festival, when a giant Buddha painting is unfurled. Other festivals are associated with Buddhist monasteries and local traditions and customs. Lhasa is the centre of all things Tibetan, so a Lhasa tour, especially one including a minority festival, would be ideal for experiencing Tibet’s culture. Here are some of the famous festivals in Tibet. Loshar (New Year) 12th – 14th February 2021 25th – 27th February 2020 5th – 7th February 2019 It is the largest Tibetan festival celebrated by all. It starts on the 1st day of the 1st month of the Tibetan Calendar. It is observed for 3 to 15 days. On the eve of the New Year, the Tibetans eat Guthuk – a specially prepared noodle soup with their family. Saka Dawa 26th May 2021 This festival honours the Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana. This takes place in the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar. One’s good deed is considered to multiply during this period, so Tibetans gave alms to beggars and became vegetarians—those who could make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in West Tibet. Zamling Chisang 24th June 2021 It is considered a universal prayer day in Central Tibet. Tibetans go to nearby mountains to hang prayer flags and burn incense on the 15thday of the fifth month of their calendar. The Dalai Lama’s birthday 6th July 2021 Tibetans celebrate His Holiness’s birthday everywhere with prayers for long life, picnics, and cultural programs. It always falls on 6th July. Choekar Duechen 15th July 2021 This day is to honour Shakyamuni Buddha’s first sermon on the four noble truths in Sarnath, India. It was the day when the wheel of Dharma was first turned. Drukpa Tse Shi is another local name; it means the 4th day of the 6th Shoton or Sho Dun (Yogurt) festival. 16th – 22nd August 2021 This festival is celebrated with enthusiasm at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. An enormous Thangka is displayed on the hill next to the monastery. Thousands gather to see it and pray before going on a picnic and watching Tibetan opera at the Norbulingka Palace grounds. The celebration begins on the 29th day of the 6th month, and there is a ritual dance at Drepung Monastery. It goes on for ten days during the summer. Lha-Bab Duchen 27th October 2021 It is a day of prayer to honour Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm to earth. This is celebrated on the 22nd day of the 9th month on the Tibetan Calendar. Ganden Ngachu. 29th December 2021 This is the death anniversary of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetans light butter lamps to make offerings both at home and in monasteries. It takes on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Vivaha Panchami Festival in Nepal
Vivaha Panchami Festival in Nepal 8th December 2021 18th December 2020 1st December 2019 12th December 2018 Vivaha Panchami is a celebration to commemorate the eternal marriage of Lor Ram (The prince of Ayodhya) and Princess Sita of Janakpur in the form of an auspicious Hindu festival. It is observed during the fifth day of Shukla Paksha – the bright fortnight during the month of Mangshir on the Hindu calendar. This festival usually takes place on the Gregorian calendar in late November or early December. This festival is celebrated mainly in Northern India, Mithilanchal, and parts of Nepal. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, King Janak of Mithila, now known as Janakpur, organised a “Swayambar” ceremony. He invited many kings from various kingdoms to choose a suitable groom from the attendees for his daughter Sita. The potential groom’s condition was to lift Shiva’s Bow (Dhanush) and string it to be selected to marry Sita. Thousands of Kings and Princes tried to do the feat, but most failed and could not move it a bit. Finally, along came Ram, the prince of Ayodhya, who managed to lift this large and heavy bow of Shiva and strung it. The vibrant burst into applause, and flowers rained from the heavens. Hence, Princess Sita was married off to Lord Ram. People have celebrated Vivaha Panchami with tremendous dedication to immortalising Lord Ram and Devi Sita’s wedding ceremony. Vivaha Panchami Ceremony Vivaha Panchami is celebrated with great zeal and ardour in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. On this day, the numerous ancient temples are adorned with flowers and light. A marvellous wedding procession takes place. It passes by the countless ancient temples during the day. The wedding ceremony is concluded with the idols that symbolise Ram and Sita. Millions of Hindus witness this momentous event from all over India and the world. The devotees sing devotional songs and chants from the Ramayana epic. Elaborate rites are conducted in the temples with the statues of Ram and Sita. Many devotees from Mithila get dressed in their ancestral attire and go to Ayodhya to perform on the stage. This magnificent event is known as Ram Vivah Utsav. Many cultural shows and stage performances are also commonly organised for this occasion by various communities other than the festivities at the temples. Ramleela depicts the lives of Lord Ram and Sita are observed with great enthusiasm. Male actors enact both the male and female roles of the epic Ramayana. Ayodhya becomes exciting and colourful with the numerous tourists, pilgrims, and locals performing various rituals. This festival also symbolises the high bond and association between India and Nepal. It is prevalent in the historical and spiritual city of Janakpur in Nepal. The best time to visit Janakpur is during Vivaha Panchami’s festival to observe the ancient culture and traditional values. The Vivaha Panchami observance takes place at the Janaki Temple for seven days. The entire Janaki temple is adorned and highlighted as a “Mandap” (a sacred tent used for Hindu weddings) during this time. Ram and Sita’s statues are brought to the Mandap, and they are cosmeticised as bride and groom with traditional wedding attire and jewellery. Lord Ram and Sita’s holy matrimony ritual takes place with great zeal with chanting and singing devotional songs to worship the idols. Delightful traditional food is served to the ordinary people as part of the many temples’ holy meals. Janakpur comes to life during this festival, and it is jam-packed with Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
Naag Panchami Festival in Nepal
Naag Panchami – Festival in Nepal 13th August 2021 25th July 2020 Naag Panchami festival of Nepal 5th August 2019 What is Naag Panchami? It is the day of serpents. Naags are revered on this day in Nepal. Naag means snake, and Panchami is the fifth day after the new moon, where the name for this festival derives from. The new moon day is known as Aunshi locally. What is Naag? Naags are divine snakes with mysterious powers. These snakes have an original part in Hindu convictions. The Mahabharata epic mentions that Lord Krishna defeated Naag Kalia and ended his evil deeds on this day – Shrawan Panchami. This is the reason the Hindus celebrate this festival. Legend has it that Kathmandu valley was a vast lake. Naags were angered when humans drained it to live there. So the people dedicated certain areas to worship the Naags to appease their anger and for self-protection. They also promised to dedicate this day to worship them to live in harmony; this is still practised to date. There were eight Naags with exceptional capabilities, and are widely worshipped. The mantra for Naag Panchami is printed on the bottom of the posters posted on Hindu households’ doors. How is this festival celebrated in Nepal? The Hindus of Nepal stick pictures of Naags on the top middle part of the doors on this day to keep evil spirits out. They worship the Naag by offering starchy water from washing rice; this water represents milk. Some people even provide milk at the snake holes on this day. People make an effigy of a snake with a cotton string plastered with cow dung and rice flour plaster and offer it cow milk, barley, sesame seeds, mixed nuts, and other sacred objects. It is strongly believed that Naags provide believers with good health, prosperity, and blessings for the year when Naag Panchami is observed well annually. The Nepalese Hindus believe that if the Naags are infuriated, they can make them gravely ill. The Puran (a genre of ancient Indian literature) states that Shesh Naag hoists the earth on its head. Lord Vishnu sleeps on its coil inside the ocean. The most powerful Naags are Kali, Bashuki, Astha, Padma, and Karkot. Ancient scriptures reveal that there would be no rain without the assistance of Naags. This is one more reason for the Nepalese Hindus to offer benedictions while offering food items such as milk and honey in the fields with the hope of sufficient rain. Several men donning demonic masks dance on the streets as a part of the Naag Panchami ceremony. The Nepalese Hindus have their myths and legends encompassing Naags, which leads them to observe Naag Panchami on a grand scale. Check out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.
