Pang Lhabsol

Pang Lhabshol, a festival commemorating the consecration of Mt.Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity of the state, is unique to Sikkim. It has its origin in the Lepcha people’s belief that the mountain is their place of origin and has its roots in Lhatsun Chenpo’s ( propagator of Buddhism in Sikkim) vision. It is said that while meditating in a cave at Dzongri in West Sikkim, the mountain god Khangchendzonga appeared to him. The monk declared the mountain the guardian deity of the State. Subsequently, Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim, introduced the “Pangtoed” dance and dedicated it to Kanchenjunga as a war deity. However, the actual origin of the festival is said to be the blood-brotherhood pact between the Lepcha Bonthing, ThekungTek, and Khye-Bumsa, the ancestor of the Namgyal royal family. Pang Lhabsol combines masked dance with warrior dance. There are resplendent costumes and colorful masks, and the choreography is spectacular. Khangchendzonga itself is represented by a dancer wearing a red mask mounted with five human skulls, on top of which are mounted flags.Yabdu, Khangchendzonga’s Supreme Commander, wears a black mask, while the warriors who accompany them are attired in the traditional Sikkimese battle dress, complete with helmets, swords & shields. The dramatic entry of Mahakala, the protector of the dharma, or faith, is one of the highlights of the dance. It is Mahakala who commands Khangchendzonga and Yabdu to defend the faith and bring peace and prosperity to Sikkim. While this mystical festival is celebrated across Sikkim at different locations and monasteries, an extravagant carnival is staged on the grounds of the Tsuklakhang Monastery in Gangtok. Both tourists and locals including Bhutias, Lepchas & Nepalis take part in the festivities with great enthusiasm showcasing the vibes of communal harmony in the state.