Sikkim is a vivid state with Buddhist, Tibetans, Hindus, Christians and other ethnic groups living in perfect harmony. Coexistence of many religions can be seen in celebrations of festivals, which occur throughout the year.
Kagyed Dance is a post-harvest masked-dance festival. It is celebrated to ward off evil and bring good fortune in the next year. The dance called chaam, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is performed at the Tsuk-La-Khang, Phodong and Rumtek monasteries.
Losoong is the Sikkimese New Year which marks the end of the harvest season. This Buddhist festival is celebrated with great feasting at home. Archery contests are held amidst feasting and enjoying.
Maghe Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated at the end of harsh winter days to welcome spring. Fairs are held at the confluence of rivers and devout Hindus take a ritual bath at these holy spots. The most notable fair is the 'Jorethang Mela' during this festival.
Losar is the Tibetan New Year and is apparently more respected by the Sikkimese than Losoong.
Guthor Chhaam is religious masked dances celebrating the Tibetan new year. These are held in Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Phodong monasteries, two days ahead of Losar.
Bumchu festival is held at the Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim. This is a two-day festival celebrated a fortnight after Losar. In this, the abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water. The level of water in the pot forecasts Sikkim's fortune for the next year.
Flower Festival is organised in Gangtok to display Sikkim's rich flora. The venue of the flower show is the White Hall.
Saga Dawa also known as the 'Thrice Blessed Day', is a day of spiritual rededication for Buddhists. It is believed that, on this day the Buddha's soul entered into his mother's womb, as an adult he attained enlightenment on this day and also attained nirvana on this day. In Gangtok, miles long procession winds through the streets where monks and lay Buddhists parade with religious banners, icons and holy books.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a Lepcha festival which celebrates the origin of Tendong Hill. According to legend, during the 'great flood' the hill rose like a horn to save the people.
Pang Lhabsol is a unique festival of Sikkim celebrated in honour of Khangchendzonga. The spectacular 'warrior dance' is an important feature of the celebration. It was introduced during the reign of the third Chogyal Chador Namgyal, who also choreographed this drama.
Dasain is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim which signifies the victory of good over evil. On this, the elders of the family bless the young with 'tika' and gratuities.
Tihar festival corresponds to the Diwali and is celebrated similarly.