Losoong Festival

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Losoong
Gumpa.jpg
A new year festival at Lachung monastery in North Sikkim
Official nameLosoong
Also calledSonam Losoong, Namsoong
Observed by Bhutias, Lepchas
SignificanceSikkimese New Year
Lepcha New Year
Date1st day of the 11th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
2023 date13 December
FrequencyAnnual

Losoong marks the end of harvest season, [1] of the Bhutia tribe, celebrated every year in December.

Contents

Tradition

Based on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar

Losoong is celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal and Bhutan.

The dance forms performed in the festival depict narrativized tales from the life of Padmasambhava (or Guru Ugyen). [5]

Celebration

Celebration begins after the priest offers 'Chi-Fut', special alcohol, to the gods. After the offering to gods the effigy of the demon King is burnt. Burning the demon represents destroying the evil.

Certain competitions are organized and merrymaking lasts for several days. The festival is also called Sonam Losoong. Losoong festival is very famous in eastern India.

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References

  1. "Losoong (Sikkimese New Year)". Windhorse Tours. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  2. "State Portal, Government of Sikkim, India - Festivals In Sikkim". www.sikkim.gov.in. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  3. FTD.Travel. "Lepcha(Losoong), Bhutia(Namsoong), Sonam Lhochar - Sikkim New Year". www.ftd.travel. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  4. Ray, Arundhati (2001). Sikkim: A Traveller's Guide. Orient Blackswan. ISBN   9788178240084.
  5. "Lasoong festival is celebrated in which of the following states? - General Knowledge Today". www.gktoday.in. Retrieved 16 September 2018.