In a place where people are still preoccupied with the many mysteries of their religion, it is but natural that the important festivals are as splendid as they are colourful. The Hindu Nepalese observe their great festival Dasain with dance and revelry.

After ‘Dasain’ begins ‘Tyehar’. In the evening of this day, groups go around houses singing ‘Bhailo songs.’

Two days later is another important festival ‘Bhai Tikka’ when sister puts ‘Tikka’ on brothers and pray for their welfare.

For the Buddhists there are two religious festivals of special significance. The ‘Pang-Lhabsol’ and ‘Kagyat Chaams’. Dancing is the centre of all religious festivals. Tales and legends of Buddhist history and mythology are depicted vividly. Warriors vanquish the demons and believers drive out the non-believers all done in dramatic, colourful dances with splendid masks and costumes.

There are also many lay folk dances celebrating the harvest, or giving vent to their joyful mood

Months of Festivals

All according to the Buddhist calendar with approximate months corresponding to the English calendar mentioned.

SAGA DAWA Full moon of the 4^th month, around end of May and  early June.

DRUKPA TSESHI 4^th day of the 6^th month, around August.

PANG LHABSOL 15^th day of the 7^th month, around end of August-September.

KAGYAT DANCE 28^th & 29^th day of the 10^th month, around December.

LOSOONG Sikkimese New Year, last week of November-December.

LOSAR Tibetan New Year, around February.

DASAIN Month of Aswin, September-October.

MAGHE SANKRANTI Month of Magh, around January.

ENCHEY "CHAAMS" 18^th & 19^th days of the 11^th month, around December-January.

RUMTEK "CHAAMS" Tse-Chu ‘Chaams’ - 10^th day of the 5^th month, around June.

Winter ‘Chaam’ (Guthor ‘Chaam’) 2 days prior to Losar.