Sikkimese festivals are held according to the Buddhist calendar so the months of the English calendar given are approximate. One of the most intriguing dance forms is the Chaams. These are ritual dances of the lamas, which feature colourful masks and quaint musical instruments and are held at various monasteries during the festivals.

Losar

The Tibetan New Year comes in February, and is full of joy and dazzling festivity. Guthor Chaam is held at Rumtek monastery two days before Losar.

Tashiding Bhumchu

The holy water (consecrated by Ngadak Sempa Chhenpe, one of the founders of Buddhism in Sikkim) is distributed to devotees, during this festival held in Feb/Mar. The water, is believed, to have curative properties.

Saga Dawa

The Triple Blessed festival, held in June, is the holiest of Buddhist festivals. It was on this day that Lord Buddha was born, achieved Enlightenment and attained Nirvana. It is marked with a procession of holy books carried from the monastery in the palace, to various places in Gangtok city.

Tse-chhu Chham

Is held at Rumtek monastery in June. It presents eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, fondly known as Guru Rimpoche. A mask dance shows episodes from his life and his fight against evil.

Drukpa Tseshi

Held in August, this festival celebrates the first preaching of the four Noble Truths by Lord Buddha. Marked by daylong prayers and observed in all monasteries.

Pang Lhabsol

This August festival, unique to Sikkim, celebrates its guardian deity, Khangchendzonga. Lamas portray the deity with fiery-red facemasks with a crown of five skulls, riding a snow lion.

Kagyat Dance

This dance is performed at Enchey, Phensang, Phodong, Rumtek and Ralong monasteries, two days before Losoong, the (Sikkimese New Year) in December. The dance is a solemn affair with cosmic episodes in between. It symbolises exorcism of evil and ushering in of peace and prosperity.

Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival

Is held in winter.