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About Pang Lhabsol

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About Pang Lhabsol

Pang Lhabsol is a festival unique to Sikkim. It honours Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain on earth, as the guardian deity of the land and its people. It falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh Tibetan month, in late August or September.

The day also remembers the oath of brotherhood between the Lepcha chief Thekong Tek and the Bhutia leader Khye Bumsa at Kabi Longstok, where they promised lasting friendship with the snowy peaks as witness. Pang Lhabsol is a celebration of unity among all the peoples of Sikkim.

The festival was given its present form by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal. Its highlight is the Pang Toed Chaam, a warrior dance by monks in which Khangchendzonga is shown in a red mask, riding a snow lion, with his commander Yabdu in a black mask. It is held at the Tsuklakhang palace monastery in Gangtok, at Rumtek, Pemayangtse and other monasteries.

Families offer prayers and incense for peace and good harvests, visit the monasteries, and share food and greetings with friends from every community. Pang Lhabsol is a public holiday in Sikkim.

How people celebrate Pang Lhabsol

  • Prayers to Mount Khangchendzonga
  • The Pang Toed Chaam warrior dance
  • Monastery visits in Gangtok, Rumtek and Pemayangtse
  • Remembering the Lepcha and Bhutia oath of brotherhood
  • Incense and offerings for peace and harvest
  • Greetings across all communities

How to wish well

  • Pang Lhabsol is about the guardian mountain and unity, so wishes for peace, protection and friendship fit well.
  • "Tashi Delek" is a warm greeting for Sikkimese friends.
  • Keep the tone respectful; it is a sacred day for the people of Sikkim.

Questions about Pang Lhabsol

When is Pang Lhabsol?

On the fifteenth day of the seventh Tibetan month, in late August or September. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Why is Pang Lhabsol celebrated?

It honours Mount Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity of Sikkim and remembers the oath of brotherhood between the Lepcha and Bhutia peoples.

What is the Pang Toed Chaam?

A warrior dance by monks. Khangchendzonga appears in a red mask riding a snow lion, with his commander Yabdu in a black mask.

Where can one see the Pang Lhabsol dances?

At the Tsuklakhang palace monastery in Gangtok, and at Rumtek, Pemayangtse and other monasteries in Sikkim.

Who started Pang Lhabsol?

The festival was given its present form by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal.

Is Pang Lhabsol a holiday?

Yes, it is a public holiday in Sikkim.

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