Losar Festival in Sikkim is a cultural extravaganza you shouldn't miss

Looking for a reason to visit Sikkim this month? Losar Festival, the Tibetan New Year, is a great way to experience the beauty of Sikkim’s culture, heritage and landscape. The popular religious festival will be celebrated for a week (February 21-27), marking the Tibetan New Year.

Also read: What makes Pelling the best tourist town in Sikkim?

Losar is a major festival in Sikkim and one can see everyone come together to not only witness religious performances, but also to experience local traditions, culture, good food and general merrymaking.



In Sikkim, the festival is also known as Gyalpo Lossar. Monasteries are the most important places to be at during the festival, and nothing beats the celebration at Pemayangtse Monastery. At the monastery, the festival starts off with chaam or the traditional dance performance by the lamas.


Did you know that Losar festival not only marks the Tibetan new year but also marks the harvesting season? Farmers are especially celebrated for their hard work and prayers are offered to the local deities for a successful harvest.



The main celebration takes place in Rumtek Monastery and Phodong Monastery. Here prayers are offered, which is then followed by a cultural extravaganza. Cham dance (masked lama dance) and other folk dance and music are things you should not miss.



If you are visiting Sikkim during Losar, try to go local. Stay among the local communities and witness how everyone helps out to make the festival a grand one. From preparing endless buckets of the traditional Tsampa and other snacks to people dressed in their finest, it’s an experience you will never forget.