Losar Festival 2025 - Tibetan New Year Celebration in Sikkim.
Tourists worldwide visit Sikkim for its breathtaking landscapes, dazzling waterfalls, alpine forests, and glorious Kanchenjunga Peak. In addition, there are ancient Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim for spiritual lovers. If you look at Sikkim from a cultural lens, you will find that Sikkim is the hub of unique festivals too! One such vibrant festival in Sikkim is the Losar Festival. This unique festival is celebrated enthusiastically in Sikkim. Local Buddhist people in Sikkim indulge in vibrant celebrations during the Losar Festival.
The history of Losar festival existed before Buddhism arrived in Tibet and its surrounding regions. In ancient days, it was a notion that the Losar Festival was acknowledged as a ceremony in winter. During that time, locals offer a large incense to appease local deities. The Buddhist people believe that indulging in this festival drives away negative spirits. As centuries passed, the Tibetan astrological methods have changed and local Buddhists celebrate this festival to welcome a new harvesting season and a new year.
Sikkim is the northeast state in India whose economy is mainly dependent on tourism and agriculture. Therefore, locals value both – agriculture and tourism in their state. The Losar Festival marks the good times for the farmers of Sikkim. It is celebrated with the convincing end of the harvesting season to give farmers homage for their hard work. During the Losar Festival the state witnesses grand rituals and vivid ceremonies. From traditional foods to folk dance and local music, people immerse themselves in the festive spirit with all their hearts.
Losar is a festival in Sikkim celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. The Tibetan New Year, popularly known as Losar festival is celebrated in February month every year. The Tibetans celebrate it as a day of joy and celebration. It is also known as Gyalpo Lossar. Losar festival is marked by visiting the monastery and after performing the rituals, the people visit relatives and friends. Flowers are an essential of the festival to greet each other.
Many interesting and beautiful things about the festival are the key attractions to witness. The ancient religious practices performed by the Buddhists to their deities and spirits in the festival are an important thing to witness. Different rituals, old traditional dance performances, battles between good and evil, folk music, dance, and many things of the Losar festival will make you. Especially, different events showcasing the old traditions of Tibetan Buddhists and masked man dances are interesting acts to watch at this festival.
This year 2025 Losar festival is scheduled between 28th Feb to 02nd March. But before the festival dates the atmosphere of the region will look impressive with the beautiful festive works and decorations. In Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery and Phodong Monastery are the places where the festival is celebrated lavishly. At a few places like Lachung and Lachen, you can experience the festive mood in Sikkim. It is one of the most admirable festivals in Sikkim, and you can be a part of it by visiting Sikkim during this festival.