Gangtok town looks deserted due to the
Losoong, the annual festival of the Bhutias that started here
from yesterday.
However, after the Kagyed dance (mask dances held in the monasteries
which ward-off all the devils and curses), the state welcomes
Sikkimese New Year that is called the Losoong which falls
on the 10th month of the lunar calendar and it is also known
as harvest festival.
Lo means year and Soong means celebrate where even poor farmers
who are busy throughout the year, take little time off after
the harvest to pay obeisance to god,” said Sonam Tshering
a monk from Gangtok.
“With their barns full farmers offer their first crop
to the god, asking forgiveness, protection and prosperity,”
he added.
In some part of Sikkim, tribals still observe their family
prayers phola in honour of their male god which is the first
programme of the festival that is still prevalent in every
Bhutia household. “We burn junipers and sing songs in
praise of the rising sun with the champo (fermented millet
rice) prepared for the festival with rendition of Lha Gya
Lo," said Ms Yishey D, a Buddhist scholar.
After five days of the festival, its time for Nyempa Guzom
on the 6th and 7th day amid the Losoong and for people living
in far places it may continue for 15 days.
“These days are black day, which is painful and sad
because the guardian deities undergo cleansing on the day,”
said Mr Chewang Bhutia a festival enthusiast. “People
are advised thus not to start anything new on this day because
any welfare works started on this day brings only disaster
and misfortune. Instead gambling, idle talking and gossip
are encouraged on this day,” he added.
At present all the government offices and schools of the state
are closed for this festival for eight days.
The state governor Mr Sudarshan Agarwal and chief minister
Mr Pawan Chamling conveyed their warm greetings and good wishes
to the people of the state on this auspicious occasion.
In their message they told all to celebrate the occasion in
right spirit and hopes that the festival will usher in good
health, happiness and abundant peace to the people of Sikkim.
Courtesy: The Statesman |
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