Pang-Lhabsol (Neysol) festival celebration commences at Yuksam.
Gyalshing, August 21 (IPR): The eight-day Pang-Lhabsol (Neysol) festival, one of Sikkim’s most revered and age-old festival, commenced at Yuksam in Gyalshing district today under the theme “Sacred Celebration of Mount Khangchendzonga, Faith and Heritage.” The festival is being held from August 21 to 28.
Minister for PHED, Water Resources and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Ven Sonam Lama, graced the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest and officially declared the festival open. District Collector, Gyalshing, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural programme was also attended by Principal Chief Engineer, Transport Department, Mr Sonam Pintso Sangdarpa, Additional Director, Agriculture/Horticulture, Gyalshing, Mr Karma Sherpa, Commandant 72 Battalion SSB, Mr Jai Prakash, BDO Yuksam Mr Sanman Subba, Monks body representatives from Sangchen Pemayangtse Monastery and monasteries across Gyalshing, Gram Panchayat members, executive members of the All Sikkim Bhutia Association (ASBA), local dignitaries and a large gathering of local people.
Earlier, Minister Ven Sonam Lama offered prayers at Manilakhang at Norbugang before proceeding to the main venue. The festival is being organised by the Pang-Lhabsol Festival Celebration Committee, Yuksam, under the patronage of Minister-cum-Area MLA Mr Tshering T Bhutia, with support from the Khangchendzonga National Park Division of the Forest and Environment Department and the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim.
Yap Omjay Tempo Tempo G Bhutia of Pemayangtse Monastery highlighted the historical, religious and spiritual significance of Pang-Lhabsol and its traditional observances.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ven Sonam Lama extended advance greetings on behalf of the State Government and himself on the occasion of Pang-Lhabsol. He highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual significance of the festival and appreciated the initiative of the organising committee. Calling for unity in diversity, the Minister urged the younger generation, irrespective of caste and community, to come together to preserve and carry forward the legacy of Pang-Lhabsol festival. He also appealed to the people of Sikkim to participate actively in the State’s festivals and collectively work towards conserving, preserving and promoting Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage. He further highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken by the State Government for the development of Sikkim and the welfare and upliftment of its people.
A health camp was also organised at the festival venue by the All Sikkim Bhutia Association (ASBA) in association with Gyalshing District Hospital. A large number of people benefited from the day-long camp. The Minister and his delegation also visited the health camp stalls.
As part of the festival, the Pang-Lhabsol Ride was organised from Pemayangtse Monastery to Yuksam by the Khangchendzonga Motorcycle Club (KMC) in association with the organising committee. The ride escorted the monks from Pemayangtse Monastery who are undertaking the traditional pilgrimage to Dzongri for special prayers to Mount Khangchendzonga. Around 360 bikers, including riders from Bhutan, Nepal, the Northeast and different parts of Sikkim, participated in the ride.
Cultural presentations representing the Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Nepali communities added colour to the inaugural event, showcasing the State’s rich cultural diversity.
The eight-day celebration features a series of religious, spiritual, cultural and sporting events, with a futsal tournament scheduled to commence from August 22, alongside various programmes lined up throughout the eight-day festival.
Pang-Lhabsol is one of Sikkim’s most revered festivals, commemorating the consecration of Mount Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity of Sikkim. The festival symbolises the deep spiritual bond between the people of Sikkim and the sacred mountain, with special prayers and traditional rituals offered in reverence.
Every year, monks from Pemayangtse Monastery, accompanied by local devotees, undertake a pilgrimage to Dablagang, Dzongri, where special prayers are offered to Mount Khangchendzonga.
On the main festival day on August 28, monks from Pemayangtse Monastery and local devotees will offer special prayers at Dzongri, while simultaneous religious ceremonies will be held at Norbugang, Yuksam. The celebrations will conclude with colourful cultural performances and a musical evening, the organisers informed.
Report from DIO Gyalshing.