Sacred Bhumchu Ceremony, 2026
Ven. Sonam Lama, Hon'ble Minister, Ecclesiastical Department accompanied by Shri Chewang Bhutia, Hon'ble Advisor; Shri Chokey Kazi, Hon'ble Chairman; Shri Palden Barfungpa, Hon'ble OSD; Mrs. KD Rechung, IAS, Secretary; Shri Ugen Thendup Bhutia, Joint Director; Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Sr. Gendrung; Dr. Hissay Wangchuk Bhutia, Asst. Director / Research Officer; and Inspectors along with other officials of the Ecclesiastical Department participated in the Bhumchu Ceremony, 2026 at the hallowed Tashiding Monastery in the Gyalshing District of Sikkim.
The sacred ceremony was also attended by the Denjong Gyalsey Rinpoche Palden Gyurmed Namgyal and Denjong Sem Kujen Hope Leezum Namgyal, Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Area MLA-cum-Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Departments; Shri Tenzing D. Denzongpa, DC, Gyalshing; Shri Tshering Sherpa, SP, Gyalshing; and the SDM and BDO of Tashiding.
The sacred Bhumchu Ceremony concluded at Tashiding Monastery and witnessed an overwhelming gathering of devotees from across Sikkim and neighbouring regions.
The sacred campus of Tashiding was filled with spiritual fervor and prayers as thousands assembled to receive blessings.
One of Sikkim’s most revered religious events, the Bhumchu Ceremony is observed annually at Tashiding Monastery under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical Department, Government of Sikkim with active support of line Departments and locals.
The sacred ritual involves opening the sacred vase (Bhumchu) from the casket - the water level of which is believed to predict the prosperity and well-being of the State of Sikkim for the coming year.
This year, the sacred water was found to be half a cup less in actual level of the water in the sacred vase, a measurement that carries its own spiritual significance according to traditional beliefs. The Monks of the Tashiding Monastery and participating monks performed the rituals with deep devotion, offering prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity of all sentient beings.
The ceremony was conducted smoothly, with well-organised arrangements for crowd management, security, and transportation. Devotees participated patiently in the rituals, lighting butter lamps and seeking blessings for themselves and for the betterment for the State of Sikkim.
We, the Ecclesiastical Department extend our heartfelt gratitude to all revered Monks of the Tashiding Monastery, line Departments, locals, and devotees who supported and participated during this sacred occasion and contributed to the peaceful success of the ceremony. Your faith and devotion continue to uphold the sacred tradition of Bhumchu.
