Festivals in Darjeeling
Festivals in Darjeeling represent a mixed culture. Since it is the homeland of many different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity at the same time, many festivals take place throughout the year. The land presents a true cultural unity in spite of its diversity in terms of caste, creed, religion etc.
In addition to the leading festivals of West Bengal, like Durga Puja, Diwali, Saraswati Puja and Shivratri etc many local festivals are celebrated with great grandeur. These local festivals are traditional peculiarity only to the area. While the Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate the New Year in January, the Tibetans organize their Devil dances to celebrate their New Year in their monasteries from the last week of February to March. Following the Chinese tradition, many people organize the snake or dragon dances curl through the streets to celebrate New Year. Let’s take a look to the leading festivals of the season here.
January – February
Maghe Sankrati, the first day of the Nepali month is celebrated with utter fun and grandeur. The coldest day of the year is celebrated to welcome warmer weather, better health and prosperity. Eating yam and the elders blessing the younger ones by putting a small piece of yam on their foreheads are the leading features of the festival.
Losar or Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year. Celebrated for 15 days, the main events of Losar are organized on first three days with new clothes and good food. The Chaam (Tibetan Costume and Mask Dance) marks the eve of Losar. On this day, the Dali Monastery performs a special Chakrasambhara (Mandala) prayer with a colorful Mandala. On the 15th day of Losar, a special religious ceremony known as Cho-Nga Cho-pa is performed, where the monks built butter sculpture.
March – April
Ram Nawami: This is Hindu festival, which marks the birth of Lord Rama , the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. It is celebrated with Holy Puja and small events.
May – June
Saga Dawa: Celebrated on the 15th day of the Tibetan Calender, Saga Dawa is Buddha’s birth and day of his death.On this day he attained Nirvana as well.
Asar ko Pandra: This is the 15th day of the Nepali calendar month, Ashar. Nepalis eat curd and chewra (beaten rice) following the tradition that Goddess Parbati gave Lord Shiva curd and chewra on this day. This food can give you salvation.
July – August
During these months, a serious f festivals take place, significant of which are Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Tibetan), Shrawan Sankranti(Nepali), Chokhor Duchen(Nepali), Naag Panchami (Hindu), Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat (Tribal Lepcha), Kushe Aaushi(both Nepali and Hindu).
September – October
The significant festivals of these months are Teez or Teej (Brahmins of both Nepali and Hindu),Biswakarma or Viswakarma Puja(Hindu), Dasain or Dashain (both Nepalis and Hindus)
November – December
The year’s festival ends with Tihar or Teohar, a festival of Nepali Hindus.
No related posts.