Gangtok locals celebrate Pang Lhabsol festival

GANGTOK - Residents of Gangtok are celebrating Pang Lhabsol, one of the state’s biggest festivals, that marks a pact of brotherhood inked between the Lepcha and Bhutia chieftains, Thekuntek and Khwa Bhumbsha.

The pact was signed at Kabi Lungchok, 17 km from modern-day Gangtok.

Sikkim’s famed Mount Kanchenjunga is also honoured during the festival as it stood witness to the pact between the two, and is regarded as the state’s guardian deity.

“Kabi Lungchok holds significance for the treaty of blood and brotherhood signed by Khye Bhumsa and Thekong Tek in the presence of the guardian deity. Today is special to offer prayers for unity, prosperity and lasting peace for the Sikkimese people,” said Mingma Tshering Bhutia, an elderly local.

During the festival, prayers are offered to Mount Kanchenjunga in the Chuk-la-khang royal chapel to ensure peace and unity in the state.

Guru Rimpoche had visited Sikkim and hidden Holy Scriptures and religious items at different places.

Monks and other holy men chanted prayers and reaffirmed the bonds of brotherhood and unity.

They also took out a religious procession around the chapel. By Tashi Pradhan (ANI)