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Pang Lhasol
Pang-Lhasol is a quite unique festival in Sikkim. The third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal of Sikkim popularized this festival in Sikkim. In this festival the snowy range of Kanchan-Dzonga (Ganchen-Mjod-Nga) is worshiped by offering brewed millet (Chyang), local distilled liquors, fruits for its unifying powers and to prise the mountain gods and goddesses and seeking blessings to grace timely rainfalls and bountiful harvests, and also pray for the safety against natural misfortunes etc.
This festival marks the signing of treaty of brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by Khe-Bumsa and Thekong-Tek around 13th Century, when the local deities were invoked to witness the occasion. In fact Pang means witness. Lhasol means worship on this day. The guardian deity is portrayed by masked Lama dances and a fiery Red-Faced Deity with a crown of fine skulls, riding a snow lion.
This festival is held on 15th day of the 7th month of Bhutia calendar around the end of August. The worship ceremony of mountain deities is observed in Tsuklakhang (royal Monastery), and all the monasteries of Sikkim. The daylong ceremony starts with worship of Guardian Deity - Kanchanjunga by Rimpoches, Lamas and Boongthings.
The Lamas, dressed in their colorful and dazzling costumes and masks, come round and display their various dances. Smart young laymen, after undergoing rigorous training for atleast a month, and with equal religious fevor, come whirling round to the delight and awe of the onlookers. Among the Lamaistic dances, the famous inevitable "Sha-nak" or the Black Hat dance is performed. This dance depicts the victory of the Buddhist creed over the evil.
Other various types of cultural shows, Singhi Chham, other cultural dances, songs play etc are also organized toe entertain the onlookers.