SIKKIM: PEOPLE & PLACES
HAPPY LOSOONG, LACHENPAS
Traditionally, we Lachenpas do not celebrate the annual Denzong Losoong
(celebrated on first day of the 11th month in the lunar calendar), which
normally falls in the month of December, nor the Tibetan Losar in February-March,
but Losoong. This day falls on the first day of the 12 month in the lunar
calendar. This year it falls on January 17. Only the Lachenpas in Sikkim have
been celebrating this day as their New Year for centuries.
So, may I wish Happy Losoong to all the Lachenpas. May Lachen and Lachenpas be blessed with good
health, wealth and long life. May Lachen bloom forever!
Normally, the annual Chham
(ritualistic lama dance) takes place two days before Losoong (on the 29th
day), followed by Bomko (Bom-kor, procession of holy scriptures of Lachen Gompa
around the village) on Namkhang, the 30th day of the month. Sadly,
nowadays the Chham is performed a few
weeks earlier (this year it was held on January 4) to enable the local people
to attend the annual Monlam pujas at Bodhgaya. The annual chodok pujas in each household in Lachen are performed after
Losoong.
Apart from changes in the annual schedule of important traditional
events I have also noticed the change in what people wear on these special
events. Many people are now sporting the stylish costumes of Mongolian and
Tibetan people on such occasions. During important traditional events such as
Losoong festival we must always retain our own unique traditions and customs.
HAPPY LOSOONG!
