Sikkim observes Festival of Unity

by Pravin Rai
Gangtok, 24 August: Pang-Lhab-Sol, a festival to mark the signing up of treaty of blood brotherhood between Bhutia and Lepcha chieftains’ centuries ago with Sikkim’s guardian deity, Mount Khangchendjonga as the witness, as the festival of unity was observed across Sikkim.
The festival dates back to thirteenth century at Kabi Lung-chok, near Sikkim capital Gangtok where Khye Bhumsa, the great ancestor of the Bhutias and Thekong Tek, the Lepcha chief priest along with their retinue assembled at this spot to swear in as blood brotherhood.
“As per oral tradition, it is said that in 13th century A.D. Khye Bhumsa, the great ancestor of the Bhutias and Thekong Tek, the Lepcha chief priest along with their retinue assembled at this spot to swear in as blood brotherhood. They invoked all the powerful spirits of this valley as witness and sworn to remain as blood brothers between two races until the River Rangit ceased to flow and Mount Khangchendjonga remains”, mentioned one of the devotees assembled out here to observe the festival. They put their feet in the vessel filled with animal blood and erected a stone as mark of this event, he added.
The statue of unity today stands at the venue to mark the historical treaty.
Also coinciding with the thirteenth century treaty, is the offering of annual special prayers to Sikkim’s guardian deity Mount Khangchendjonga in the Tsuklakhang Royal chapel, Gangtok with the palace premises. The monks face toward the peak and offered prayers for unity, prosperity and lasting peace for the Himalayan state.

The head monks along with the participants make rounds at the premise of the Palace performing rituals that ended with the demonstration of Pangtoed Chaam – a warrior dance dedicated to the guardian deity.
Three horses owned by the erstwhile Chogyal (Bhutia king) were also used to invoke the deities, decked and offered prayers during the festival.
Celebrated at the main town, MG Marg, the festival dictates the cultural show, which was initiated with handing the Thekong Tek Award to the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling by the State Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh. The award coined by the Celebration Committee of the festival comprised of Rs 1 Lakh, a felicitation letter and a medal studded with gold.
On this occasion, the local deities of Sikkim led by the guardian deity Khangchendjonga were invoked to be the witness to the treaty being sworn-in. This bond of brotherhood marked the emergence of a new era and a society of mixed population that caused the multiplication of cultures, traditions, religions and habits which greatly influenced the indigenous docile life, informed one of the members of the Celebration Committee adding, the festival therefore has since become very important festival for the unity of the people of Sikkim.

Source: Haal Khabar – www.haalkhabar.net