Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Sikkim India
Pang Lhabsol
Pang Lhabsol:Sikkim’s National Ritual of the Land and its Guardian Deities
63 minutes 2015
Pang Lhabsol, Sikkim’s most important indigenous celebration, consists of a series of rituals and monastic dances held in honour of Sikkim’s chief mountain deity, Khangchendzonga, and all the land’s guardian deities. Considered the true custodian of the land, its people and resources, Khangchendzonga is also revered as the defender of the Buddha Dharma and the land’s peace and prosperity.
For over three centuries, the monks of Pemayangtse and other monasteries in Sikkim have celebrated Pang Lhabsol at the end of the monsoon; the 15th day of the 7th lunar month marks the final day of the Pang Lhabsol celebrations.
Cinematography: Phurba T. Bhutia, Birendra Rai, Dawa T. Lepcha
Editing: Phurba T. Bhutia
Anthropologist and Project Coordinator: Dr Anna Balikci Denjongpa
Produced by: Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.