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Introduction
Sikkim is a land of green valleys, meandering roads and colorful festivals. Amongst the religious festivals of Sikkim, the Bumchu (Jan-Feb) is an important festival. During your tour to Sikkim, do not miss the Bumchu Festival.
An important Tibetan ritual, the Bumchu Festival in Sikkim is observed between January to February. The festival is celebrated in the Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim. During this festival the Lamas of the Monastery open the pot containing Holy Water.
The level of water in the pot foretells the future of the land. Bumchu is the sacred pot containing Holy Water blessed by Ngadak Sempa Chenpo. Bumpa is the vase containing the Holy Water which is kept under seal and opened on this day during the Bumchu Festival. If the pot is over brimmed then the land will be affected by revolutions while if it's dry it foretells famine. A half filled pot indicates prosperity and happiness.
The devout throughout the year pray for the half filled pot which will bring in the hope of happiness and prosperity to the land. A part of this Holy Water is also distributed amongst the devotees and then the pot is again replenished with water and sealed.
From 1647, this Festival is held in Tashiding Monastery. The Bumpa or the vase is an age old relic which is brought from Tibet. The first cup of Holy water is given to the royal family, the second to the monks and the third is distributed amongst the devotees.
Bumchu is a festival where devotees from all over Sikkim join in to take a glimpse of the Holy Water and carry ahead the age old Tibetan ritual. Tourists who are a part of the festival are also seen meditating on the lawns of the monastery. The air echoes with the eternal Holy Chant of "Om Mani Padme Hum".
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