The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has renewed its criticism of the state government over a long-standing error in an official publication that incorrectly mentions the date of the Pang Lhabsol festival. The issue, first raised by the committee over two decades ago, continues to stir concern among Sikkimese communities.
The controversy dates back to 2004 when the Sikkim government published the Sikkim Studies Series (Culture, Part-1, Volume-III). In the book’s section on culture, Pang Lhabsol is listed as being observed every year on September 2. SIBLAC maintains that this information is misleading, as the festival follows the Sikkimese lunar calendar, typically falling between late August and early September, from the 8th to 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Despite repeated letters and representations over the years, SIBLAC alleges that the government has not taken meaningful steps to correct the mistake. “This blunder has remained uncorrected despite our efforts since 2004. Our representatives seem to be in deep slumber,” said a committee member, adding that such errors undermine the cultural and spiritual sentiments of the people of Sikkim.
Pang Lhabsol is a major festival celebrated across Sikkim, with the main function held in Gangtok at the Statues of Unity. The festival honours Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim, along with other local deities. It involves prayers by Lamas and Boongthings, traditional dances, and rituals symbolizing unity and protection of the land.
SIBLAC convener Tseten Bhutia has also cautioned against attempts to rename or politicize the festival by calling it “Ekta Divas” or “Day of Brotherhood,” stressing that Pang Lhabsol carries its own sacred meaning. The committee has previously condemned such efforts, stating that they dilute Sikkim’s traditional religious ethos.
The committee further raised concerns about other cultural practices, including the handling of the Saga Dawa Cho Kor procession, an annual event where holy scriptures are carried through Gangtok to bless the people. SIBLAC argued that diverting the procession from its traditional route erodes centuries-old customs and weakens the cultural fabric of the state.