Hoping for world peace at Bhumchu Festival in Sikkim

Sikkim is always a delight, no matter which time of the year you plan a visit. But if you are someone who is always in search of unique and special experiences, make time for the very special Bhumchu festival. The festival will be celebrated at Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim on March 7, and it is unlike any other festival you have come across.

Bhumchu Festival is a major festival in Sikkim and here’s why.


This festival reveals the state’s destiny. The word Bhumchu means a sacred pot of water. Every year on the day of the festival, the sacred vase/pot is opened and the Lama will reveal the state’s destiny for that particular year. If the water is to the brim, it is considered as a peaceful year and that prosperity will prevail. But if the water overflows the vase, then it signifies a turbulent year with natural disasters and other disturbances. In case the water level is low or the vase is almost dry, it signifies a year of drought and famine.


The Tashiding Monastery, one of the holiest monasteries in Sikkim, is believed to be the centre of four sacred caves – Sharchog Bephug, Khandozangphu, Dechenphug and Lhari Nyingphug. The monastery is where this holy event takes place. The ritual, one of the holiest in the state, is attended by thousands of pilgrims every year. People come from all over Sikkim and countries like Bhutan and Nepal to witness the event and to receive the holy water.


During the festival, the holy water is distributed among the people. After the distribution, the pot gets replenished with water from Rathong Chu river (from Rathong glacier) and resealed, only to be opened again in the next Bhumchu Festival.