Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025
Tendong Lho Rum Faat will be celebrated in 2025 on 8th August, which is a Friday. It is Sikkim's oldest and most significant festivals. It is especially important for the Lepcha tribe in the state.
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This is a festival that begins with prayers to Mount Tendong (''the hill of the raised horn'' in the Lepcha dialect). This mountain is situated in the town of Namchi in South Sikkim. It is so called because according to Lepcha mythology, it is believed to have risen from the horns of the great deity during the great flood in order to save the people of the tribe.
The great deluge lasted for 40 days and nights drowned the region of Mayel Lyang (modern day Sikkim) but the Lepcha tribe was saved because they were able to stay on the elevated land of the mountain. This is the reason why it is venerated on the very first day of the festival that lasts for three days.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebrations
During the festival, a model of the mountain is made in the façade of each home and is worshipped. It is made of nine specific stones. People wear masks and sing and dance around this to evoke blessings of the Divine.
Celebrations are held in the third lunar month which usually falls in the month of July or August in the Gregorian calendar.
While the festival is celebrated across every home, grand celebrations are held at Namchi, which is the administrative capital of South Sikkim, and where the hill is located.
At the top of the hill stands a Buddhist monastery which holds great significance for the Lepcha tribe.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat History
The devotion to Mount Tendong, which is thought to have shielded the Lepcha people from natural disasters and outside dangers, is one of the festival's main themes. During the festival, Lepcha families frequently make the ascent to the top of Mount Tendong to give prayers and carry out rituals as a token of appreciation and respect for the mountain's warding power.
Rituals and Traditions of Tendong Lho Rum Faat Testival
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a festival celebrated by the Lepcha community in Sikkim, India. It is observed to express gratitude to Mount Tendong for its protection and to seek blessings for the well-being of the community. While specific rituals and traditions may vary, here are some common elements:
- Offering prayers to Mount Tendong: The festival typically begins with the worship of Mount Tendong, which is considered sacred by the Lepcha people. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and traditional delicacies are made to the mountain.
- Chantinf of Mantras and prayers: Lepcha religious leaders or senior members guide in prayers and incantations in hopes of receiving favors for wealth, well-being, and safety from natural disasters. These ceremonies frequently see the whole community uniting to take part.
- Cultural Performances: Age-old Lepcha dances, music, and plays are showcased during the event to honor the community's cultural and ancestral traditions. These shows frequently portray tales from Lepcha legends and myths.
- Feast amongst the community: A significant aspect of Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the communal feast where families and neighbors come together to share traditional Lepcha dishes. This fosters a sense of unity and belonging among community members.
- Processions: Processions may be organised, with participants carrying banners, flags, and religious symbols while singing hymns and chanting prayers. These processions often traverse through villages, spreading the festive spirit.
- Seeking blessings from Ancestors: Some families may also make offerings to their ancestors during Tendong Lho Rum Faat, seeking their blessings and guidance for the future.
- Conservation of the environment: Lately, there has been an increasing focus on preserving the environment during the event. Efforts like planting trees, removing litter, and spreading the word through campaigns could be arranged to encourage eco-friendliness and safeguard the natural environment.
Significance of Tendong Lho Rum Faat Festival
The festival also highlights how crucial it is to protect the environment and preserve a healthy relationship with nature. Tendong Lho Rum Faat acts as a reminder that the Lepcha people have a responsibility to protect the land, woods, and mountains because these natural resources are integral to their cultural and spiritual practises.
Overall, Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a reflection of the Lepcha community's profound connection to the natural world as well as its cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs. The history of the celebration is entwined with the history of the Lepcha people, displaying their tenacity, customs, and distinctive way of life.
Major attractions of Tendong Lho Rum Faat Festival
The journey to Tendong Hill is a key festival feature. The walk draws numerous hikers from all over the world in addition to pilgrims and believers. And the Lepcha tribe's monastery and watchtower, which are of enormous cultural significance, are located on the summit of the Namdong hill. Apart from that, the festival is graced with immense grandeur as tourists and locals immerse themselves in various activities and enjoy various cultural performances, and cuisines.
How to reach Namchi
Namchi, the main city situated in South Sikkim organises the festival. There are various ways through which you can reach Namchi. The routes to reach Namchi are given below:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport which has good connectivity to major Indian cities. The airport is situated roughly 110 km from Namchi. Once you reach the airport, you can then travel to Namchi by road.
- By Train: You will need to get off at the New Jalpaiguri Station from where you can then avail a public transport and travel to Namchi. The railway station is well connected with various cities in India.
- By Road: You can travel to Sikkim via road as they are well connected. You can either book a private or a government taxi or bus which will ensure you reach Namchi in a hassle-free manner.
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FAQs on Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025
- When is the holiday observed?
Depending on the Lepcha lunar calendar, the celebration is held every year in either July or August. Each year, the precise day changes.
- What are the festival's primary ceremonies and activities?
The celebration entails ascending Mount Tendong, making sacrifices, carrying out rites, and taking part in cultural displays and traditional dances. The Lepcha community uses this occasion to give thanks and ask the mountain for favours.
- What makes the celebration significant to the Lepcha people?
The festival honours the Lepcha people's rich cultural history, intimate connection to the natural world, and way of life. It highlights the need for environmental preservation and strengthens their spiritual convictions.
- How do folks get ready for the celebration?
Lepcha households prepare for the rites by gathering traditional attire, food, and offerings. They organise for the trip up to Mount Tendong's summit as well.
- Are any rituals carried out during the festival?
Yes, a number of rituals are carried out throughout the celebration, including lighting ceremonial fires, making food and flower offerings, and reading conventional prayers. The ceremonies are performed to respect the mountain and ask for its defence.
- Is the festival accessible to visitors and outsiders?
Even while the festival is significant to the Lepcha community on a cultural and spiritual level, some parts of the celebration might be accessible to visitors and outsiders. Respecting the Lepcha people's cultural sensibilities and traditions is crucial, nevertheless.
- Is Sikkim the only place the event is observed?
Lepcha people in Sikkim, India, primarily celebrate Tendong Lho Rum Faat. However, numerous indigenous tribes all across the world also have celebrations and ceremonies that honour mountains and the natural world.
- Which language is spoken in Namchi?
One of the least populous areas of the state is Namchi. Most of the population is of Nepali descent. The Lepcha and Bhutia people are examples of additional ethnic groupings. The district's most extensively used language is Nepali.
- Can people from outside the Lepcha community participate in Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebrations?
Although Tendong Lho Rum Faat is mainly a celebration for the Lepcha people, individuals from different groups are frequently invited to participate in the festivities and gain knowledge about Lepcha customs and ways of life.
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