Rich Buddhist Culture Attracts Tourists To Sikkim

Thursday, January 7, 2010, 15:52

Sikkim which is situated amidst Himalayan mountains is being promoted as a tourist destination. The state government has stepped up its efforts to attract tourists by marketing its Budhist culture festivals to attract tourists.

The Buddhist Lamas perform a dance, known as Kagyad Chaam, on the beginning of the Tibetan new year. This dance is symbolises getting rid of all evil spirits of previous year and welcoming the good spirits at the dawn of the New Year.

The Lamas wear painted masks, hold ceremonial swords and jump and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums. The vibrant dance not just enthralls locals, but all foreign tourists as well.

The dance enacts various themes from the Buddhist mythology and culminates with the burning of effigies of evils made of flour, wood and paper.

A congregation of local Buddhist followers and tourists gather once a year to witness this extraordinary dance. The Buddhist festivals, which reflect centuries old tradition also contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.

"Tourists finds it very very interesting, very different and when they come to Sikkim they go back with lots of memories which are not available easily anywhere in the world," says Lukendra Rasily, General Secretary, Sikkim Travel Agent Association.

Sikkim has a lot more to offer to the visitors – the snow clad mountains, thick green forests and monasteries.

Peace and restoration of socio-political issues have brought in many tourists to the state. Over 3 lakh tourists visited Sikkim last year alone.