The All Sikkimese Bhutia Association (ASBA) premiered a documentary titled ‘The Sacred Pangtoed Cham’ on Wednesday in Gangtok, highlighting the cultural importance of the Pang Lhabsol festival and the sacred Pangtoed Cham dance associated with it. The event featured the Ecclesiastical Minister Sonam Lama as the chief guest, alongside notable figures including Mangan Zilla Adhakshya Kado Lepcha, ASBA President C.L. Denzongpa, and other dignitaries.
Minister Sonam Lama, who also serves as chief advisor to ASBA, emphasized the festival’s unique cultural and spiritual significance in Sikkim. He explained that Pang Lhabsol is celebrated by all communities within the state, involving prayers to Mount Khangchendzonga, regarded as Sikkim’s guardian deity, with hopes for peace, prosperity, and unity.
Lama remarked that Pang Lhabsol is a fundamental component of Sikkimese identity, celebrated with great enthusiasm since the monarchy era. The documentary aims to preserve this rich tradition, ensuring that future generations remain educated about the festival and the Cham dance.
The minister further noted that the Sikkimese royal family continues to honor the festival, preserving historical customs. Since 2024, both the state’s Governor and Chief Minister have actively participated, affirming its cultural relevance. Recently, the Chief Minister and the state government expressed their commitment to entirely fund the festival, an offer accepted by the royal family and their trust.
This year, the Ecclesiastical Department will assist in the festival under the guidance of the Chief Minister. Minister Lama reaffirmed the government’s dedication to obtaining tribal status for twelve communities that have been historically overlooked and condemned divisive actions by certain individuals and political groups. He stressed the ASBA’s united front in maintaining peace and unity across the state.
Lama was resolute, stating that no one with vested interests would disrupt Sikkim’s tranquility and cooperation. He acknowledged the contributions of teachers, elders, musicians, and dancers in keeping the Pangtoed Cham tradition alive and underscored the necessity of passing this sacred art onto younger generations.
He expressed hope that the documentary will not only enlighten Sikkimese youth but also gain broader national and international acclaim for Pang Lhabsol. Future editions of the documentary will include more archival footage and cultural elements to further protect and promote Sikkim’s unique heritage.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/asba-releases-documentary-on-sacred-pangtoed-cham
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