Culture · Ralang Monastery
Pang Lhabsol cham at Ralang
On Pang Lhabsol, the day Sikkim honours Kangchenjunga as its guardian, Ralang's monks perform masked cham dances in the courtyard. Warriors, protectors and the mountain deity appear in silk and painted masks. A full day of colour, drums and ritual.
Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pang Lhabsol honours Kangchenjunga, worshipped in Sikkim as Dzö-nga, the guardian deity of the land. The festival is closely tied to the story of the blood-brotherhood oath between the Lepcha and Bhutia peoples, and is one of Sikkim's most important religious days. Ralang is one of the main monasteries where cham is performed for it.
Dancers in elaborate silk robes and painted masks represent protector deities and warriors. Movements are slow and deliberate, set to drums, cymbals and long horns, and each dance carries a ritual meaning. Families gather from surrounding villages, and the courtyard fills early with spectators sitting on mats and steps.
Arrive early for a good spot, bring a cushion, water, sun cover and a rain jacket: this is the monsoon season. Do not walk across the dance area, and ask before photographing. Dates follow the lunar calendar and move each year; check current status before you travel and book Ravangla rooms early.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When is Pang Lhabsol at Ralang?
On the 15th day of the 7th Tibetan lunar month, usually in late August or September. The exact date changes each year. Ask us or check the Sikkim government holiday list before you travel, as Pang Lhabsol is also a state holiday.
Can tourists watch the cham at Ralang?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to watch from the spectator areas. Keep off the dance ground, do not use flash, and ask before photographing monks up close. Local families come early, so arrive by mid-morning for a good view.
What should we bring to a cham festival?
A cushion or mat, water, snacks, sun protection and a rain jacket, since Pang Lhabsol falls in the monsoon. Wear comfortable layers. Cash is useful for food stalls and donations. Expect a long day; dances can run for hours.
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