Saga Dawa being celebrated with devotion across Sikkim

The streets of Gangtok are witnessing vibrant spiritual celebrations as Saga Dawa, one of the most sacred festivals in Tibetan Buddhism, is being celebrated with great devotion across Sikkim. Hundreds of devotees have gathered to take part in religious rituals, processions, and prayers, marking this spiritually significant day.

A major highlight of the celebration is the sacred procession that began from the Palace Monastery (Tsuklakhang) and winds through the town of Gangtok. Monks, devotees, and young children dressed in ceremonial robes are participating in the event, accompanied by the chanting of Buddhist scriptures and the beat of traditional drums. Before the procession, a Chaam dance by young monks was performed within the Palace Monastery premises, adding to the spiritual ambience.

Saga Dawa, also known as the Triple Blessed Day, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of Lord Buddha. All three events are believed to have occurred on this day in different years of his life, making it one of the holiest observances in the Buddhist calendar.

Devotees are offering prayers, lighting incense, and visiting monasteries across the state. Acts of charity are also being performed, with people donating to monasteries and offering alms to the needy. It is believed that good deeds performed during this period yield 300-fold merit.