Guru Rimpoche’s Thrungkar Tsechu

Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rimpoche’s Thrungkar Tsechu marks the birth anniversary of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). The patron saint of Sikkim, who introduced Buddhism in Sikkim and the adjoining region of Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th Century. This festival is celebrated with great pomp throughout the state of Sikkim. Special prayers and rituals are held in the monasteries. And huge processions carrying the statue of the Guru is taken around the town. Accompanied by monks and lamas playing various traditional instruments. Furthermore, Chhams(Mask dances) enacting the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche is held in Rumtek monastery.

Guru Rimpoche’s Thrungkar Tsechu is observed on the tenth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. However, according to the English calendar, it falls sometime between July and August. Guru Rimpoche is considered as the ‘Second Buddha born on the Lotus Flower’. Therefore, he is held in high regard and is revered by Buddhists not only in Sikkim but across all other Buddhist regions in the world. Also, the concept of Tsechu was started by Guru Rimpoche himself. He danced in front of a demon to conquer him, by manifesting himself in eight different human forms. These dances later came to be known as ‘Chaams’ and depict the glory of the patron saint during several Buddhist festivals.