Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam

Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam is a Limboo festival of Sikkim. This festival marks the birth anniversary of the famous 18th-century scholar Teyongsi Sirijunga. He is greatly remembered by the Limboo people for his role in reviving the Limboo tradition, culture, and religion in the state of Sikkim. Moreover, this festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Mangsir according to the Vikram Sambat Calendar. Whereas it falls sometime between November to December according to the Gregorian Calendar. Furthermore, this festival corresponds with the Udhauli festival of the Kirat communities of Nepal, including Sunuwar, Rai, Bantawa, Lohorung, Limbu, and Yakkha people.

Limboo people are one of the three indigenous tribes of Sikkim besides the Lepchas and the Bhutias. They have their own language, script, and religion. Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam is one of the most significant festivals in Sikkim. This full-day long celebration commences with a traditional ceremony. Once the prayers and religious rituals are over, people immerse themselves in a festive mood by engaging in folk dances and music. The main venue for the festival is “Yuma Mangkhim” (worship place for Limboos) at Hee-Bermiok, in West Sikkim. The ancient home place of Teyongsi Sirijunga.