Saga Dawa at Lachen Monastery
May or June (full moon of the fourth Tibetan month)
Saga Dawa falls on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan month, usually in late May or June. Buddhists in Sikkim treat the whole month as a time for merit: many avoid meat, give alms and visit monasteries. On the main day, monks and villagers carry holy texts around the village in procession.
In Gangtok the procession is large and public. In Lachen and Lachung it is smaller and more local, centred on the village monastery. If you are in North Sikkim at that time, you may see villagers walking with scriptures, lighting lamps and praying.
Saga Dawa comes at the start of the monsoon, when landslides may close roads and permits can be suspended. Do not plan a trip solely around it without a backup plan.
How to do it well
- Dress modestly and walk clockwise around monasteries and stupas.
- Do not walk in front of a procession or interrupt prayers for photos.
- Avoid meat and alcohol in public on the day out of respect.
- Keep two spare days for monsoon road closures.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is Saga Dawa?
Saga Dawa is the holiest Buddhist observance in Sikkim, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan month, usually late May or June. It is a state holiday in Sikkim, with prayers and processions in monasteries.
Where is the biggest Saga Dawa celebration?
The largest public procession is in Gangtok. In North Sikkim, villages such as Lachen and Lachung mark the day at their own monasteries with prayers, lamps and smaller processions. These are local events rather than tourist shows. If you are in Gangtok on the day, the procession through town is well worth seeing.
Is it a good time to travel to North Sikkim?
It can be, if roads are open. Late May is still good weather, but by June the monsoon may cause landslides and permit suspensions. Keep spare days and a backup plan in lower Sikkim. Check current status before you travel.
Can I take photos during Saga Dawa?
Photography of processions outdoors is usually accepted from a respectful distance. Inside monastery halls, ask first and do not use flash. Never stand in front of monks or block the procession to take pictures. Ask people before taking close portraits, and put the camera away during prayers if asked.