03/09/2025
Documentary on Demazong Pangtoed Released
Gangtok, September 3 (IPR): A documentary on Demazong Pangtoed, a sacred warrior dance performed during Pang Lhabsol, was released at a local hotel in Gangtok, today.
The Pangtoed Cham takes place on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Tibetan lunar calendar as part of the Pang Lhabsol festival.
The Minister of Public Health Engineering, Water Resources, and Ecclesiastical Departments, Mr Sonam Lama, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister extended greetings on Pang Lhabsol. He recalled the three-century-old tradition of brotherhood among the communities of Sikkim. He acknowledged the Champens and Cham Lopons for their role in carrying the tradition forward. He said that Pang Lhabsol is a collective homage to the guardian deity of the State and not confined to one community. He encouraged the youth to participate actively in the festival and mentioned that Tsuklakhang Palace has remained the centre of celebration since the time of the Chogyals. He expressed gratitude to the royal family for preserving the legacy.
He further noted the importance of blessings from the deity, with Bumthings and lamas commencing prayers before the festival.
The documentary, prepared after years of research, presented the significance of the festival, the ritual preparations, and the complete sequence of 15 dance steps. The first sequence included Ki-Dha, Then-Cham, Dhi-Khor, Dhi-Dar, Dhi-Chhar, Pangtoed Nga-kor, Pangtoed Duen-kor, Bram, Zenday, Thetay Khazor, Theyay Khazor (Chup), Zenday (Chup), Thak-Tsho Balap, Dorjee Dhoe, Dorjee Duoe (Chup), Thomu Ngakor, and Chup Thomu Ngakor.
The second sequence comprised Chagukar, Chagukar (Chup), Chikor, Chilor (Chup), and Bram. The third sequence included Zalo Hissey. The last sequence was Lapsey, followed by Lokcham.
The film presented the spiritual importance of Mount Khangchendzonga as the guardian deity, Dzenga as the living deity safeguarding the land, and Mahakala as the protector of Dharma who dispels negativity and ensures peace and harmony in Sikkim.
Tokens of appreciation and certificates were presented to Lopons (teachers), Sangha drummer, coordinator, and Champey (dancers) in recognition of their contributions.
At the event, Chief Engineer of the Culture Department Mr Rimp Dorjee and Additional Chief Engineer Ms Sangay Diki Bhutia presented an Australian Aboriginal tribal artwork.
Also present were Zilla Adakshya Mangan District Mr Kado Tshering Lepcha, Deputy Mayor Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia, Chairman of Primitive Tribe Welfare Board and President of Sikkim Lepcha Association Mr Chewang Norbu Lepcha, Advisor of Ecclesiastical Department Mr Chewang Bhutia, chairpersons, advisors, heads of departments, OSD IPR Department, officials, officers, All Sikkimese Bhutia Association members, and students of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Tadong.
Report from DIO-Gangtok