Bhumchu festival is immensely sacred to the people of Sikkim. It is believed that this holy festival started somewhere in 755 BC- 804 BC in Tibet under the reign of King Trisong Deutsonin who is considered to be one of the Three Dharma Kings to play a significant role in introducing Buddhism to the Himalayan region. It is under his rule that Guru Padmasambhava when invited to Tibet performed holy rituals, meditated, and consecrated the land with water from the sacred vase. The sacred vase too was later consecrated and is treasured in his most blessed monastery of Tashiding, Sikkim, which is also known as “The Central Abode of Glory”.Bhumchu festival is celebrated for two days starting on the 14th day of the first month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, which often falls in the months of February and March. On the first day, the monks of Tashiding Monastery open the Sacred Vase at the break of dawn and determine the future of the State. On the second day, the closure of the ceremony is held amidst prayers and chants. The pot is refilled from the sacred river nearby and is sealed again to be opened the next year. The sacred water is distributed to the devotees which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the one who consumes even as little as a drop of it. It is also believed that in the 17th century, the vase was rediscovered by one of the reincarnations of Guru Padmasambhava and since then, this festival resumed its festivities with all its glory and splendor. Bhumchu is unique to Sikkim and forms an integral part of our identity as Sikkimese. It is a day to pay our reverence and obeisance to our patron saint Guru Padmasambhava and pray for his continued blessings to the land of Sikkim and the Sikkimese brethren. Therefore, taking into consideration the significance of the Bhumchu festival, the Government of Sikkim has declared it as a gazetted holiday.
