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January 4, 2010 | Sikkim's rich Buddhist culture attracts tourists | Gangtok: Sikkim which is situated amidst Himalayan Hills
is a paradise for tourists. Now the state Government has stepped up its efforts
to promote many Budhist sites and festivals as tourist's destinations. Kagyad
chaam is the one of the four forms of masked dances in the state. Performed by
Lamas of Buddhist monastery on the every 28th and 29th day of Tibetan calendar,
the dances symbolize exorcizing of evil spirits of previous year and welcoming
the good spirits at the dawn of New Year. During the dance costumed Lamas with
gaily-painted masks holding the ceremonial swords jump and swing to the rhythm
of resounding drums. The vibrant dance not just enthralls locals, but foreign
tourists as well. Kagyad dance enacts various themes from the Buddhist mythology
and culminates with the burning of effigies made of flour, wood and paper. A congregation
of local Buddhist followers and tourists gather once a year to witness this extraordinary
dance. The Buddhist festivals, which reflect centuries-old tradition of Buddhism
in State also contribute to the growth of tourism industry. According to Sikkim
Travel Agent Association General Secretary Lukendra Rasily, "Tourists finds it
very very interesting, very different and when they come to Sikkim they go back
with lot of memories which are not available easily anywhere in the world." "The
tour operator is marketing; the Government of India is also marketing through
their Incredible India slogan," he added. Sikkim has a lot more to offer to the
visitors-snow clad mountains, thick green forests and monasteries. Peace and normalcy
have brought in many visitors to the state. Over 3 lakh tourists visited Sikkim
this year alone. |
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