January
New Year: The New Year is a grand time when everyone gets engaged in the merrymaking on the eve of New Year.
Maghe Sankranti: A worship and celebration of Sun god, Maghe Sankranti is also celebrated as the first day of Nepali month.
Tibetian Year: A fortnight after Nepali New Year, it is time for Tibetians to engage in jollification as the end of January brings in Tibetian Year, celebrated by Chaam and Chakrasambhara Dance.
February
Losar: This again marks the bright and prosperous beginning of Tibetian New Year celebrated as momos, new clothes and dances.
Shri Panchami/ Saraswati Pooja: A reverence to Nepalese (Hindu) Goddess, Saraswati, it is also the day of sowing seeds.
March
Holi: A Hindu festival, Holi is widely enjoyed with colours and sweets in Darjeeling.
Ram Navami/ Chaite Desai: It is basically the birthday of Lord Rama, doubled up Hindu New Year. Processions of Lord Rama are taken out and at home, tika ritual is performed.
April
Buddha Jayanti: This is the birthday of Lord Buddha and celebrated with great fervour in all Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
May
Saga Dawa: At the starting of May, Tibetans celebrate Saga Dawa and other Buddhists celebrate Buddha Shakyamuni`s Enlightenment and Parinirvana.
July
Dalai Lama: 6th July is feted as the birthday of his Holiness Dalai Lama.
Dzam Ling Chi Sang: A Tibetain Celebration, this is the Local deities Day in Darjeeling.
Chokhor Duchen: A festival of high import for all Buddha followers, Choker Duchen is a day on which Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma.
August
Newar Kwati Purne/ Guru Poornima: A unique festival to welcome Sawan (monsoon), Nepalis eat legumes and welcome gods and goddesses in the month.
October
Gandhi Jayanti: 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanthi all over Darjeeling in extreme gaiety and honour.
Jamare Anushi: This is the greatest festival of Nepalis celebrated over a period of fifteen consecutive days. From the very next day of this festival begins the day of Durga Pooja.
Tsechu: During mid-October, the Tibetians celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Rimpoche.
November
Tihar/Teohar: A special Nepalese festival, on the day of Tihar crows and dogs, are fed in large number. And the next day, Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu are worshipped for prosperity and success. In the evening young girls go from house to house singing Bhaileni (special songs of Tihar) and they are offered money and food. Nepalis celebrate this day with lights and firecrackers in the evening.
Govardhan Puja: A puja offered to bull and meant for boys, on this occasion boy go house to house singing folk song.
Lha Bab Duchen: TIbetians celebrate this festival as Buddha’s descent from heaven.
December
Nambun: This is a new moon day celebrated as the victory of good over evil. A dance and dress drama is enacted for next 15 days from this day.
Kiomoi Must Dos
1- It is like having a Train parked in your backyard. Chug your dreams on Darjeeling Toy Trains ? A UNESCO HERITAGE.
2- If Darjeeling heights scare you, sip a Cuppa of freshening Darjeeling Tea, which helps your head from spinning.
3- It just that you have memorized this name in your school examinations. This time you are face to face with it ? Mt Kanchenjunga.
4- Tiger Hills is minus Tigers! But, of course, the sunsets and rises here have a huddle of tourists.
5- Trek to the Sandakfu, a point where from where you can see those beautiful heights of Kanchenjunga and other pinnacles.
6- A visit to Chowrasta is never complete without momos and wai, thupka and churpee.
7- Leopard Breeding Centre is a must-visit for all!
8- You get peace of mind in these Tibetian and Buddhist Monasteries.
