Drukpa Tsheshi is again a unique festival, celebrated
by the Buddhists. In the vein of other religious festivals, Drukpa
Tsheshi is also attached with the religious sentiments of the Buddhists.
The festival commemorates the event, when Lord Buddha turned the Wheel
of Dharma for the very first time. Actually, this event marks the
beginning of spreading religion and the first sermon that the Lord gave
to his five disciples at Sarnath.
Drukpa Tsheshi is celebrated on the 4th day (Tsheshi) of the 6th month
(Drukpa) of the Tibetan Calendar. According to the English Calendar, it
falls somewhere around July or August each year. The festival observes
chanting and prayers at the Deer Park in Gangtok. It is also celebrated
in an isolated place by the name of Muguthang in North Sikkim. The
festivities comprise of a Yak race, which adds a little adventure to the
ambiance of spirituality.
Coming to the legend behind the festival, it is observed to celebrate
Lord Buddha and his first preaching of the Four Noble Truths. This
preaching was granted to his five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath.
The first noble truth acquaints with suffering. The second noble truth
acclaims the truth of the origin of suffering, accident, chance,
illusion and their causes. The third noble truth confirms the
termination of suffering or the realization of 'Nirvana'. The fourth
noble truth says about the truth of the Eight Fold Path, which
eventually leads to Nirvana.
