Lashar Valley – The Location
- Lashar Valley is located in the Tibetan Plateau area of the northern frontier of Sikkim at an approximate altitude of 14000 ft.
- It is the home of the Dokpa- the Nomadic Herdsmen of these Himalayan Passes with their herd of Yak. They have been living this nomadic life in these regions for generations and are an intrinsic part of the ecosystem.
- Lashar is a wide-open valley dominated by a beautiful Ox-Bow lake and is shrouded in mist during the day with striking snow clad mountains all around visible in the mornings.
- Lashar is the location where the festival of Drukpa-Tsechi takes place every year on the 4th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar. For 2024 this falls on 9th of July in the Gregorian Calendar.
- Lashar is accessed via a trek from Thangu which is a day and a half distance from Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim. One night at Lachen is required and an additional night at Thangu for acclimatization is also recommended.
- Accommodation and meals are expedition style – Trek tents, toilet tents and all supplies are carried for this with a lead guide, pack animals and porters.
Drukpa Tsechi – The Yak Race
- Drukpa Tsechi is a Buddhist festival celebrated by Buddhists all over the world especially from the Tibetan Buddhist community of Vajrayana Buddhism.
- The festival is in commemoration of the first sermon to his first five disciples by Guatama Buddha on the four noble truths at the deer park in Sarnath.
- The festival or rather prayer ceremony held in Lashar has been in practice for generations and though the actual event is a single day, the locals in the area start arrangements a few days beforehand due to the remoteness of the location.
- Prayers are held by Buddhist monks and supported by the local village council- the Dzumsa , of Lachen, the closest civilian settlement that lies a 3 hour trek and 1 hour drive further from Lashar.
- This festival is a collaborative effort between the Lachen people and the Dokpas and the event culminates in a ‘Yak Race’- where bragging rights and a bit of revelry is part of the event for the winner of this race.
Why Lashar Valley – The Yak Race
The festival of Drukpa Tsechi and the Yak race has been in practice in the region for generations and is part of a Dying tradition due to dwindling population of the Dokpas and their way of life.
Socio-Cultural Context:
- The old traditions of the Dokpas are a fast dying culture and these festivals are the epitome of the merger of Buddhism and Bon traditions (Nature Worshipping) in the Eastern Himalayas – A Unique combination
- To ensure the continuance of these traditions, promoting the Lashar Valley Drukpa Tsechi festival along with the Yak race is crucial. This would not just bring awareness to the outside world but also a sense of pride to the local community to continue supporting such practices and ensure its survival.
- The trickle down effect is also obvious- The Yak are a source of protein and wool to the local communities, both of which are now a rare commodity. Traditional weaving of yak and sheep wool are almost non existent and promoting these can have deep impact on preservation.
Environmental:
- The advent of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 meant the stop on grazing in protected reserves. This effect is felt a lot on the Yak herders as it is now seen how crucial a role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
- Grazing yak improve and ensure a healthy growth of high altitude medicinal plants and insects.
- As the Dokpa migrate with their herd, the highlands of Sikkim are ensured of healthy plant life. A preservation of their way of life is crucial to the sensitive environment in these lands.