Undoubtedly, one of the most important and holiest festivals for all the Buddhists in Sikkim and around, it also provides for a perfect platform for all those Non-Buddhists who seek a deeper insight into Buddhism and its religious customs, beliefs and rituals.

It was under his rule that Guru Padmasambhava when invited to Tibet performed a holy sadhana and consecrated the land with water from his SACRED VASE, which was then later concealed as a hidden treasure in his most blessed place, the Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim.

Somewhere around 17th century, the vase was again discovered by one of the reincarnations of Padmasambhava and it is since that time, this festival again resumed with all its glory and splendour in the hidden and blessed land of Sikkim/Beyul Demozong.

It is said that the three monks saw an unusual divine phenomenon of bright light shining on top of the Kanchendzonga mountain, which reflected to a site near the place where the present Tashiding Monastery has been built.

Guru Padmasambhava, while teaching the tantric system of "Mahakarunika Avalokiteshvara Sadhana and initiation on emancipation from the cycle of mundane existence" to the King Trisong Detsen, prince Murub Tsenpo, Yeshe Tsogyal and Vairotsana in Tibet, sanctified the same holy vase with holy water, which is now kept in Tashiding Monastery and revered during the Bhumchu festival.

[citation needed] This vase is made of five types prized jewels, divine soil and holy water said to have been gathered by Padmasambhava from religious centres in India, Oddiyana and Zahor.

The event was witnessed by devotees and Padmasmabhava distributed the holy water from the vase to all assembled people, which spiritually benefited one and all.

However, the vase was rediscovered and passed through the hands of several holy men and finally placed at Tashiding by Terton Ngadak Sempa Chenpo.

[citation needed] After the religious ceremony the vase with the water has been kept on display in a small chamber in the Monastery under the custody of the Chogyal himself, which is opened once a year during the Bhumchu festival.

[citation needed] The Sinek market place is located on an incline on the ridge between Rathong Chu and Rangeet River.

The footpath in the southern direction has a gentle slope and passes through a Mani and then prayer wind wheels terminating at the entrance gate of the Monastery.

Other basic essential structures such as kitchen, school and residential housing are located on the left side of the approach path to the monastery.

[2] Also of major note are the stone plates called the 'Mani', the work of Yanchong Lodil who inscribed them with the sacred Buddhist inscriptions, such as "Om Mane Padme Hum".

[1][2] Bhumchu festival, which is linked by an ancient legend to Guru Padmasambhava, is about a divine vase filled with holy water kept in the monastery, which is opened for public display and worship every year on the night before the Full Moon day in the first month of Tibetan calendar.

Once inspected and the Bhumchu festival is concluded, the lamas fill the vase with fresh water from the river and seal it for the opening in the following year.

The festival is of particular importance to the Bhutias (ethnic Tibetans) of Sikkim who hold the "life-sustaining water of the rivers" with great reverence.