Festivals
February: Loshar
The Tibetans and the Sherpas most impressively observe this festival by organizing folk songs and dances. Tibetans mark their new year on this day. Religious observations are held and buddist monks offer prayer across monasteries.

February/ March : Maha Shivaratri
The birthday of Hindu God, Lord Shiva falls on this day. A great religious fair takes place in the Hindu Temple , in and around Darjeeling , where pilgrims converge holding vigils and offering prayers to the God Of Destruction.

May : Buddha Jayanti
Since Buddha's birthday falls on this day ad is marked with pomp and gaiety. Hindus regard Buddha as the incarnation of lord Vishnu. Both hindus regard as well as Buddhists gather for special prayers at Buddhist monasteries on this day to seek for blessings.

October: Dasain
It is the biggest festival in Darjeeling , marking the victory of good over evil. The main festival runs for 10 days during which all official work is closed. On the 10th day Hindus and Buddhists visit their relatives and elders for their blessings. The blessing is bestowed in form of red tikka, which is a mixture of vermilion and rice on the forehead.

November : Diwali
This “ festival of lights” runs for five days. On the third day , Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth is worshipped . Oil – fed lamps and candles are lit to propitiate Goddess Laxmi. On the fifth day, Bhai tika , is observed where brother and sister express their love for each other and the brother takes a pledge to protect his sister through out his life.