Tusk La Khang

Tusk-La-Khang is a beautiful and impressive building, which is the principal place of worship and assembly for Buddhists. It is the Royal Chapel that lies behind the former Royal Palace of the Kings of Sikkim. It is the repository of a large collection of scriptures. The main shrine of worship is interesting in terms of its architecture and lavish decorations with woodcarvings and murals. It houses the statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Tantric deities. Formerly, all the religious functions were observed here and the royal marriages and crowning of the kings of the state took place in its precincts. This monastery is located in the Royal Palace premises near the Ridge Park in Gangtok. It is two storied and was used during royal function like weddings and coronations. The chapel is the site of many festivals, the most interesting of them being one dedicated to the God of Kanchenjunga. The other important festival is the celebration of New Year, when the famous Black Hat dance is performed demonstrating the triumph of good over evil.