Thrunkar Tsechu marks the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism who first introduced Buddhism in Sikkim and other neighbouring Himalayan regions during 8th century. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show throughout the state; special prayers and rituals are held in the monasteries and huge processions are carried across the streets that are led by monks and lamas playing various traditional instruments.

Trungkar Tsechu is observed on the tenth day of the fifth month of Tibetan Lunar Calendar (July-August) every year.

Guru Thrunkar Tshechu is celebrated as the birth day of Guru Padmasambhava, reverentially referred as ‘Guru Rimpoche’ in Eastern Himalayan region and Sikkim in particular.

Guru Rimpoche is revered and worshipped as guardian saint in Sikkim who blessed this land as ‘Bayul Dremojong’ (hidden valley of rice) and transmitted tantric Buddhism in the region adjoined by Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th Century AD. Among the galaxy of Buddhist monks, Arahats and Rimpoches, the prominence of Guru Padmasambhava as the principal associate and disciple of Lord Buddha stands out. It was his prominence that transformed this land into predominantly a Buddhist land. Guru Padmasambhava is not only revered by Buddhist but is held in high regard by the Sikkimese across all faiths.