SORENG: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and Madam Sarda Tamang attended the State-Level Sonam Lochhar celebration 2025, along with the special presence of Dhan Maya Tamang (mother) at Jautar Stadium Soreng on January 27.
The programme was organised by Sikkim Tamang Sonam Lochhar Celebration Committee. It commenced with offerings of prayers at Chorten, puja at the Chassum, followed by the visit to Tamang Dhim, Bonbo, Tamba and other traditional Tamang stalls set up at the stadium. The Chief Minister also hoisted the Tamang flag at the event to mark the celebration.
Addressing the celebration, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) highlighted the significance of the upcoming Sonam Lochhar on 30th January 2025, referring today’s event as pre-celebration. He then, emphasised the importance of cultural unity and community participation in various celebrations, to promote local cultures and traditions. He also expressed his fondness for cultural community celebrations and emphasised deeply on the collective participation. He further urged all to actively participate in each cultural celebrations, contributing towards the state’s vision “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddhi Sikkim, Samartha Sikkim.”
Additionally, he showed his appreciation towards the “Tamang Teachers” who welcomed the dignitaries with the traditional instruments in the event earlier, encouraging the gathering to preserve local languages as a means of cultural heritage. He articulated that the freedom of celebrating the cultural celebrations is vital in conserving one’s rich culture and traditions by stating it as an “unseen development”.
Further, he added the ideas to establish community Bhawans for various communities in the capital, citing various examples of existing Bhawans.
While concluding his speech, he addressed the requests that were put forward by Area MLA Aditya Golay, that included parking facilities, plans for artificial turf stadium at Jautar Stadium (Soreng) and the establishment of Tamang Cultural and Research Centre was also outlined, with an assurance from the state government to address the demands.
Aditya Golay MLA (Soreng-Chakung Constituency), also the Chief Patron of the celebration, expressed his gratitude towards the state government for forming Soreng as a district of the state. Mentioning about the progress made by the state government, he put forth the need for further development within the district, particularly in sports infrastructure. He also expressed his keen interest in establishing a Tamang Cultural and Research Centre, which helps in preserving and promoting the culture. Also, reflecting the idea of parking facilities for public convenience in Soreng, he asked for the needful assistance from the government in the days to come.
A special felicitation was given to the Chief Minister from the organising committee and the letters of appreciation were provided to the Tamang achievers.
During the programme, a series of traditional songs and dance performances from all the districts were showcased, while the performances from Nepal and Darjeeling added colours to the celebration.
An important insight of the Sonam Lochhar and Tamang culture along with its significance was presented by KM Tamang former president (International Tamang Forum).
Earlier, NW Tamang president (Sikkim Tamang Sonam Lochhar Celebration Committee) delivered the welcome address.
- IPR Report
