GANGTOK: The fourth day of the State-level Indrajatra Celebration 2026, organised by the Sikkim Newar Guthi (SNG), was held at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, on September 25, with Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest.
Organised under the aegis of the Indrajatra Celebration Committee 2026, the event showcased the rich cultural traditions, rituals and heritage of the Newar community through a series of traditional and cultural presentations, including Newari folk dances, traditional rituals, musical performances and community offerings.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang extended his greetings and best wishes to the Newar community on the auspicious occasion of Indrajatra and invoked the blessings of Lord Indra, Lord Ganesh, Goddess Kumari and other deities for peace, prosperity and well-being.
Highlighting the significance of Indrajatra, he described the festival as a celebration of nature, agriculture, remembrance, community and harmony, carrying a message of mutual respect and goodwill.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the historic contribution of the Newar community to Sikkim’s development, recalling the contributions of early Newar pioneers such as Laxmidas Pradhan and Chandrabir Pradhan in administration, agriculture, trade, copper mining and the production of coins during the early period of Sikkim’s history. He stated that the community’s contributions across administration, commerce, culture, arts, public service, sports and social service have enriched Sikkim’s social, cultural and economic landscape.
He further highlighted the achievements of prominent members of the community in administration, sports, mountaineering, arts and music, noting their contributions towards bringing recognition to Sikkim. He appreciated the community’s enduring role in the State’s history and its contribution to social harmony and inclusive development.
Speaking on the State Government’s approach towards community development, the Chief Minister said that various initiatives have been undertaken to promote the inclusive development and empowerment of all communities, irrespective of their social or community background. He said the Government has sought to provide communities with greater space to organise themselves, strengthen their institutions and advance their respective cultural and social interests.
He also highlighted various welfare and development programmes aimed at supporting economically vulnerable sections of society. Referring to the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme, he said students from across Sikkim, including members of the Newar community, have benefited from assistance for higher education. He also mentioned support for medical education and other professional courses, besides various development initiatives being implemented across sectors.
The Chief Minister said several other programmes and projects are in progress and stressed the need to ensure that government initiatives reach those who need them. He reiterated the Government’s continued commitment towards the welfare of the people and ensuring that the benefits of development reach communities across the State.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the stalls and participated in a photo session with members of the community.
On the occasion, he also handed over the land parcha to the Sikkim Newar Guthi (SNG).
The logo of the first Sikkim Travel and Tourism Fair 2026 was also unveiled by the Chief Minister at the ceremony, marking the formal launch of the event.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor-cum-MLA and Chief Patron, Sikkim Newar Guthi, Mr NB Pradhan, highlighted various initiatives and support extended to the Newar community by the State Government, including greater representation in boards, commissions and advisory bodies, as well as support for community infrastructure and cultural institutions. He also referred to initiatives aimed at providing greater representation to artists and cultural practitioners and the proposed Cultural and Heritage Centre for the Newar community.
Mr Pradhan expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support towards these initiatives, including the development of a dedicated community building and heritage-related projects. He said such measures would contribute towards strengthening the community’s cultural and institutional development and urged the younger generation to actively participate in cultural activities and carry forward the community’s heritage.
General Secretary, SNG, Mr Gagan Pradhan, in his welcome address, emphasised the need to document, preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Newar community, particularly its culture, traditions, food, history and knowledge systems.
He stressed that, at a time of rapid social and cultural change, the Newar community must continue to preserve its distinct identity and traditions while remaining an integral part of India’s diverse cultural fabric. He called for collective efforts to document the community’s heritage and ensure that its cultural knowledge is passed on to future generations.
Chairman, Indrajatra Celebration Committee, Mr Dhiraj Pradhan, in his address, highlighted the significance of Indrajatra in preserving the rich heritage, language and traditions of the Newar community. He said this year’s theme, “Let’s Unite, Embrace, Connect and Know Our Heritage,” reflects the spirit of bringing the community together, embracing its cultural identity, strengthening bonds and passing its traditions on to future generations.
In his address, President, SNG, Mr Mani Kumar Pradhan, outlined broader initiatives for cultural development, research, education and documentation, including efforts to revive a dedicated platform for academic and cultural activities. He also underscored ongoing efforts to document the works of writers, artists and cultural practitioners across Sikkim, acknowledging their contribution towards enriching the State’s cultural landscape.
At the outset, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang felicitated distinguished individuals with the Newar Ratna Samman 2026 and Bhanji Bhrikuti Samman in recognition of their contributions to the Newar community and the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage.
The Newar Ratna Samman 2026 was conferred upon Mr Suryavir Tuladhar, Mr Govind Prasad Pradhan and Mr Ganesh Kumar Pradhan, while Ms Suchitna Tamang was conferred the Bhanji Bhrikuti Samman in recognition of her contribution and achievements. The awardees were presented with letters of felicitation and certificates on the occasion.
The Smarika 2026, the annual magazine documenting the activities, achievements, progress and collective journey of the community, was also released by the Chief Minister. The publication serves as an important record of the community’s contemporary history, cultural heritage, activities and collective achievements. A notable feature of this year’s edition is that, in addition to the printed version, it has also been published digitally, making its contents accessible to a wider audience through digital platforms.
The Ritual Book and Newar Indrajatra Song were also released by the Chief Minister on the occasion.
The cultural segment featured a Kumari Nritya, followed by Bajrayogini Nritya. This was followed by a Newari Folk Dance, Dhimey Dance and Pancha Kumari Nritya, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the Newar community.
The programme was attended by Speaker Mr MN Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, MLA-cum-Advisors, Member of Parliament, Adhyaksha, Upadhyaksha, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and members of the Newar community.
The vote of thanks was proposed by, Vice Chairman, Indrajatra Celebration Committee, Mr Uttaman Shakya.
- IPR Report
