MANGAN: The State-Level Namprikdang Namsoong Festival 2024-25, organised by the Namprikdang Namsoong Celebration Committee (NNCC), concluded today at Namprikdang in Upper Dzongu. With the theme “Roots & Horizons,” the festival successfully highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions over its three-day run.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, graced the closing ceremony of the festival, where he was warmly welcomed with a traditional reception by Lepcha and Limbu communities. This was followed by a Guard of Honour, followed by the tradition puja ritual and a visit to the various stalls set up for the festival.
The event began with a welcome address by Chief Patron and Forest Minister Mr Pintso Namgyal Lepcha. In his speech, Lepcha thanked the Chief Minister for the development work done in Dzongu and expressed his gratitude to the local community for their ongoing support. He also highlighted the festival’s roots dating back to its inception in 1976 and emphasised the desire to elevate the festival to even greater heights in the future.
A highlight of the closing ceremony was the cultural performances sponsored by Eastern Zonal Culture Centre, Ministry of Culture, featuring traditional dances and music of the state as well as other states, in association with Culture Department, Sikkim. Traditional sports competitions were also an important part of the festival with the tug of war (for men and women)’s finals taking place, today. In addition, the event included distribution of cheques to the beneficiaries and the presentation of awards to individuals and groups who made significant contributions to community welfare and celebration.
In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the organisers and local community for the success of the festival. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Sikkim’s cultural heritage and expressed his hopes that such events would continue to nurture unity, peace and a strong sense of community across Sikkim.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister assured that the historic Namprikdang area, which was affected by the floods in 2023, would be renovated and restored in a more sustainable manner. He also spoke about the importance of safeguarding traditions and culture, urging everyone to preserve the rich legacy of the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival, which has been celebrated for 49 years till date.
He also highlighted various government schemes benefiting the people of Sikkim, such as the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMA), infrastructure development initiatives and schemes in the health and education sectors. He also congratulated the Sikkim Girls Football Team on their selection for the National Games and stated that the government aims at creating more opportunities for Sikkim’s youth. The Chief Minister also touched on the upcoming 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, promising a grand celebration showcasing the state’s rich culture.
The Namprikdang Namsoong Festival is unique as it celebrates the indigenous traditions and promotes culture through communal harmony.
- IPR Report
