Namchi, 05 Nov (IPR): The third and the concluding day of the ongoing Namchi Mahotsav 2018 themed ‘Explore the Ethnic Beauty’ had the State Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department Minister, Mr. G.M. Gurung, as chief guest. Organized by South District Administration in collaboration with Namchi Mahotsav Organising Committee under the guidance of South Sikkim Tourism Development Society (SSTDS), the event also had the presence of District Collector (South), Mr. Prabhakar Verma, Advisors, Chairman, Zilla Panchayats and Panchayat members, HoDs, various dignitaries, stakeholders of Namchi Mahotsav and public at large.
It may be mentioned here, Namchi Mahotsav is an annual event organized at South District Headquarters in Namchi. This year, there were approximately 84 number of stalls comprising of flower exhibition cum sale, traditional food and ethnic stalls set up at Namchi Bazaar premises. Additionally, the District Health Department had also set up a free screening eye camp at Namchi Bazaar premises.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Mr. G.M. Gurung extended his congratulations to the organizing committee in successfully organizing Namchi Mahotsav, 2018. He spoke in brief regarding the significance of celebrating Namchi Mahotsav which acts as a platform in providing an opportunity to display along with preserving and promoting the diverse culture, tradition and artifacts of the various communities of the State. He also spoke in brief about the various pilgrimage sites that have been set up by the State Government including Siddheswara Dham, Samdruptse, Tathagata Tsal and the recently inaugurated Chenrezig Singkham Riwo Potala and explained how these sites will boost tourism sector in Sikkim.
Mr. Gurung also underlined the various awards and accolades that Sikkim has received till date and the recently conferred Future Policy Gold Award by the UN- Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy.
At the onset of the Mahotsav celebration, Mr. Gurung along with the dignitaries visited the various stalls. He was also felicitated by the organizing committee for his unwavering efforts in the upliftment of the State.
On the inaugural day of Namchi Mahotsav 2018, Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling had unveiled the Chrysanthemum competition cum exhibition wherein a total of 29 participants had participated. The first prize was handed over to Sonam Sherpa from Munal Nursery followed by Dhan Kumari Rai from Daisyland Nursery and Suresh Kumar Gurung from Bul who stood in the second and the third positions respectively. They were presented with certificates and cash prize of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 8,000 respectively.
The concluding day also witnessed an assortment of cultural dance and song presentations from various cultural groups followed by an evening entertainment programme presented by local artist and a band.
