Gangtok, December 15 (IPR):
The cultural festival “Denzong Guenkyi Lhopoi Gaton”, organised by the All Sikkim Bhutia Association (ASBA), concluded successfully at The Ridge, Gangtok, celebrating the rich cultural, literary and traditional heritage of the Bhutia community.
The programme was graced by the presence of HCM Mr Prem Singh Tamang, Spouse Ms Krishna Rai, Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, OSDs, Former Legislators, Representatives of Various Communities, H. H. Prince Palden Gyurmed Namgyal, H. H. Princess Hope Leezum Namgyal, HE Tinkey Gonjang Rinpoche, HE Serta Khyentse Tulku, HE Chogtul Pema Kundol Tulku, Councillors, Adakshyas, Head of Departments, senior members of the society, members of the Sangha and members of the All Sikkim Bhutia Association. The event commenced with traditional rituals and customary welcome programmes, setting a solemn and festive tone for the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, ASBA President Mr C. L. Denzongpa highlighted the significance of preserving Bhutia language, customs and collective identity through such community-led initiatives.
This was followed by an address by ASBA Advisor-cum-Hon’ble Minister Ven Sonam Lama, who underscored the importance of cultural continuity and intergenerational transmission of heritage.
A major highlight of the festival was the ceremonial offering of Jeju to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, along with the presentation of a Lifetime Citation in recognition of his contributions. Traditional offerings of Khering, Namza and Sampho were also presented to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Madam Hon’ble Chief Minister, reflecting deep-rooted Bhutia customs and respect.
The programme featured the unveiling of the ASBA flag by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the release of a book by the Palace Trustee, and the release of a collection of poems by Mr Phu Tshering Bhutia. The occasion also marked the release of the Bhutia film teaser “Khaku-Khu (Bitter Phalay)” by filmmaker Samten Bhutia, drawing appreciation from the audience.
In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister extended his warm greetings to the Bhutia community on the occasion of
pre-Losong celebrations. In his words, festivals protect our culture, tradition and identity and we must emulate our ancestors in preserving our culture.
The Chief Minister said that Bhutia culture has laid the foundation of Sikkim and cited the treaty of brotherhood which was a significant event in history of Sikkim. Further, he said that the Bhutia community is an exemplary community on protecting the tradition, culture, identity and language among all the other Sikkimese communities. On the same context, the Chief Minister apprised about contribution of Chogyal towards protection of Sikkim through Article 371f.
The Chief Minister spoke about every Thursday being traditional attire day wherein Government employees wear traditional dress of their own respective community which has influenced the youth to their tradition roots. In addition, the Chief Minister directed the Ministers and MLAs to wear their own traditional attire and lead by example.
The Chief Minister also announced separated fund for Bhutia House which will be built near Sardar Thana with sizable area to host events for the cpmmunity. The Chief Minister further said that his administration will leave no stone unturned for construction of building for respective communities.
The Chief Minister assured that his administration is working tirelessly to fulfill three demnands for the Sikkimese people. The first being providing Tribal status to the 12 left out indigeneous communities of Sikkim. Speaking on the same subject, the Chief Minister said a resolution was passed in the Sikkim Legislative Assesmbly on SSHLC report. Secondly, the Chief Minister spoke about providing Scheduled Tribe status to Limbo/Tamang community so that they can elect their own candidate through ST seat. Lastly, the Chief Minister spoke about brigning the 17th Karmapa to Sikkim which has been a long pending demand of the Sikkimese people.
The Chief Minister in his concluding remarks thanked the All Sikkim Bhutia Association for the invitation on this auspicious event. He lauded ASBA for its sustained efforts in safeguarding Bhutia heritage and encouraged continued initiatives to promote indigenous language, literature and traditions.
Minister Sonam Lama in his address, apprised everybody about the freedom enjoyed by communities of Sikkim in recent times. He thanked the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for providing the freedom earned by communities to wear traditional attire of their own respective community.
The Minister gave a brief history on Losoong and also spoke at length about tradtion and culture of Bhutia community during Losoong festival. The Minister cautioned everyone on protecting one's culture by wearing traditional attire. In the end, the Minister thanked the Chief Minister for his gracious presence.
Several individuals from Bhutia community were felicitated for their outsanding work in their respective field. The names of the 11 recipients are as follows:
1. Mr Rinzing Chewang Bhutia- Secretary Land Revenue and Disaster Management Deprtment and Secretary Department of Personnel.
2. Mr Chewang Gyaccho Bhutia- Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department.
3. Mr Lendup Lamtha- Secretary Irrigation Department.
4. Mr Karma Legshey Thendup- Chief Conservator of Forest.
5. Mr Oezer Zangpo Bhutia- Music Artist.
6. Ms Nizang Palmu Bhutia- Music Artist.
7. Mr Hishey Dorjee Bhutia- Lama.
8. Mr Karma Tempo Bhutia- National Awardee Teacher.
9. Ms Pema Ongmu Bhutia- Boxer.
10. Ms Rinzing Choda Bhutia- Police Officer.
11. Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia- Senior Gendung.
Winners of the Bhutia Lyrics Writing Competition were felicitated, and ASBA Certificates of Appreciation were presented to individuals for their contributions towards cultural preservation. The top three finishers were Mr Jigme Wangchuk and Pema Yangtse from Denzong Sonam Program (1st position), Mr Yeshey Namgyal from Ako Lhopo Chu Tashiding (2nd position) and Mr Karma Wangdi Bhutia from Zepa Meto Kar (3rd position).
The vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department Mr Chewang Gyaccho Bhutia.
The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances, showcasing traditional music, songs and dances, and left the audience with a renewed sense of pride in Sikkim’s diverse cultural legacy.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK