Balihang Tongnam Festival celebration commences at Yuksam.

Gyalshing, October 30 (IPR): The three-day cultural festival of the Limboo community, ‘Balihang Tongnam’, commenced at Yuksam in Gyalshing district today with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.

Balihang Tongnam is one of the major annual festivals of the Limboo community. The three-day celebration at Yuksam aims to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage, traditions and identity of the Limboo community, while also promoting cultural tourism in the region.

OSD to Martam-Rumtek MLA, Mr Jiwan Limboo, graced the inaugural programme as the chief guest. Former Deputy Speaker of the SLA, Mr Sangay Lepcha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr GM Lepcha, Chairperson, RDD, Mr Narayan Khatiwada, Advisor, Sikkim Medicinal Plants Board, Mr NB Limboo, Zilla Panchayat Adhyaksha, Gyalshing, Mr Ds Limboo, OSD to Geyzing-Bermiok MLA, Mr Prakash Gurung, and SDM Yuksam, Mr Jigmee Bhutia, were among the special guests. Zilla and Gram Panchayat members and other local dignitaries were also present.

Upon arrival at the venue, the chief guest and other dignitaries were accorded a traditional welcome. The chief guest offered prayers at the Manghim and sought blessings from Peli-Phangsham and Tumyehang, the revered Limboo priests and traditional leaders, before proceeding to the main stage.

At the outset, President of the Organising Committee, Mr Song Hang Limboo, delivered a brief introductory address highlighting the significance and cultural importance of the 'Balihang Tongnam' festival.

The inaugural programme featured various traditional cultural performances of the Limboo community, including Chabrung dance, Yarak and Khyali, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

In his brief address, the chief guest extended warm wishes to the gathering, particularly to the Limboo community, on the occasion of Balihang Tongnam. He appreciated the organising committee for organising the festival on a grand scale. He also highlighted the growing importance of cultural tourism in Sikkim and stated that the State Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, has been extending equal support to all communities towards the preservation and promotion of their unique cultural heritage and traditions, along with their overall development.

The chief guest, accompanied by other dignitaries, also visited the cultural stalls set up at the venue.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by BDO Yuksam, Mr Sanman Subba. It was jointly compered by Mr Temen Hang Limboo and Ms Ikla Limboo, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Budha Hang Subba.

The three-day festival will continue until November 1, featuring various cultural activities and programmes celebrating the rich traditions and heritage of the Limboo community.

Report from DIO, Gyalshing.