Namchi, 10 December (IPR): In anticipation of the forthcoming Maghey Sankranti Mela (MSM) 2026, a preparatory meeting was convened today at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre, Namchi.
The session was chaired by the District Collector Ms Anupa Tamling.
In her address, the DC underscored the importance of close cooperation and seamless coordination among departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. She further informed that the MSM 2026 venue will span across both Namchi and Soreng districts, necessitating joint efforts and strong inter-district communication.
Highlighting safety considerations, the DC urged the organising committee to ensure adequate spacing between stalls to minimise risks in the event of unforeseen hazards or mishaps. She also stressed the need for the strategic placement of stalls to ensure accessibility for law enforcement, medical teams, and DDMA personnel.
The DC clarified that permissions for the tambola would be granted for a total of eight days only, with no extensions to be entertained. She also advised that cash prizes offered during the game must not be inflated.
Concluding her remarks, the DC encouraged all personnel of the line departments to work collectively towards the success of the event, noting that the Maghey Sankranti Mela is a platform that showcases Sikkim at both national and international levels.
Addressing the gathering, SSP Namchi, Mr Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, emphasised the need for well-organised parking arrangements, highlighting that proper parking would significantly ease vehicular movement. Speaking on drone operations during the event, he informed that drones may be flown up to a height of 200 metres, provided the drone’s weight does not exceed 2 kg and flights avoid restricted or prohibited zones.
A brief presentation on the forthcoming MSM was delivered by Director SIRD&PR-cum-General Secretary, MSMC, Mr Bishal Mukhia. He noted that the 2026 edition marks the 71st celebration of the festival and will include 13 thematic mini melas, namely:
Spiritual Mela
Culture and Heritage Mela
Agriculture Mela
Tourism Mela
Entrepreneurship Mela
Women’s Mela
Sports Mela (including Football and Rural Sports)
Adventure Mela
Food and Cuisines Mela
Commercial Mela
Entertainment Mela
24/7 Mela
Art and Literary Mela
The 2026 celebration will further feature:
Sandhya Arati
Traditional dances and music performances
All India 11th Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament
Local food exhibitions and promotional stalls
Children’s and youth competitions
SARAS Mela highlighting women’s empowerment
Adventure activities and local product displays
Entertainment games
Bangey Bazar
Departmental exhibition stalls
River Rangeet campsite attractions
Investors’ Meet
Speaking on traffic and parking arrangements, ASP Traffic, Ms Jyoti Chettri, informed that two riverbank areas have been earmarked for parking and are currently being regulated to accommodate the maximum number of vehicles.
During the meeting, the DC and SSP Namchi also extended a formal welcome to the newly appointed ASP Namchi, Mr Mani Kumar Tamang.
The meeting was attended by SDM HQ (Namchi) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM Jorethang Mr Yogen Syangden, SDM Namthang Mr Praveen Gautam, along with Heads of Offices and representatives from various line departments.
Report from DIO Namchi