First-Ever Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival Celebrated at Gnathang Valley
Pakyong, October 28 (IPR): The first ever Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival, organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, in collaboration with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Sikkim Inspires and the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), was held at Gnathang Valley, Sikkim, today.
The programme was graced by Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr MN Sherpa, as the Chief Guest.
Also present were the were Minister for AH&VS and Fisheries Department cum MLA, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung; Minister for Forest and Environment, Mines and Geology, and Science and Technology Departments cum MLA, Mr Pintso Namgyal Lepcha; Minister for Printing and Stationery, Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum MLA, Mr Samdup Lepcha; Advisor to the Roads and Bridges Department cum MLA, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha; Advisor to the Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum MLA, Mrs Pamin Lepcha; Advisor to the Agriculture, Horticulture, AH&VS and Fisheries Development Departments-cum-MLA, Mr N B Pradhan; and MLA, Mr Sonam Tshering Venchungpa.
The festival marked a significant step towards promoting yak conservation, recognising the invaluable contributions of yak herders and strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities in high-altitude communities, while providing a platform to encourage collaborative efforts for the long-term sustainability of yak husbandry and the preservation of the Himalayan region’s pastoral heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr M N Sherpa highlighted the cultural and traditional significance of yaks in the Himalayan region while expressing concern over its declining population. He emphasised the need to celebrate and promote the yak as an integral part of the state’s heritage, suggesting initiatives to strengthen tourism, support local businesses and encourage the production and marketing of yak-based products, including traditional clothing and other indigenous products.
He then stressed on the declining number of both yaks and yak herders, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges together to maintain a sustainable balance between yak husbandry, livelihoods and conservation. Further, he encouraged collective efforts to preserve the indigenous animal and ensure the continuation of traditional yak-rearing practices.
Additionally, Minister for AH&VS and Fisheries Department cum MLA, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung congratulated the organisers and participants on the successful conduct of the festival and highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the department to promote yak conservation through the adoption of appropriate technologies and improved practices, further reaffirming the department’s commitment to strengthen the conservation efforts and supporting the yak husbandry in the state.
Likewise, Advisor, Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments cum MLA, Mrs Pamin Lepcha, underscored the cultural and ecological significance of the yak, describing it as a traditional animal and a source of pride for the region. She then highlighted cultural elements such as the Snow Lion and yak dance, which reflect the rich heritage and traditions of Himalayan communities.
Emphasising the yak’s potential as a sustainable source of livelihood in high altitude regions, she highlighted the economic opportunities associated with yak-based products and their by-products, while stressing the potential for promoting tourism and noted the yak’s vital role in maintaining ecological balance in the ecosystem. MLA, Ms Pamin Lepcha also shared several suggestions aimed at strengthening the yak-rearing sector and improving the livelihoods of local communities which included exploring improved breeding practices, agricultural opportunities, organising brainstorming sessions for yak herders to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences and addressing border-related concerns.
Subsequently, Principal Director cum Secretary of the AH&VS Department, Dr Sandeep Gurung highlighted the significance of the festival in encouraging and supporting yak herders working in challenging high-altitude regions and shed light on the importance of creating awareness among the younger generation about yak husbandry and conservation, while underscoring the need to strengthen marketing opportunities and explore tourism potential.
President of the Yak Association of Sikkim and Secretary of the Yak Federation of India, Mr Thupden Lachungpa highlighted the efforts of the Chief Minister towards supporting and uplifting the yak-rearing community and acknowledged the contributions of various institutions towards yak conservation and the development of yak-based products. He further noted that the festival would help strengthen conservation efforts, recognise the contributions of yak herders and promote sustainable livelihoods in high-altitude communities.
Earlier, the dignitaries visited stalls showcasing yak-based products, traditional practices and initiatives related to yak husbandry. The exhibits highlighted opportunities for livelihood generation, value addition and the promotion of locally produced goods.
One of the highlight of the festival was the declaration of the Sikkimese Yak as an officially registered breed in the country, marking an important milestone in recognising and conserving the state’s indigenous yak population.
Several initiatives and publications were also launched during the occasion, including a publication on ecosystem management by the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and the One Calf, Nine Trees programme, which seeks to link yak husbandry with environmental conservation.
The Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB), under the AH&VS Department, also launched prototypes of Siri Ghee made from A2 milk and Yak Churpi. The initiative aims to celebrate Sikkim’s indigenous livestock heritage and traditional products, promote value addition to local resources and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and yak-rearing communities.
The festival also witnessed the official launch of a documentary highlighting the yak as a threatened animal breed, drawing attention to the urgent need for conservation and habitat protection.
The day also featured a range of traditional performances, including Gorshey presented by Gnathang MPCS, folk songs accompanied by indigenous musical instruments from North Sikkim, a yak dance presented by the DLST Group, traditional games and a yak-themed fashion show.
The festival also provided a platform for interaction and knowledge exchange among yak herders from different districts and states, facilitating the sharing of experiences, traditional practices and perspectives on sustainable yak husbandry.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates, followed by the felicitation of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to yak husbandry in Sikkim.
Also in attendance were Chairpersons and Advisors from various line departments, Head of Departments, Officer on Special Duty (OSDs) and dignitaries from various line departments, Zilla Panchayat members, yak herders, researchers, representatives of yak associations and other stakeholders, along with members of local communities.