Saturday, January 30, 2016

Mazhitar Food and Drink Festival 2016: Towards wider audience

Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol winner, Remanti Rai, Sikkim State Awardee, Damber Nepali, famed singer from Nepal was among the artists who wrapped up the closing night of the three-day-long Mazhitar Food and Drink 2016 held at Mazhitar SS’s ground.  The combination of music and food supported by innovative glimpses of West Pandam Constituency made a huge impact on the people of Mazhitar and beyond. Interested visitors (thanks to its huge publicity) from places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, and different corners of the State have made the organizing committee think big for the next season.

Sikkim is no new to organizing such events and is known across the globe for promoting its culture, costume, and traditions. But for a few reasons, Mazhitar Food and Drink 2016 were different from others. As an observer, I hereby would like to share some of my favourite that made the event something different from the rest.

What I appreciated the most at Mazhitar Food and Drink 2016 was the presence of the less known Mazhi Community. The growth and development of a then small place Mazhitar have grown up over the last couple of decades, the name Mazhitar is now synonym with the famed SMIT and the Medicine Factory. Despite that, a small community of around 27 houses thrives in this area from whom the name of the place was set up – the Mazhi community.


Mazhitar, is the flat land of the Mazhi community as it was known in the early days. It was very pleasant to look out for their traditional fishing items and foods made from fishes being offered at their provided stall. I had an opportunity to talk with a senior Mazhi man who thanked the organizing committee for inviting them in their first-ever presentation of their culture and tradition. I was very sad to hear with a population of fewer than five hundred limited to Mazhitar surrounding and Jorethang, this community is fighting for survival in Sikkim. All credits to the people behind the event for proving an opportunity for the general public to learn about the Mazhi community.

Next to it, Ashbir Rai Memorial Gorkha Museum from Singlebong exhibited old traditional items used by the Gorkha communities. I got a chance to closely feel those rare old-style items of the past. Most of the household items were made from bamboo, wood, and straws, collectively for more than 80- 90 years. Watching those items, it seemed the wheel of the clock had stopped. We should encourage such events where apart from fun and entertainment we do get a taste of our heritage. Credits should be given to Sukdeo Rai, the person behind the collections for preserving such old heritage for our coming generation. Rai says the fast-moving today’s generation needs to know about these items, they are part of our legacy. How true!!


Sikkim Photographic Society, Singtam made its first public appearance with an exhibition cum sale display of over seventy photographs taken within Sikkim. The photo exhibition was one of the crowded stalls of the three-day event. All thanks to Suresh Lama, promoter of Mazhitar Food and Drink 2016 for inviting PSS.

Historical findings at the popular Pandam Gaari were another path-breaking thought that presented the heritage of West Pandam Constituency. It is amazing how those historic materials make an impact on the development of a place. I am afraid to say, despite the unearthed tools being displayed in different places before little has been done to know more about it.  Litti, a popular Bihari community food item found many lovers. People wholeheartedly enjoyed the taste of Bihari cuisine, Sherpa cuisine, Gurung cuisine, and others.

And who can forget the singing stage debut of young phenomenal teenager Barsa Rai from South Sikkim?  The popularity of Barsa Rai, all thanks to social media was justified by her song. Her stage appearance on the final day of the event was the most anticipated performance despite celebrated singers making their presence. We got to see the other side of Sikkim State Awardee Remanti Rai who shared her stage with Barsa Rai and encouraged her.  Truly a Sikkimese style!! 

No comments:

Post a Comment