Singtam celebrates Indra Jatra

SEPTEMBER 09, 2014: The State Level Indra Jatra Celebration at Singtam marked a historic moment. It was the first time that the Kumari Devi’s puja had been performed outside Gangtok in the last five years. Singtam, the busiest town in Sikkim, takes the honour of receiving the Kumari for the first year; it has been announced that Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of the Newar community, shall travel to different places of Sikkim for the coming eight years, and shall return to Gangtok thereafter.

The Indra Jatra event was organised by Sikkim Newar Guthi and hosted by the Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014, Singtam. The festival was held in two phases: the morning (ritual) session and the second (cultural) session.

Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture & AHVS was the Chief Guest of the morning session that included Indra Rath Poojan and Kumari Jatra. The puja was performed by Parampujiya Guruji Shri Shri Suryabir Tuladhar from Swayambu Mandir, Gangtok. Thousands of Newars from different corners of the state had visited Singtam, the event venue. Sagoon (Samay-baji) was offered to every individual after completing the puja.

Distinguished guests present on the morning occasion included Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government of Sikkim; AK Ghatani, Minister, Health Care and Family Welfare and IPR; Uttam Pradhan, Chairman, Song, Dance, Drama and Film Board; Indra Pradhan, Chairman, State Welfare Board; councilors of Singtam Nagar Panchayats; and guests from Nepal, Darjeeling, Jaigoan, and others.

Kumari Jatra, the highlight of the Indra Jatra Celebration, had a procession that moved through the Singtam bazaar and returned to the venue. In their traditional costumes, the Newar community carried banners of their respective gut and participated in a huge gathering. Lakhey Dance was performed in the streets of Singtam for the first time. On returning back to the stage, bhoj was offered to the gathered crowds.

Bikash Pradhan, a Newar Language Teacher from Namthang SSS, gave a brief introduction to the day and discussed the importance of Indra Jatra and Kumar Puja in the Newar community.

The afternoon session started with the arrival of Ugen T Gyatso, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, who also was the Chief Guest of the cultural event. The highlight of the second session was the release of ‘NEWA’, a documentary on Newar Language and Culture. The documentary was made by Badhaichha Creation, Singtam. The Chief Guest and other guests released the DVD, and the unit team of ‘NEWA’ was also offered khadas by the Chief Guest on the stage. The documentary offers the simplest means of speaking newar language and learning cultural knowledge. Praveen Pradhan and Shital Pradhan directed the documentary.

The Chief Guest and other guests were offered newar topi and mementos from the Sikkim Newar Guthi. TB Pradhan, President of Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014, Singtam, gave the welcome speech. Pradhan shared his experience with an opportunity to organize such a huge responsibility on his shoulders. He thanked every individual for their support.

The participants from Namchi Sakha Guthi, Dentam Sakha Guthi, Melli Dara Sakha Guthi, and Gangtok performed different cultural programs. Rajendra Pradhan from Namchi, Pushpan Pradhan from Doars, and Arun Pradhan from Singtam entertained the crowds with their thrilling voices. On the occasion, Smarika, Indra Jatra Samaroh 2014 was also released.

In a speech, Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government of Sikkim, shared his experience and the blessing on Indra Jatra. He spoke about the Government's role in developing the Newars of Sikkim. Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture & AHVS applauded the achievements of the Newars in Sikkim in his words. He said it is an example for society.

Ugen T Gyatso, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, added that the Indra Jatra festival should be acknowledged as a tourism festival. He further said Singtam has managed to keep the prestige and status of a state-level Indra Jatra. Prakash Pradhan and Jayashree Pradhan were the Master of Ceremonies of the program.

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