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!!
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