Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

 Interview of the week He is a 98 years old grandfather. His life is a historic timeline where he had seen the Britishers rule India, had participated at World War II as a soldier of 3/4 th Gorkha Rifles, witnessed the Indian Independence, saw Sikkim turn democracy from the monarchy. Pau had an opportunity to come across the legend to share his life in his own words. Meet Singraj Newar, a world war veteran from Sang. 1.         Namaste Aja, Please tell us about your parents and your birthplace. Ans: Jojolapa to all. I was born in 1920 in Sang Rabdang Bhansari village to Late Shidhi Raj Pradhan and Late Laxmi Pradhan. I was in my early teen when my father passed away at the age of 55 years. My mother passed away after my retirement.  2.         How was your childhood? Ans: I was not fortunate to see a school. My life as childhood was very difficult. My father passed away leaving five br...

SINGTAM, JULY 19:   Valediction program on twenty days Newa workshop on Language, Food and Dance ended with joy and enthusiasm. The last day of the program had an exhibition of newa food items prepared by the trainees of the workshop. Newa dance and presentation of mementos to the teachers was the other highlight of the day.  More than twenty-six members of newa community from in and around Singtam had registered for the workshop. The program was organized by Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi, Singtam. Laxmi Sakya, Member, Newa Deya Dabu, Tamsipakha, Kathmandu , and Yogbir Sakya, Kalimpong were the two teachers for the twenty days long Newa Workshop. Laxmi Sakya taught on the preparation of food items while Yogbir Sakya taught newa language. Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Praveen Pradhan from Rongli Passa, Dr. Sushen Pradhan, Sarad Pradhan, and Bikash Pradhan from Sikkim Newa Guthi Youth Affairs, Babita Pradhan, newa teacher from Chujachen SSS, and mem...

Singtam, July 13 : Ramayan Path, poem recitations and cultural program was the highlight of the 205th Bhanu Jayanti Celebration held at Shantinagar, Singtam. The couple of hour long program was organised by Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti.   The program started with the lightening of lamp and offering of khadas at the wooden frame of Bhanu Bhakta by the guests and members of SGSS. KN Dulal, guest of honour of the day,  a social worker and one of the few individuals who started the celebration of Bhanu Jayanti at Singtam was felicitated on the occasion. Dr. Dwarika Niroula, Chief Guest of the day was also honoured on the occasion. Other distinguished guests included Head Lama of Shantinagar Monastery, KB Chettri, Binod Pradhan, Laxmi Shakya, Deepa Chettri and members of SGSS. Krishna Chettri, President SGSS gave a welcome speech while Mahesh Dahal was the host of the day. Members of Shantinagar Sai Samiti performed saraswati bandana to start t...

(Information by Dipak Shrestha) Sukunda is a typical traditional Nepali oil lamp made of brass. The front part of this lamp shows a tiny icon of Ganesha, the god of luck and success. On its front is a small cup fixed in the shape of a Yoni used to put the wick. Fixed on the back of the lamp is a fascinating loop handle designed with a five-headed serpent (sometimes a mythical dragon or makara) raising its head in a very watchful attitude.  A small spoon with a nagakanya on top generally replenishes the reservoir's oil. The artistic work on this unique oil lamp reflects the remote past of a very famous Buddhist legend.  The Legend A long time ago, Kathmandu Valley was a large lake inhabited by nagas(snakes). In the middle of the lake was a beautifully blooming thousand-petalled lotus flame. When Buddhisattwa Mahamanjushree heard about this, he rushed to the valley from China to pay homage to the flame. The entire valley rang up with the thundering strike of his mag...