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

The history of Sikkim Herald dates back to the time of the monarchy when there were hardly any newspapers in Sikkim. A brief research was carried out by the IPR officials during the recent compilation of the Department's Achievement Report from where it is gathered that few monthly magazines were published during the erstwhile monarchy, such as Kanchenjunga by Mr. Kashiraj Pradhan , (1957), Sikkim Fortnightly by Mr. K.B. Thapa and other few publications. With the establishment of the Publicity Department way back in the early sixties, the need to have an official news bulletin was felt by the then Sikkim Government to highlight its developmental activities in the form of a monthly news bulletin. As a result, the Sikkim Herald came into being. The first Sikkim Herald which was published in Nepali dates back to March 1959. The editorial board consisted of the following members- 1. Mr. T.S.Gyaltshen as Chairman 2. Mr. J.T. Densapa as Member 3. Mr. Mohan Pratap Pradhan as Membe...

BANGKOK, December 02: Roshan Prasad, a renowned Philatelist, Author and Philatelic designer from Singtam, Sikkim bag Silver for his stamp collection on Cricket “The Story of Cricket” and Sliver Bronze for his first book “The Stamp Collector’s Dictionary” at the World Stamp Championship “Thailand 2023” held between 27 th November to 2 nd December at The Grand Postal Building, Bangkok, Thailand. With Mr Richard Tan Eng Chuan,  Vice President of FIP The Championship was organized by the Philatelic Association of Thailand (P.A.T.) under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) with the support of Thailand Post Co. Ltd., under the auspices of the Federation of Inter-Asia Philately (FIAP) to celebrate the Auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s 72 nd Birthday Anniversary and also 140 th Anniversary of the first Thai Postage Stamp and Postal Services. Around 2,500 fr...

Snow lion paintings and sculptures , featuring a white body with a mane and tail colored in green or blue, have captivated me since childhood. Considered one of the four celestial animals in Buddhist culture , the snow lion adorns flags, coins, and stamps in Tibet . The other three celestial creatures— Garuda , Dragon , and Tiger —are collectively known as the Four Dignities . Simick Monastery, Khamdong The snow lion, also called Seng , embodies vitality, dignity, lightness, and purity. Mythical animal sculptures often grace the entrances of monasteries, depicting these creatures as protectors guarding sacred spaces. Although the earliest mention of this animal dates back to Wu Cheng'en 's book ' Journey to the West ' published in 1592 during the Ming dynasty , where it was represented by Yokai , a supernatural entity, the snow lion's significance in Tibetan culture predates this reference. Phodang Monastery Introduced by Chador Namgyal , the third Chogyal of Sik...

Introduction:  Nestled in the heart of Itanagar , the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum stands as a testament to the cultural diversity and historical heritage of Arunachal Pradesh . This repository of knowledge and artifacts offers a captivating journey through the tapestry of the state's diverse tribes, encapsulating their traditions, artistry, and history. In this blog post, we will explore the mesmerizing displays of different tribes, the North Eastern States Gallery , and the invaluable historical archaeological findings that grace the halls of this remarkable museum.   The Diverse Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of indigenous cultures, with over 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes calling this state home. As you wander through the halls of the museum, you'll encounter meticulously curated displays showcasing the distinct cultural heritage of these tribes. From the vibrant fabrics of the Apatani to the intricate jewellery of the Adi ,...

Introduction: Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh , Seeh Lake , also known as Siir Sarowar Lake, beckons travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Just a short five-kilometre drive from Ziro , this man-made marvel is a testament to the harmonious blend of human ingenuity and Mother Nature's splendour. During my recent visit, I was captivated by the serene ambience and lush green surroundings that make Seeh Lake a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.   The Enchanting Ambiance: As we approached the lake, the lush greenery enveloping it instantly caught my eye. The tranquil waters mirrored the verdant hills, creating a mesmerizing reflection that seemed to stretch on forever. The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, adding to the serene atmosphere that permeates this idyllic spot. It's no wonder that Seeh Lake is often referred to as a hidden gem in the Lower Subansiri district . The Sii Water Conservation P...

Ganga Lake , also known as Geykar Sinyi, is a beautiful natural lake 6 kilometers from Itanagar . The name Ganga Lake could be due to the popular Ganga Market nearby. Boating at Ganga Lake offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings, observe the diverse flora and fauna , and soak in the peaceful ambiance. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature and spend quality time with loved ones. I could see Suni and Suyog enjoying the moment, but I had to stop Suyog several times not to play with water. His play reminded me of my childhood boating experience at Mirik with my mother. The lake is one of the popular tourist attractions in Itanagar. It is known for its picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere. The lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and serenity. The lake is an enclosed water body locally called Geyker Sinyik in the Nyishi dialect, and the nearby vegetation makes it green.   There are two typ...

Itanagar Gompa (Thupten Gatsaling Monastery, Siddharth Vihar) was one of the places we had heard of when we checked the popular tourist spots in and around Itanagar. After wrapping up our visits to Ganga Lake and Itanagar Zoo , we arrived at the Gompa in the dusk - a place of great spiritual significance. This beautiful monastery, built in 1974, showcases the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and the rich culture of the region with its vibrant colours and intricate design. Getting there was a scenic adventure with my wife Suni and son Suyog. The nearest Naharlagun Railway Station is just 5 kilometers away, and if you're flying in, Lilabari Airport in Assam is the closest, at about 67 kilometers away. Stepping into the Gompa, I was immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere. The prayer hall , adorned with lovely paintings, provided the perfect space for quiet reflection. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with Sonam Sir's family - Sonam Sir, Sak...

27.10.23, Itanagar:  Twenty-one-year-old Rahul Gurung from Gangtok, Sikkim, won the coveted title at the 21st North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, held at Dree Ground, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh. Gurung's outstanding performance earned him a cash prize of one lakh, an impressive trophy, and a distinguished certificate. His strategic prowess and dedication were on full display throughout the tournament. This was his third title win after 2018 and 2019.  Players from Assam demonstrated commendable prowess, claiming the second and third positions in the fiercely contested event. The competition saw 351 participants hailing from the eight states of North East India, showcasing the region's burgeoning talent and passion for chess. Another standout performance was delivered by Rohit Gurung, also from Sikkim, who clinched the sixth position and was awarded a cash prize and certificate, recognizing his exceptional gameplay and tenacity. Additionally, Thendup Tamang and Prakhar ...

16.10.23, Singtam: Sikkim Philatelists achieved remarkable success at the two-day TARAIPEX 2023 , a District Level Philatelic Exhibition organized by the Department of Posts at Ramkinkar Hall , Dinabandu Manch, Siliguri . In the senior category, Depen Pradhan secured a silver and a bronze medal for his exhibits “ India Pre-Independence " and ‘Indian Freedom Struggle through Philately’.  Similarly, Sishir Pradhan and Shital Pradhan each received a Bronze for their exhibits ' The World of Football ' and ' Special Covers of Sikkim ', respectively. Master Avishu Pradhan, a student of St. Joshep, Rhenock won a silver in the Junior category for his exhibit ' Stamps on Personalities '. Roshan Prasad, the other philatelist from Sikkim was in the invitee class.  Philatelists from North Bengal including Darjeeling, Siliguri and Cooch Behar and, Sikkim participated in the exhibition. The two-day program also featured a Letter Writing Competition, Sit and Draw compe...

The 94th Foundation Day of Kumari Pema Tsedeun Government Secondary School , Rongli (formerly MKPT School ), was celebrated on September 29, 2023, with great pomp and show. Mr. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara , Minister for Culture, Printing and Stationery, Government of Sikkim , graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mr. K. B. Rai , Area MLA, 20 CHUJACHEN Constituency , Mrs. Laden Lama , President of Pakyong District Zilla Panchayat , Mr. Sujay Gurung , Member of Regu-Premlakha Territorial Constituency, along with the family members of Late Maharaja Kumari Pema Tsedeun (Princess), were amongst the Guests of Honour. Panchayat members, officers from the Education Department, RM&DD, social workers, well-wishers, retired teachers, retired government officials, SKM Party Functionaries, and generous trustees of the school, namely: Mr. Nima Wangdi Tamang, Mr. Pema Wangchuk Bhutia, Mr. Dhiren Gopal Shrestha, Mr. Khush Gopal Shrestha, Mr. Navin Tamang, Mrs. Junu Pradhan, Mrs. D. K. Pradhan, Mr. B...

Dr. Nisha Tamang Lama, a resident of Singtam , Gangtok District and the daughter of Shri Arun Tamang Lama and the late Smt. Ratna Kumari Pradhan , has achieved a significant milestone by successfully defending her doctoral thesis titled " State NGOs and Eco Tourism – A Select Ecotourism Project of Sikkim . She conducted her research under the guidance of Prof. Ranjita Chakraborty at North Bengal University. Currently, Dr. Lama holds the position of a Political Science PGT at Government Senior Secondary School, Rangpo Mining, and is married to Bikash Sundas . She has authored various papers in both national and international journals. Dr. Lama extends her heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Ranjita Chakraborty for her unwavering support throughout her academic journey. She also expresses her sincere thanks to her husband, Shri Bikash Sundas, for his constant encouragement and motivation, as well as her family members for their unwavering support. Dr. Lama's remarkable achieve...