Newar Communities Celebrate Bhimsen Puja and Jatra in Rongli, Sikkim

10.09.23, Singtam - The town of Rongli came alive with the spirited participation of Newar communities from various corners of Sikkim in the joyous Bhimsen Puja and Jatra festivities. The event, marked by exuberance and cultural fervor, witnessed a procession of Newar community members clad in traditional attire, dancing joyfully with Lakhey dancers from Bhimsen Mandir to the Melatar Community Hall in Rongli. The event was organized by Shri Bhimsen Maharaj Mandir Sanrakshan Samiti, Rongli, and supported by Newa Passa, newar organization from Rongli. 

The second phase of the program, held at the Community Hall, featured a series of cultural performances and a felicitation ceremony. Praveen Pradhan, President of Shri Bhimsen Maharaj Mandir Sanrakshan Samiti, Rongli, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Rudra Narsing Sakya, Chief Patron of the committee, eloquently spoke about the rich cultural legacy of the 121st Bhimsen Jatra at Rongli.

Students from Chujachen SSS, Rorathang SS, Rongli SS, and Sudunglakha Sakha Guthi mesmerized the audience with their enchanting Newar cultural dance performances.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Rimpoche Shri Atul Shakya and associates, Gubaju Shri Alankar Shakya and team, along with Smt. Rama Tamang, Chairperson of the Sikkim Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SPCR), who presided as the chief guest.

Noteworthy attendees included Smt. Prava Pradhan, Zilla Upadakshya, Pakyong District;  Shri Jaslal Pradhan, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee; Shri Uttam Pradhan, Nepali Cine Star; Shri Bikram Pradhan, former MLA, Shri Prashant Pradhan, Chairman, NHPC, Shri Nirpud Grunig, Shri Gagan Gurung, SKM Youth Secretary, Shri Damber Pradhan, SKM Vice-President (CEC); Shri Nirmal Pradhan, President, Sikkim Newar Guthi; Shri Bikash Pradhan, Culture Officer, Culture Department, Government of Sikkim; and Shri Mohan Pradhan Neeraj, Nepali literary writer, members of Zilla Panchayat and Panchayat (Chujachen Constituency), representatives from different communities among others, who added grace to the occasion.

A highlight of the event was the honouring of the 2023 National Florence Nightingale Awardee, Mrs. Ambika Pradhan (Pramila Pradhan), daughter of late GS Pradhan, Rongli by members of Newa Passa, a Newar organization from Rongli.  A photo frame of Shri Bhimsen was also presented to the Chief Guest.

Addressing the audience, Smt. Rama Tamang, the chief guest, lauded the grandeur of the Bhimsen Jatra celebration and conveyed the heartfelt message from Smt. Krishna Maya Rai, wife of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, who, unfortunately, couldn't be present.

The organizing committee extends heartfelt gratitude to the representatives of Sikkim Newar Guthi, Presidents and representatives of various Newar Sakha Guthis, Dhimey team Rhenock Sakha, Newa Passa and Lakhay team, as well as officials and staff from different departments, all the social Medias whose esteemed presence added to the auspiciousness of the occasion.

Shri Indra Pradhan delivered the vote of thanks, and the program was ably hosted by Miss Smriti Pradhan and Dr. Arun Pradhan.