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

The Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur was something I didn’t know much about until my team and I found a hotel nearby. We had just arrived in Udaipur, Tripura , for a week-long North-East Chess Tournament (December 17-21). When we got to the Udaipur Railway Station, I was surprised by its palace-like structure. I couldn’t believe I was in North-East India and not in Rajasthan ! There were 45 chess players in total, along with over 60 parents cheering us on. Our team from Singtam included nine players from Mt. Zion Academy and East Point SSS. While looking for hotels, we stumbled upon the footsteps of Mata Bari , the home of the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas . The area around the temple reminded me of Chaurasta in Darjeeling , and there were plenty of shops selling Pera , a sweet that devotees like to offer as prasadam . Nearby, we discovered Kalyan Sagar , a lovely pond filled with different kinds of fish and tortoises. Devotees often feed the fis...

  25.12.24, Singtam : The young chess players of the town of Singtam have made a significant impact at the 22nd North East FIDE Chess Tournament held at the Sports Complex in Udaipur from December 17 to 21, 2024. Manasvi Acharya and Palak Agarwal , students from Mount Zion School, finished third in the Under 11 girl’s category and fifth in the Under 9 girls’ category, respectively. Additionally, three players from Singtam— Arnav Rai , Ayan Rai , and Akshay Anand received ratings under classical chess norms. A total of nine players represented Mount Zion School and East Point Senior Secondary School . The players' scores were as follows: Ayan Rai: 5/9, Manasvi Acharya: 4.5/9, Suyog Shital Pradhan: 4.5/9, Yedhant Agarwal: 4/9, Aarav Pradhan: 3/9, Prashanti Dhungel: 2.5/9 and Palak Agarwal: 2/9 (all from Mount Zion School); Akshay Anand: 4.5/9 and Dhrubajyoti Saha: 2.5/9 (both from East Point Senior Secondary School). These talented players are part of the Knight Chess Academ...

December 12, Singtam : Dongeythang Primary School celebrated its Annual Day joyfully and enthusiastically. The highlights included the distribution of felicitations, mementoes, certificates, and cultural and sports events. Shri Suresh Kumar Tamang , President of Singtam Nagar Panchayat, and Shri Uttam Pradhan , a Cinestar and Sikkim State Awardee , were the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively. Other distinguished guests present on the occasion included Shri Sherap Dorjee Bhutia , President of CLC ; Smt. Dhan Maya Sharma ; Smt. YM Sharma ; heads of different schools; former retired teachers; officials from Panchayats and ICDS ; members of SMCs ; the Parent Teacher Association ; school staff; parents; and students.  Suresh Tamang, the Chief Guest of the day, addressed the audience, encouraging parents to enroll their children in government schools to avail themselves of various scholarships. He also appreciated the school for organizing different initiatives for the ...

I was part of a beautiful concept brought by Roshan Prasad, our popular philatelist from Singtam, to re-install a neglected Post Box near the old post office building in the heart of the bazaar. In one of its kind event, we, the members of the Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society , added a page to the map of the world's postal history when we removed the neglected post-box given new colours and had its permanent installation near the Water Fountain as a Heritage Post Box. An earlier Sikkim postal cancellation mark, along with the establishment of a Post Office in Singtam in 1903, was written on the stone slab below the base of the postbox. First of its kind in Sikkim and a proud place of being few in India and the world. KN Rai, then Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly , inaugurated the Heritage Box on Inspire 2017 – A Hobby Fest. The event coincided with the 12 th anniversary of the formation of the Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society. A hobby exhibition was he...

Today, I had a fantastic experience riding the Bhaleydhunga Ropeway in Yangang , Namchi District, Sikkim . The ropeway starts from Dhapper , about 5 km above Yangang Bazar, and takes you to the top of Bhaleydhunga Cliff . From there, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga , snowfall during winter , and colourful flowers in spring. Earlier, people reached Bhaleydhunga by trekking from Yangang or Ravangla (near Buddha Park ). Now, the ropeway makes the journey easier while still offering breathtaking views. Bhaleydhunga comes from the Nepali words Bhaley ( male pheasant ) and Dhunga (stone). According to local folklore, a male and female pheasant , symbolized by the cliffs Bhaleydhunga and Pothedhunga , were deeply in love. Villagers, driven by superstition, killed the female pheasant, causing a massive landslide that destroyed the village. Even now, locals say they hear the male pheasant's sad calls, mourning his lost love. This place is considered sacred, and unusual...

Gangtok , the capital of Sikkim , is known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, serene monasteries, and vibrant cultural spots. Below are some additional details to make your visit informative and enjoyable. Ten Essential Highlights in Gangtok MGRoad :  MG Road is the city’s bustling heart, ideal for travellers looking to experience local culture and shop for unique souvenirs. Lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, this pedestrian-only zone is the perfect spot to unwind, try local cuisine, and mingle with locals. It’s also known for hosting various festivals, giving tourists a taste of local celebrations and traditions. Rumtek Monastery : One of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is renowned for its serene atmosphere and beautiful Tibetan architecture. This monastery serves as the headquarters of the Karma Kagyu lineage and houses sacred relics and artifacts. Visitors can explore its vibrant prayer halls, observe monks chanting, and enjoy panoramic v...

In the world of women's football, the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship has been a hot topic of discussion. The Nepal women's football team , led by the trailblazing striker Sabitra Bhandari , made headlines with their stunning victory in the semifinals, where they defeated India . This victory has brought the team into the limelight and highlighted the incredible talent and determination of players like Sabitra Bhandari, Priti Rai , and Rekha Poudel . Sabitra Bhandari: The Trailblazing Striker Sabitra Bhandari, affectionately known as Samba , hails from the picturesque village of Pamchowk in Lamjung, Nepal . At just 23, Bhandari has made headlines as the all-time highest goal scorer in Nepalese football history , netting an astonishing 49 goals and solidifying her status as the highest woman goal scorer in South Asia . Her journey began humbly, playing with boys in her village, where she first learned to hone her skills. “I never felt weaker than the boys,” she recalls, her ...

Adapted from the article written by Tsewang Choden Sherpa ,  teacher Posakay PS published in the Decadal Issue of the school magazine Posakey Primary School , established in 2005 under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), is a beacon of hope and commitment to education in the remote region of Chujachen under Rongli Sub-Division, Sikkim . The school was set up with the goal of providing quality elementary education to children aged 6 to 14, with a focus on eliminating educational disparities and creating a nurturing environment for young learners. The story of Posakey School began when intellectuals from the Human Resource Development Department (HRDD) of the Government of Sikkim , along with the local Panchayats , worked together to find a suitable piece of land for the school's construction. Thanks to the dedication of local leaders like Mr. Uttam Gurung , the groundwork for the school was established, and the school opened its doors on March 2, 2005. Initially, the school faced signif...