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

(First published in PAU , Newa Journal , Gangtok , Vol 6, No. 1: September 2024) Meyju Sonia Pradhan , daughter of Bhaju Bishnu Pradhan and Meyju Leela Maya Pradhan, was born on 2nd November 2003. Currently pursuing her graduation at Nar Bahadur Bhandari Degree College , she has already made a name for herself in the pageant world. Sonia was the 2nd runner-up in Miss Newar 2023 and also shone brightly as the 2nd runner-up in the Meyju Sikkim 2023 competition held during Indra Jatra 2023 . Hailing from Tumlabong, Ranipool , she proudly claimed the title of Miss Universe Sikkim 2024 at the event organized by Positude Sikkim , where Anavi Baniya from Rangpo and Yodenla Bhutia from Soreng were crowned 1st and 2nd runner-up, respectively. Now, Meyju Sonia is all set to represent the Himalayas region on the national stage at Miss Universe India 2024 . Her journey, beginning on 9th September and continuing until 22nd September in Jaipur , Rajasthan, will see her competing with the top 51...

Deepanjali Pradhan (First published in PAU, Newa Journal, Gangtok , 2024) After hearing the word “ Bhoto Jatra ” people might think that the Newar people are crazy for celebrating the festival of the vest. What is so important about the vest? It is important to know what a bhoto jatra is and why it is celebrated. Well, there are no such festivals in newa community which does not explain the existence and the importance of any festivals, traditions, and rituals.   So here goes the story for celebrating “ Bhoto Jatra”. According to the legend, it is said that “ Once the wife of Karakal Nagraj had an eye disease which was not getting cured even after doing so many medications. There lived a farmer ( Jyapu ) who said that he can heal her eye problem and Nagraj let him try. Then the farmer rubbed on his body with his hand and collected the dirt and put it in the eyes of Nagraj’s wife. After which his wife was instantly cured, seeing to which Nagraj was overjoyed and rewarded the...