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

Indra Jatra's celebration over the years had brought every newar family of Sikkim under one roof. It was that one-day entire newar population within the state anxiously waits. But this year the Covid-19 pandemic had a different plan for everyone. This August 31, we have the Indra Jatra but it will be silently observed without the red-black-white coloured masses of devotees.   Sikkim Newar Guthi completed the 25 th year of its formation last year and on this big occasion; I wish to share the history of my home town Singtam’s Newa Sakha, its origin, and stories so far. The term 'Singtam Sakha' started in the early 90s and over the years it has its own narrative. Blessed by Goddess Kumari and God Indra, the newars of Singtam are among the emerging Sakhas who hold promises to make the Newars of Sikkim, a proud family.   The establishments of the Singtam bazaar date back to the late 1880s and with each decade passing by the people of Singtam had collectively come toge...

Shantinagar, January 26:  Members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti celebrated the 69th Republic Day with joy and enthusiasm at the Badminton Court near Rani Khola Walkway.  Nandu Dutraj, President of the Sri Seti Sangha Devi Mandir Committee and a prominent social worker, was the day's Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Deepa Chettri, Panchayat Shantinagar ward, Krishna Chettri, President SGSS, all executive members, Advisors, and members of Samiti.  The Chief Guest unfurled the national flag, and people of all ages sang the national anthem. The other highlight of the day was a boxing exhibition match between the students of Pritam Silal, a former National Boxer. PP Upretti, Vice President of SGSS, hosted the event. Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, gave a welcome speech. Shital Pradhan, a member of SGSS, briefly discussed the day's importance. Dal Bahadhur Gurung, the lone Nepali representative at the then Constitutional Drafting Committee, was...

Shantinagar, January 22 : Somnath Poudhyal, Agriculture Minister cum Area MLA visited the Saraswati Puja program held at Chisopani, Singtam. The day long program conducted by Topa - Chisopani Jan Kalyan Sangha included musical program and poetry recitation. Also present on the occasion was Sharmila Chettri, Upa Adhaksyaya, Panchayat members from Chisopani GPU, Dawa Sherpa, former Panchayats, other distinguished guests and members of T C Jan Kalyan Sangha. The day started with the prayers and offerings was offered to Goddess Saraswati. Young boys and girls performed song and dance to entertain the crowd. Singer Geeta Sharma, State Awardee also sang on the day. Somnath Poudhyal speaking on his brief speech appreciated the efforts of members of Topa Chisopani Jan Kalyan Sangha is organising such beautiful event. Spiritual habits leads to healthy life and younger generation needs to be taught about it, he added. Memento was presented to all the performers of the d...

The cemented badminton court at Shantinagar Ranikhola Walkway Singtam was inaugurated on 30th August 2017 on the occasion of National Sports Day by Shri Somnath Poudyal, Hon’ble Minister and Area MLA 17 Kamdong Singtam Constituency. The function was organised by Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti at the Shantinagar Playground. The guests included President SNP Shri Sawan Kr Pradhan, Councillors Smt Rajani Singh, Shri Bhumi Subba, Panchayat President Shri Bimal Lamichanay, RO Shri Manzil Kharel, Shri Mohan Pradhan “Neeraj”, Shri Bijay Pradhan, Shri Nishant Subba, Shri Sarad Lama, Shri B.B.Lopchan, Shri Gupta Subba, Shri Uday Pradhan, Vice principal of Singtam Sr Sec School, students & Staff of Sumin Linchey Sec School and Archigos Preparatory Academy and guests from the media fraternity Shri Nandu Dutraj, Shri Johny Rai and Shri Yougan Tathal.  The program was hosted by Advisor SGSS, Shri T.B.Pradhan, He briefed the audience about the National Sports Day and how spor...

The 192nd Bhanu Jayanti was a huge celebration where three senior citizens from Singtam was felicitated who had contributed towards the development of Sikkim. was felicitated. DB Subba was felicitated for his special contribution to education in the state, Mary Lepcha for her services in the health sector,and Padam Singh Gurung, a retired Army official. Minister,      Roads      & Bridges   and   Labour,   DT Lepcha,   was   present   as   the chief   guest   for   the   function which   had   Agriculture   Minister Somnath Poudyal as the president   of   the   organizing Committee along with the MLAs from Rakdong-Tintek, Central Pendam, Ratey-Pani, Khamdong, Sang-Martam and Temi-Tarku.   The ministers and MLAs joined the mammoth rally along side Raj Narayan Pradhan a renowned   writer from Darjeeling who was the guest of honou...

"Shanti Nagar Sudhar Samiti" started its sports wing with the inauguration of the volleyball ground on March 23,  2017 in the presence of Area MLA/ Minister Somnath Poudyal along the walkway premises at Shanti Nagar, Singtam.  Urgen Tamang, the renowned volleyball player of yesteryear from Singtam was given the responsibility of the Chief Coach. Mr. Poudyal was offered khada by LN Pradhan, advisor SGSS. Krishna Chettri, President SGSS  in his welcome address gave the brief about the starting of the sports wing. He said Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti is preparing towards better society, we want to engage our youngsters in sports and have a better health. We will very soon be building up the badminton court, Chettri added. Other members of the SGSS was also present on the occasion. Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Agriculture Minister had expressed every possible help for the organisation and had assured financial support for the sports initiated by Shantinagar Gaon ...

World Soil Day observed today at Pakyong in the Chief Guest of Shri. K.N. Rai (Speaker), Minister Somnath Poudyal (Agri & Horti.), Minister/Area MLA D.T. Lepcha ( Housing & Building), Bikram Pradhan (Chief Whip), B.B. Rai MLA (Namchebong), Dr. Mechong MLA (Martam-Rumtek), Gopal Baraily MLA (West Pendam), Hemant Adhikari MLA (Rhenock), officials from Agri. & Horti. Dev. Deptt., farmers and general public in the banner of Deptt. Of Agri & Horti.