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

The Lt. Shanker Lamichaney Chess Tournament 2026 was held on June 7, 2026, at Singtam. 40 players participated in the tournament and showed great strategic skills across five competitive rounds. In the Under-18 age category, Aarav Pradhan secured the 1st position, followed by Arnav Rai in 2nd place, and Suyog Shital Pradhan in 3rd place, with all three top achievers remaining unbeaten throughout the entire tournament. In the Under-11 age category, the top spot was claimed by Sufiyan Nasim, while Yedhant Agarwal took the 2nd position, and Palak Agarwal finished strong in 3rd position. The event was organized at Euphoria Restaurant, Singtam, in collaboration with the Knight Chess Academy Singtam. To support the young local talents of Singtam, the tournament was sponsored by the family of Lt. Shanker Lamichaney – Mrs. Devika Lamichaney (his wife) and sons – Ashish Lamichaney and Anand Lamichaney. Notably, this is the very first time a chess tournament has been hosted inside a restaurant...

  Local chess talents Suyog Shital Pradhan and Aarav Pradhan have officially secured their FIDE ratings following a stellar performance at the recently concluded 6th Dolakha International Chess Tournament 2026 in Nepal. Suyog earned a standard rating of 1495 and a rapid rating of 1595, while Aarav achieved a standard rating of 1478 and a rapid rating of 1570.

Suyog Shital Pradhan has earned his first chess rating of 1445 . His latest rated event was the 3rd Nitai Ghosh Memorial Rating Open 2025 , a five-day, nine-round tournament organized by Jalpaiguri Chess Academy at Greater Kailash The Palace , Jalpaiguri, from 10th to 14th October 2025 .

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...

23.06.24: Thanks to the Sikkim Chess Association , a chess tournament was organized at SCA's office at Tadong on International Olympic Day . Suyog , representing Knight Chess Academy , Singtam , scored 2.5 points (2 wins, 2 losses, and one draw). He received a certificate signed by Thomas Bach , President of the International Olympic Committee and PT Usha , President, of the National Olympic Committee . Indeed, a huge achievement.

Saramsa Garden in Ranipool, Sikkim, is a beautiful botanical garden perfect for nature lovers. Spread over acres of land, it has diverse plants from Sikkim and beyond. You'll find various plants here, from colorful orchids to medicinal ones, and plenty of flowers. The Garden is more popular nowadays as the best picnic destination to enjoy weekend holidays with family and friends. I have personally enjoyed this trip with my son, and the newly installed playground item makes it more enjoyable for kids. Pay Rs. 100 and enjoy a fun time at the Garden. Marriage parties and social functions are other things that attract people to this place.   Saramsa's peaceful atmosphere and lovely pathways that wind through the greenery make it special. It's a great place for a relaxing stroll or to just sit and enjoy nature's beauty. The garden also has a greenhouse where they care for delicate plants, making exploring it even more interesting. Besides being a lovely spot for visitors, ...

Singtam, 24th July 2023 - We are proud to announce that students from Mt. Zion Kid Zee, Singtam participated in the Inter School Chess Championship held at Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Gangtok, from 21st to 23rd July. Amongst tough competition from over 40 schools and 360 players, our talented students showcased exceptional skills, securing notable positions in their respective categories.    Yedhant Agrawal achieved an impressive 2nd position in the Boys' under 7 category, while Palak Agarwal demonstrated remarkable talent by securing 2nd position in the Girls' under 9 category. Additionally, Ishita Agarwal showcased her determination, securing the 4th position in the Girls' under 9 category. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding participants for their well-deserved success in the championship.  We express our gratitude to the Sikkim Chess Association for organizing this enriching event and fostering a healthy competitive spirit amo...

The 1st Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Kalimpong Inter School Chess Tournament, organized by the Logical Chess Academy, Darjeeling, concluded successfully on July 16, 2023. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from young chess players across the region. The tournament featured three categories: Under 18, Under 13, and Under 11.   The top 12 performing players were recognized for their exceptional skills and received well-deserved mementos. In addition, attractive prize money was awarded to the top three winners. players across the region. From Sikkim, Bijay Aditya Shah, Parichay Subba, and Yedhant Agarwal secured the 4th, 5th, and 9th positions, respectively, in the under 11 age category. Norzang Lepcha stood 7th in the under 13 category.  Vedhant Agarwal and Ishita Agarwal, both from Mt Zion Kidzee, Singtam were recognized as the youngest male and female participants. The Sikkim Team was accompanied by Rohit Gurung, the coach and representative of Sikkim Chess A...

09.02.23: The Winter Badminton Coaching Camp organized by Singtam Badminton Club concluded with the distribution of participating certificates. A small function was held at the Badminton Court, Indoor Sports Complex, Lal Bazaar, Singtam. The camp was held from January 2nd till January 31st, 2023.  The SBC General Secretary, Rajen Baniya, congratulated the participants for their efforts and persistence. He told us that during the month-long coaching camp, 38 aspiring players, both boys and girls, participated in two sessions, one in the morning and one evening. Special thanks and congratulations were also extended to Atul Khawas, the coach. A certificate of completion was presented to the participants by Madan Tamang and Kiran Pradhan, Advisors of SBC.

October 31, SINGTAM:   Members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti collectively played Deusi to conserve and preserve the rich old tradition of hindu culture. More than thirty members met at the premises of Mohan Sunar, former President of SGSS’s residence. He was also the Gharpatti of the day. Dew Kumari Pradhan, senior most members of SGSS was the chairperson of the day.  Other distinguished persons present on the day included LN Pradhan, T B Pradhan, LP Chettri, KN Dulal, KB Sundas, Shankhar Lamichanay, Anita Sewa, BB Tamang, NK. Sundas, Achen Lepcha and others executive body and members. Krishna Chettri, President, SGSS gave a brief speech about the Deusi program. He also gave information about the materials added towards the samaj through the collection of last year's Deusi program. Those singers involved at the Deusi singing included Mohan Sunar, Gopal Subba, Ayushman Chettri, Sonam Tamang, Anita Sewa.

This MY STAMP was made on my son Suyog's stamp during Cooch Behar Exhibition 2017.

Visit to Krishna Mangaldham at Namphing