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

Culture is a treasure of a community. Till culture is saved, the community exists. Dusher a is one such festival that is worshipped by all the Nepalese Hindus, irrespective of class and creed. It is the most auspicious festival and symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga or Devi Bhawani over demon Mahisashur. Legend says, the demon king Mahissasur was a great offender whose tyranny and strain made the gods in heaven reach out to lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu thus created a powerful and beautiful Devi Bhawani. She had a lion as a vehicle presented by the Himalayas and every god worshipped her as Parbati, Maha Shakti, Mahakali and others. When Mahaisasur came to know about Devi Bhawani, he was astonished by her beauty and desired to marry her. Devi came to know about the demon's evil thoughts and invited him to the battlefield. She put on a condition that he would marry him if he defeats her in the duel. The battle was fought and finally, an atrocity of the devil was put to ...

The Gangtok audition for the Nepali film 'RAHASYA' was completed on March 25, 2017, at Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan, Development Area. A total of twenty-two aspiring actors and actresses had attended the audition and we had finalised our final list of casts, added Arjun Chapagai, Director of the movie. Chapagai further said the film is based on a true story and the first Nepali horror feature film produced in Sikkim.  The high point of the film will be its special effects and the post-production will be done in a studio in Mumbai, said the film director. Similarly, the first audition was held at Singtam Community Hall a week ago where more than a dozen participants had participated. The film is supposed to start its shooting schedule from April 10, 2017. The movie is produced under the banner of Kreative Eye Production.

On the occasion of the 21st Nepali Language Recognition Day, I here share a photograph of people from Singtam waiting for the reception of Mr. and Mrs. NB Bhandari near the old Iron Bridge after nepali language was recognized and included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. (1992) Smt. Dil Kumari Bhandari, then Member of Parliament and Shri NB Bhandari, then Chief Minister of Sikkim had played a significant role in including Nepali as a National Language in Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Press Release Gangtok: Recently crowned Sikkimese sensation North-East Superstar Singer Remanti Rai is inducted in Suresh K. Lama “SAMMAN” (A honor to Nepali Singing Superstars from Nepalese Speaking communities of the world) music album along with Indian Idol 3 Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol 4 Runners up Kapil Thapa, Zee Saregama Singing Superstar Karma Sherpa, Star Chote Ustad Pragriti Giri, South Asian Superstar Asushen Lama of Nepal, Himalayan Idol Banika Pradhan and introduced singer from Sikkim Ganga Mukhia. Lyrics for Remanti Rai will be penned down by Technical Advisor and a Lyricist of this Music Album Mahendra Gurung supported by Ruben Shahi who is the Music Director of this album. All the songs are being recorded at DB Studio, Deorali-Gangtok. Remanti Rai who had recently adjusted the winner of North East Superstar contest among the top singers of 8 North Eastern states of India told to the correspondent that “she is very much happy and proud to be a team of prestigious “SA...

I am thankful towards Sushma Sharma for sharing up these valuable photographs of old Sikkim. Each photographs are a gem of its own.

The 24 th Basibiyalo on April 18th held at Singtam felicitated Sanjay Agarwal, popular freelance journalist assonated with different newspapers in Sikkim and in Siliguri. The Chief Guest of the day, Bijoy Kumar Subba renowned writer handed over the trophy, memento and khada to the felicitating journalist. Speaking on the occasion, Bijoy Kumar Subba told that the work done by Sanjay Agarwal is significant and encouraged him to better his efforts. Basibiyalo founder Mohan Pradhan “Neeraj” addressing the gathering informed Basibiyalo had started a felicitating policy from 21 st  Basibiyalo and in 24 th Basibiyalo the felicitation is in journalism sector. He announced that though Sanjay Agarwal does not belong from Nepali community but has done lots of appreciable work in Nepali literature and in Nepali news sector from 2004.

SINGtAM:  They came, they saw, but they did not conqueror, and yet they were winners of their own rights.   The first round exit from the audition of the Nachyo Babari held at SDF Bhawan in Gangtok on September 13 did not deter the minds of students of Burung Primary School near Singtam.  The mere opportunity to perform at the stage of the state-level competition was more than a lifelong experience for them.  Burung Primary School, in its twenty-fourth year of establishment, broke their jinx when it sent its five students and its choreographer to participate in the dance competition. All girls’ group dance participants included students of age groups fourteen and fifteen. All the students were visiting Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, for the very first time. The student group presented their dance performance from Uttam Pradhan’s Nepali debut film “Darpan Chaya”, who was one of the three judges along with Kamal Rai and Pema Tsedun.  The three judges did apprec...

BY HIRA CHETTRI Kalimpong 17 March : It was a memorable day in the history of Nepali literature on 14th of March, 2009 when the literary figures of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Dooars, Kurseong, Siliguri and Eastern Nepal thronged to Kalimpong and enjoyed the celebration of 75th episode of Basibiyalo, a monthly get-together of Nepali writers. On the occasion the renowned figures like C.K.Shrestha, who also happens to be the founder of this programme, Nar Bahadur Dahal, Mohan Thakuri, Sanker Deo Dhakal, BhawaniPrasad Sharma, Pradyumna Shrestha, Kedar Gurung, Upman Basnet, Sanker Pradhan and many others were present to grace the ceremony and share their literary works among the audiences which included the higher students of local educational institutions. The programme was started with the reading of code of conduct (Aachar Samhita) of the Basibiyalo by one of the reputed writer of younger generation Sarita Samdarshi and followed by welcome address by Dr. Harka Bahadu...

When i was at Class X studying at Singtam High School, the only nepali singer we used to follow was Suresh Kumar. His melodious songs were such that as if..... it was for us. His first album " Love Song" released in 1994 was well appreciated. When one of my friend from Orkut asked me the song "Fika Fika" i had a thought why not download the entire song album. In such i could also recollect my old memories. These are really gem of songs anyone would love to hear. Album: LOVE SONG Year of release: 1994 1. Bhana_Timilai.mp3 2. Bichoria_ka.mp3 3. Birsechau.mp3 4. Dherai_Dherai.mp3 5. Fika_Fika.mp3 6. Maya_ko_yahan_hatya.mp3 7. Nashalu_Aankhale.mp3 8. Yo_Junima.mp3 9. Yaad_le_sataucha.mp3

I am very fond of music be of any geographical boundaries. I believe that old saying " Heard song are melodies but those unheard are more beautiful". True to it, i am sharing Nepali songs that are close to my heart. The list of songs include: 1. Aaja Bholi : Narayan Gopal 2. Aakha Chopi Naroo : Narayan Gopal 3. Aasharai Mahinama : 4. Andhi Bhato Hirai : Udai and Manila Sotang 5. Birsera Pheri : Narayan Gopal 6. Eh Kancha : Aruna Lama 7. Fooli Fool Matra Hoina Jeevan : Dipak Kharel 8. Gajalutee Thula : Gulam Ali 9. Janmere Kokh Ma Kasai Ko : Narayan Gopal 10. Jhaskera Dhukcha : 11. Kehi Mitho Baat Gara : Narayan Gopal 12. Kina Kina : Gulam Ali 13. MaitiGhar Timro Hoina : Dwarika Lal Joshi 14. Malai Na Sodha : Narayan Gopal 15. Naulakh Tara : Amber Gurung 16. Phewa Taalko : Prakash Shrestha 17. Phoollai Sodhen : Aruna Lama 18. Safal Timro : Prakash Shrestha 19. Timi Jun Rahar Le : Narayan Gopal 20. Bhaney rah bhaye bhaney : Raju Lama ...

1. Hasnu matra hoina rahecha jiwan 2. Mero pyaro gau 3. Kasai lai pirati lai 4.Dherai bho khabarai chainah 5. Dhesh lagi larerah 6. Sukhi bhyeh pani 7.Timro mero tyo bheeth Deo Kumar Dumi is a well known nepali singer-composer from Sikkim. The album " Anantha" introduces Dinisha Dumi, talented daughter of Deo Kumar Dumi. Father-daughter songs are really nice to listening. My personal favourite the song "Hasnu Matra hoina rahecha jiwan" sang by Dinisha.

BY SHITAL PRADHAN Culture is a treasure of a community. Till culture is saved, the community exists. Dusher a is one such festival that is worshiped by all the Nepalese Hindu, irrespective of class and creed. It is the most auspicious festival and symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga or the Devi Bhawani over demon Mahisashur. Legend says, the demon king Mahissasur was a great offender whose tyranny and strain made the gods in heaven reach out for lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu thus created a powerful and a beautiful Devi Bhawani. She had a lion as a vehicle presented by the Himalayas and every god worshiped her as Mahalaxmi, Maha Saraswati and Mahakali. When Mahaisasur came to know about Devi Bhawani, he was astonished by her beauty and desired to marry her. Devi came to know about the demons evil thought and invited him to the battlefield. She put on a condition that he would marry him, if he defeats her in the duel. The battle was fought and finally an atrocity of...