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...

(Information collected from TB Pradhan and Binod Pradhan) ( The term Singtam Sakha started in 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 holds promises to make the Newars of Sikkim, a proud family.) In the grand occasion of the 25 th anniversary of the formation of Sikkim Newar Guthi, with the rest of Sikkim, the newars of Singtam too unite to recollect their efforts and hard work towards the development of the Newar community. Those were the sweet and sour memories that went on to build up today’s organisation strong and brought the newars of Singtam under one umbrella. The establishment of the Singtam bazaar date back to the late 1880s and with each decade passing by the people of Singtam had collectively come together in all social causes with other communities to build up a better society. The initial years of Bhanu Jayanti celebrations, Independence Day celebr...

SINGTAM, AUGUST 17: A coordination meeting was held at Community Hall, Singtam today to make the final preparation for Indra Jatra, Newar community’s biggest festival. The two phase meeting was arranged by Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014. Indra Jatra Celebration is a state level festival of Newars that will be held on September 8 at Singtam. Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, General Secretary, Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014 was the host of the first phase meeting. Pradhan announced the distribution of work prearranged to different members of Newar Guthis under Singtam – Rangpo Zone. He told in brief about the proposed plan of the Indra Jatra Celebration. HP Pradhan was the Chief Guest of the meeting.   TB Pradhan, President, Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014 speaking on the occasion shared the letter send by the Sikkim Newar Guthi informing the permission to host the Indra Jatra 2014 at Singtam. Pradhan added this is a huge responsibility and above all, Newars ...

SINGTAM, AUGUST 5: Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’ was elected the President of new executive body of Singtam Newar Kalyan Sangathan at a general meeting held at Nepali Dharmasala, Singtam on August 4. The meeting was attended by more than 200 pradhan communities from Golitar, Manpari Busty, Sirwani, Toppakhani, Sang Khola, Bardang, Sawaney, Shanti Colony, Lal Bazaar, Mandir Line and Shantinagar. PK Pradhan, Advisor Singtam Newar Kalyan Sangathan was the President of the meeting. Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, the new President of Singtam Newar Kalyan Sangathan thanked the members of the Sangathan for giving him the responsibility and assured everyone that he would give his best to make every newars in the state proud. The highlight of the meeting was the formation of the new executive body of Singtam Newar Kalyan Sangathan, talks on celebrating Indra Jatra 2013 at Singtam by the Sangathan, annual financial report of the Sangathan, membership drive, Zonal committee formation and others. S...

Singtam Newar Sangathan felicitates five Singtam Nagar Panchayats; Lakhey Dance makes debut at Singtam SINGTAM: In a gala ceremony, Singtam Newar Sangathan felicitated the five members of the Singtam Nagar Panchayats at Marwari Dharamsala today. The event witnessed by huge crowd included other communities too. Am Prasad, MLA Khamdong – Singtam was the chief guest on the occasion that also had other distinguished guests in RK Pradhan, President Sikkim Newar Guthi, Jas Lal Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee, members of Singtam Newar Sangathan and Prakash Sundas as guest Singer from Gangtok. This was the first occasion in the state that Nagar Panchayats were felicitated, The Singtam Nagar Panchayats included Sharvan Kumar Pradhan (President), Meena Kumari Chettri, Bishnu Maya Sherpa, Anita Tamang and Ram Naresh Prasad. All of the Singtam Nagar Panchayats thanked the members of the Singtam Newar Sangathan on the occasion and vowed to work for the betterment of the people of this region. They v...