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

Aila (or Ayla ) is an ancient, clear rice spirit distilled using traditional clay and brass pots. Developed centuries ago in the Kathmandu Valley, Newar communities perfected this craft as an integral part of home hospitality, preparing it with rice or millet to welcome guests and honour family milestones. Spiritually, Aila holds a deeply sacred role in Tantric ceremonies, representing the element of Fire ( Agni Tattva ). In rituals like the Sota Sagun , it symbolizes inner warmth, vital energy, and purification. Pouring it from an ornate brass spout ( Anti ) into tiny clay cups ( Sali or Salinacha ) is treated as a divine offering to deities and ancestors, transforming physical drink into sacred nectar ( Prasad ). Beyond ceremonies, Aila represents community bonding during major Jatras like Indra Jatra and family celebrations. For young learners, understanding Aila highlights how traditional food and drink carry ancient philosophy, cultural respect, and family blessings.

The Nyapu Shikha (also known as Nyapu Sikha) is an ancient, delicate silver head ornament worn by Newar women, rooted in the centuries-old metalsmithing traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. Created by Shakya and Tuladhar master silversmiths, it consists of fine, interlinked silver chains that fasten to the hair, draping gracefully across the braided crown.  In the Nepal Bhasa language, "Nya" means five and "Sikha" means chain. Its five golden strands carry a deep spiritual meaning. They represent the Pancha Buddha (five wisdom Buddhas) or the Pancha Tatwa—the five natural elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space. The ornament typically starts with a carved crescent moon or a peacock, which symbolizes peace, natural beauty, and grace. In Newar belief, wearing this sacred ornament over the crown of the head protects the wearer's mind, bringing mental clarity, spiritual purity, and divine blessings from mother goddesses. When a single Nyapu Shikha is wor...

25.09.2026: The Newar community was immensely proud to welcome our Hon’ble Chief Minister as he graced #IndraJatra 2026. A special thank you to him for visiting our #NewarExhibition stall and interacting with us. We are truly delighted that he took a keen interest in all our exhibits, including the "Pride of Newar" series, ritual artifacts, personal belongings of renowned Newar personalities, archival documents, books authored by the Newars of Sikkim, and the special Indra Jatra postcard. We are also pleased to share that the release of the Indra Jatra postcard, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, was a resounding success. Special thanks go to Shri Sameer Pradhan and the Sikkim Postal Department for arranging the postbox and coordinating all logistics to make the event memorable. A truly proud moment for the Sikkim Philatelic Club!

  31.08.26, Singtam: Students of Shiv Lata Memorial School delivered an outstanding performance at the 4th Inter-School Karate Championship – 2026, held at Goethals Memorial School, Kurseong. Competing against more than 20 participating schools, the seven-member contingent showcased exceptional martial arts skills, discipline, and dedication to proudly secure the overall 1st Runner-Up position. The young karatekas dominated both Kata and Kumite divisions, returning home with a rich haul of medals. Master Anch Pradhan led the team’s stellar run by securing a Gold medal in Kumite alongside the prestigious Best Fighter Trophy, while Master Neewan Rai registered a double triumph with Gold medals in both Kumite and Kata. Gold medals in Kumite were also clinched by Master Zamyang T. Sherpa and Master Nehal Rai (who also earned a Silver in Kata), while Miss Pragyashree Rai took Gold in Kata and Bronze in Kumite. Rounding out the medal haul, Miss Aisha Chettri won Silver in Kata and Bron...

11.08.26, Singtam: Young chess players from Knight Chess Academy, Singtam delivered an outstanding performance at the Inter-School Monsoon Chess Tournament held at St. Augustine’s School, Kalimpong. Further, the girls from East Point SSS went on to clinch the runners-up trophy in school category. The highly competitive event drew strong participation from across the neighbouring hill region, featuring over 200 students representing more than 15 schools. Leading the achievements two young boys dominated their divisions to capture top honours. Aarav Pradhan secured the 1st position in the Under-11 Boys' category, while Suyog Shital Pradhan clinched 1st position in the Under-13 Boys' category, showcasing exceptional strategic skill on the board. The podium success extended across multiple age brackets for the local contingent. In the Under-15 Girls' category, Devanshiba Zala took 1st position, closely followed by Manasvi Acharya in 2nd position. In the Under-13 Girls' ...

11.08.26: In a major boost to the local transport community, the Sikkim Motor Transport Workers Association, Singtam, East Sikkim, successfully held its Annual General Assembly today at the Assembly Hall. Presided over by driver member Shri Bhuwan Subba Limbu alongside Association President Shri Upendra Sampang, the assembly unanimously passed 19 landmark resolutions aimed at driver welfare, strict discipline, and institutional growth. To safeguard drivers and their families against unexpected financial burdens, the Association has officially launched a comprehensive monetary relief scheme designed to provide a vital safety net during health crises, family losses, and major life milestones. The structured fund offers substantial medical support—including up to ₹1,00,000 for kidney transplants, ₹50,000 for out-of-state referrals, and ₹10,000 for non-major illnesses—alongside family welfare benefits such as ₹40,000 in bereavement relief for the family of a deceased active driver and ₹6,0...

  Khamdong, August 10, 2026: PM SHRI Sonamati Memorial Government Senior Secondary School (PMSHRI SMGSSS), Khamdong, observed Aama Samman Diwas on Monday with a heartfelt tribute to mothers and women of the local community. The programme was organised by the school in collaboration with IDCC 2026 Khamdong as part of the celebrations leading up to the 80th Independence Day. The programme was graced by the mother of Shri Sonam Lama Sir, Ecclesiastical Minister, RMDD, as the Chief Guest. Her presence added special significance to the occasion, which was dedicated to recognising the invaluable role of mothers in families and society. As a gesture of respect, love and gratitude, mothers from the surrounding areas were felicitated with traditional shawls. The gesture acknowledged their sacrifices, unconditional care and contribution towards nurturing families and communities. The occasion also featured a Cultural Competition as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. Stude...

17.08.25, Singtam: Students of Knight Chess Academy, Singtam delivered an outstanding performance at the Inter-School Chess Tournament 2025 held at TNSSS, Gangtok, securing multiple podium finishes across various age categories in both boys’ and girls’ sections. Representing schools across the region, our academy players showcased not only skill and strategy but also exemplary sportsmanship. The tournament featured a highly competitive field, and our players rose to the occasion with commendable results. In the boys’ section, standout performances included Parichay Subbha (6th), Karan Ojha (7th), and Yedhant Agarwal (8th) in the Open category, all with 7 points. In the Under-13 category, Suyog Shital Pradhan secured 2nd place with 7 points, and Pratik Sunar came 6th with 6.5 points. Aarav Pradhan dominated the Under-11 category, claiming 1st position with 7 points, while Dipttom Bhattacharya followed with a 3rd place finish (6 points). In the Under-9 category, Advait Dubey achieved...

  21.06.26: Shri Norden Tshering Tamang has been elected as the new President of the Sikkim Motor Transportation Workers Association (SMTWA). In the election held today, Tamang secured 195 votes, defeating his rivals, Shri Rajesh Lama (166 votes), Shri Rupen Limboo (28 votes), and Shri Rukesh Lama (1 vote). For the Vice President post, Shri Deepak Pradhan and Shri Rajesh Darnal both received an equal count of 193 votes each, while Shri Rajesh Tamang received 8 votes. Following the tie, Shri Darnal stepped down to support Shri Pradhan's candidature, confirming Shri Deepak Pradhan as the Vice President. For the General Secretary post, Shri Pranesh Sharma defeated Shri Basant Pradhan with a final count of 233 to 161 votes. The Election Committee was managed by an administrative team including Shri Kumar Rai (In-charge), Shri Tenzing Sherpa, Shri Pradip Tamang, Shri Lakpa Tamang, Shri Bhanu Lepcha, Shri Khunarayan Sharma, Shri Santosh Pradhan, and Shri Mohan Pradhan. It was fur...

  The Ridge in Gangtok, known for its long and narrow hilltop, is widely popular today as Ridge Park, a must-see destination for tourists. Some twenty-three years ago, while working as a news reporter for Weekend Review, I first heard of the King Edward bust at Ridge Park and the small, traditional memorial house associated with the King Edward Memorial. Since then, I have struggled to find documents to support this claim. However, I am pleased to have finally found a reference to the King Edward Memorial in the 1922 book, A Concise History of the Darjeeling District Since 1835 with a Complete Itinerary of Tours in Sikkim and the District by E. C. Dozey. While much remains unknown about the original King Edward bust, it was eventually replaced by a bust of John Claude White, which was later succeeded by a bust of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Interestingly, about ten years ago, I discovered the original bust of J.C. White sitting under a tree on the prem...