Kalimpong celebrates birth anniversary of the last Lepcha king

Photo Courtesy : Paul Simick

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, DEC 20, 2025 : The 294th birth anniversary of the last king of the Lepcha community and revered spiritual and cultural icon Punu Gaeboo Achyook, was celebrated with grandeur, pride, and historical significance at the Kalimpong Mela Ground on Saturday. Organized by the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board (MLLDB), the cultural identity, linguistic preservation, and community unity were highlighted at the event, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and heritage of the Lepcha people.

West Bengal Minister for Tribal Development Bulu Chik Baraik was present at the event, so also MLLDB Chairman and Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, Kalimpong District Magistrate Kuhuk Bhushan, representatives of various development boards in the hills and distinguished members of the community. A special honour was conferred on District Primary School Board Chairman Sendup Lama for his contribution in integrating the Lepcha language into primary education. Organizers hailed this initiative as a landmark step toward preserving the linguistic identity of the community.

Several other prominent members of the Lepcha community were felicitated for their contributions in cultural, social, educational, and various other fields. Ruden Sada Lepcha said the ongoing efforts to preserve Lepcha identity had risen above individual benefit and reflected a united community vision. He informed that two cultural heritage projects, known as “Gadis,” were being developed under MLLDB’s initiative to present Lepcha history to the world. He further highlighted ongoing work related to salary revision for teachers, recognition for the Lepcha language, educational development programmes, and broader initiatives for the holistic progress of the Lepcha community.

Bulu Chik Baraik asserted that the Trinamool Congress government was dedicated to the welfare, identity, prosperity, and rights of tribal communities, including the Lepchas. He emphasized that since 2011, the State Government had actively worked for the development of tribal and indigenous populations. “It is now clear which government has truly served the tribal community,” he remarked.

Traditional dances, songs, and musical presentations by Lepcha artists added cultural splendour to the celebration. Their performances, along with traditional attire and instruments, offered a glimpse into the depth and beauty of Lepcha civilization and history. The event drew large participation from the Lepcha community, with people of all ages attending in traditional dress, reflecting pride and reverence toward their ancestral legacy.