Winter fest begins in Darjeeling

SNS, Darjeeling, 4 January 2015:The 7-day winter festival at Chowrasta in Darjeeling began today with the distribution of cheques amounting to Rs 80,000 to 100 families of the below poverty line (BPL) as part of the first phase of the ‘hamro ghar’ scheme initiated by Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) today at the inaugural programme of winter festival 2015.

‘Hamro ghar’ scheme had been launched for the BPL people under GTA areas by the GTA, where 20 houses will be build in each constituency with a budget of rupees 1,60,000 for each house.

The 7-day festival is organised by the tourism department of GTA in collaboration with the state government. “Tea and tourism is Darjeeling’s identity, development in tea and tourism means all sectors of life in Darjeeling will benefit from it. This winter festival is also a means of tourist attraction” said the finance secretary of GTA, Mr D.B.Lepcha.

The winter festival was inaugurated by the GTA chief and Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM) supremo, Mr Bimal Gurung, by lighting a lamp which was followed by a welcome speech by Mr D.B.Lepcha. The programme then moved forward with ‘maruni nritya’, ‘pachhimi Chutka nritya’ and Nepali folk song by the Artists of Teesta Rangit Sanskritik Toli of Darjeeling.

The event also witnessed speeches by the MLA Darjeeling, Mr T K Dewan and Mr Cheyong Pulzar, the Excecutive Director of P&RD Department of ‘hamro ghar’ scheme. The ‘dhaan naach’ by an artist of Teesta Rangit Sanskritik Toli marked the last programme of the inaugural ceremony of the winter festival which was further followed by a speech from Mr Bimal Gurung.

The winter festival of 2015 will witness a host of star attractions and band performances like Bipul Chettri, Adreen Pradhan and Nima Rumba and bands like Mantra, Pralaya, Parichaya, US band, Wafwot band, Carnival and winners of International Hornbill Festival, Adams Apple and Nightmares “We want our local people coming up with their talents. That is why we have invited local stars to perform during this festival,” said Mr Gurung. Adreen Pradhan who is a vocalist, composer and songwriter, performed at Chowrastha in the evening amidst much cheers. When Mr Pradhan was asked about how he is feeling about performing at the festival, he said, “I am a bit excited.”