Sikkim CM Highlights Himalayan Heritage at Folk Festival in Siliguri

KalimNews with inputs from IPR Sikkim, January 12, 2025 : Sikkim Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang attended the Himalayan Folk Festival at Siliguri’s City Center on Saturday. The three-day event, which began on January 10 and concludes on January 12, 2025, is a vibrant celebration of the music, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. Organized by Kalimpong's Warnamala Pariwar, the festival featured performances by folk musicians and artists from North Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

The event served as the grand finale of a three-month-long Pan-Himalayan Ethnic Singing Competition, where Mr. Soney Toto from Totopara, West Bengal, emerged as the winner. Miss Phutti Sherpa from Ilam, Nepal, was the first runner-up, and Mr. Sarnu Ram from Himachal Pradesh secured the second runner-up position.

During the festival, Chief Minister Tamang released a book titled Mouri, authored by the late Abhi Chandra Mothay. He also introduced his initiative, Mero Rukh Mero Santati, through an audio-visual presentation. The initiative emphasizes environmental preservation and intergenerational responsibility, reflecting his vision for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

The Chief Minister, addressing the audience, emphasized the importance of cultural ties between Sikkim and West Bengal. He remarked, “This festival transcends political boundaries and showcases the rich heritage, artistry, and traditions of the Himalayan region. It’s a celebration of the diversity that unites us.” He expressed his admiration for the efforts to preserve traditional art forms and cultural practices through such events.

The event was also a platform to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the region’s cultural and artistic legacy. The Warnamala Pariwar felicitated several luminaries, including Mr. Ugen Chopel, Mr. Mohan Rai, Mr. Thendup Norbu, Mr. Garjan Kumar Mallik, Mr. Narendra Kumar Tamang, Mr. Ramesh Chettri, Mr. Bikey Pradhan, Mr. Matt Keegan, and singers associated with the organization.

Mr. Deoashish Mothey, founder of Warnamala Pariwar and a member of the cross-cultural band The Three Seas, thanked Chief Minister Tamang for his guidance and unwavering support. Speaking about the festival, Mothey highlighted its deeper purpose: “This is more than just a festival; it’s an opportunity to experience, preserve, and honor the rich heritage that defines the Himalayan region. Music has the power to connect people across borders and remind us of our shared cultural roots.”

The festival featured mesmerizing performances by ethnic music teams and folk artists, bringing together traditions from diverse regions of the Himalayas. It provided a platform for young and seasoned artists alike to showcase their talent while fostering a sense of unity among the Himalayan communities.

As the festival draws to a close, it leaves a lasting impression of harmony and cultural pride, reinforcing the significance of preserving the unique traditions of the Himalayan region. The Himalayan Folk Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of cultural unity, which continues to thrive amid the majestic mountains.