Sikkim Government Introduces ‘Traditional Wear Work Day’ Every Thursday to Celebrate Cultural Heritage

KalimNews, November 4, 2025, Gangtok : In a bid to strengthen cultural pride and preserve the state’s rich heritage, the Sikkim government has mandated that all government employees, including those working in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and banks, observe a ‘Traditional Wear Work Day’ every Thursday. This initiative, announced in an official circular dated November 3, 2025, comes into immediate effect and is aimed at fostering cultural unity and enhancing local identity within the state’s workforce.

The circular issued by the Home Department underscores the government’s commitment to celebrating the diverse cultural fabric of Sikkim. It states, “In recognition of the rich cultural diversity and enduring traditions that define the unique identity of Sikkim, the Government of Sikkim is committed to fostering pride in our cultural heritage among all its employees and affiliated organizations.” On each Thursday, all government employees are encouraged to wear traditional attire representative of their respective communities, which include the Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, and several other ethnic groups that reside in the state.

This move is seen not only as a symbolic gesture but also as part of a broader effort to integrate cultural pride with governance. The government believes that such an initiative will help deepen cultural awareness, encourage pride in Sikkim’s indigenous practices, and ensure that traditional customs are preserved for future generations. The initiative aligns with the state's long-standing approach to cultural conservation, which has previously included programs aimed at protecting local languages, festivals, and art forms.

In addition to celebrating Sikkim’s cultural identity, the new policy hopes to create a stronger sense of community and pride among employees. “The observance of this day will serve as a reminder of our state’s cultural unity and diversity, and will make cultural representation a regular and visible part of public life,” the circular added.

The introduction of the 'Traditional Wear Work Day' follows an earlier move in April 2025, when the Sikkim government’s Department of Personnel had issued a similar directive for its own employees. That order, issued by Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Secretary of the Department of Personnel, instructed all officers and staff within the department to wear traditional attire every Thursday as part of efforts to preserve and showcase the state’s vibrant heritage. This initiative, which received widespread support, was seen as a step towards promoting cultural pride within the administrative framework of the state.

Officials in the state have expressed hope that this practice, once adopted across all government sectors, will set an example for other institutions and inspire greater cultural revival. The initiative also aims to create a sense of belonging among government employees, making them active participants in the preservation and celebration of the state’s unique cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Sikkim’s biodiversity continues to captivate researchers, with a new discovery in the field of entomology. The confirmed sighting of the Black-spot Royal butterfly (Tajuria luculentus) in North Sikkim has added another chapter to the state’s rich ecological record. This butterfly species, which was previously recorded only in Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nepal, was spotted during a field survey on April 19, 2025, in Noam Panang, a region in Dzongu, North Sikkim. This sighting not only extends the butterfly's known distribution to Sikkim but also highlights the state’s ecological significance and its growing reputation as a hotspot for biodiversity.

The discovery, reported in the March-June 2025 issue of Bionotes, a quarterly newsletter published by the Butterfly Research Centre in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, is a testament to the state's rich butterfly fauna. Researchers Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, Monish Kumar Thapa, Sonam Pintso Sherpa, and Nosang M. Limboo were responsible for the discovery, which adds a significant new entry to Sikkim’s growing catalog of local species.

This rare butterfly was observed feeding high in a tree, alongside 30 to 35 other butterfly species, emphasizing the ecological importance of Sikkim's diverse habitats. The finding has not only intrigued the scientific community but has also become a point of pride for the state’s environmental advocates, further elevating Sikkim's status as a key player in global biodiversity conservation efforts.

The Sikkim government’s commitment to cultural and ecological preservation remains unwavering, with ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting both the state’s indigenous heritage and its environmental wealth. Through measures like ‘Traditional Wear Work Day’ and the promotion of local biodiversity studies, Sikkim continues to lead by example in blending cultural pride with sustainable development.