Black Cat Division marks 65th Raising Day with cultural grandeur at Sagat Singh Auditorium

GANGTOK,  (IPR): Black Cat Division commemorated its 65th Raising Day (1960–2026) with ceremonial dignity and cultural vibrancy during a special programme held at Sagat Singh Auditorium here this evening.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lieutenant General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik graced the occasion as the chief guest, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Black Cat Division Major General Mahipal Singh Rathore and other serving as well as veterans associated with the division.

Widely known as the Sentinels of Sikkim, the Black Cat Division marked the milestone with a celebration that seamlessly blended time-honoured military tradition with the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Senior army officers, commanders and invited dignitaries were present on the occasion, reflecting the strong bond of civil–military cooperation and mutual respect that the division has fostered over decades of service in the region.

A major highlight of the evening was a series of vibrant cultural performances showcasing Sikkim’s diverse communities. Traditional Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali dances were presented, along with the iconic Yak Dance, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. The programme was further enriched by an enthralling performance by the Lepcha folk band Sofiyum, whose soulful music added a distinctive cultural resonance to the celebrations. Adding a deeply traditional and spiritual dimension to the evening, monks from the Palace Monastery performed sacred ritualistic dances, lending a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere to the programme.

In recognition of their contributions, Bhawani Ghimirey, OSD, Culture department and Yangzum Lepcha of the Culture department, Government of Sikkim, were felicitated for facilitating the cultural performances. Artists who were honoured included Binita Lagun for the Maruni Dance, Jigmee Bhutia for the Bhutia Dance, Yanchen Lepcha for the Lepcha Dance, Tempo Bhutia for the Yak Dance and Mikmar Lepcha of the Lepcha folk band Sofiyum. The programme also acknowledged the spiritual and cultural inspiration drawn from Tulku Loday of the Palace Monastery.

The Raising Day celebration not only paid tribute to six and a half decades of dedicated service rendered by the Black Cat Division in the country’s most geo-strategic important location, but also celebrated Sikkim’s living traditions, reinforcing the enduring bond between the Indian Army and the people of the region.