CM attends Deusi-Bhailo Mahotsav 2026, stresses need to preserve culture and traditions

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, addressing the gathering during the MP Deusi-Bhailo Mahotsav 2026 at Milan More Football Ground in Siliguri, highlighted the importance of preserving Gorkha culture, traditions and identity while strengthening unity among the community.

The Chief Minister's presence at the cultural celebration on Friday evening added significance to the three-day festival, which he jointly inaugurated with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of people, including families, youngsters, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from different parts of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Golay emphasised the importance of safeguarding traditional practices and passing cultural values on to the younger generation. He also highlighted the role of cultural platforms in bringing people together and strengthening social harmony and collective identity.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister shared that Deusi-Bhailo is much more than a festive tradition, it is a living expression of a rich cultural heritage, language, customs, unity and brotherhood. Preserving these traditions and passing them on to our younger generation is a responsibility we must all embrace, he said.

“In Sikkim, we have consistently undertaken initiatives to preserve and promote the languages, traditional attire, customs and cultural heritage of all communities. Our initiative of observing Traditional Attire Day every Thursday across government offices, educational institutions and public establishments reflects our commitment to celebrating our shared diversity. We also continue to extend equal respect, recognition and support to the festivals and cultural traditions of every community,” he said.

“I firmly believe that language, culture and traditions transcend geographical and administrative boundaries. They bind us through a shared history, identity and sense of belonging. Our diversity must remain our strength, and mutual respect, harmony and unity must continue to guide our collective progress. Let us join hands to safeguard our rich heritage, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and ensure that our invaluable traditions continue to flourish for generations to come,” said Golay.

He congratulated and appreciated the Darjeeling MP for conceptualising and taking this commendable initiative. At a time when technology and modernisation are rapidly shaping our lives, such celebrations provide an invaluable opportunity for our younger generation to reconnect with their roots, appreciate their heritage and take pride in their cultural identity, he said.

The MP Deusi-Bhailo Mahotsav, organised under the initiative of Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Gorkha community through traditional Deusi-Bhailo performances, music, dance and other cultural programmes.

In a press statement issued on November 14, Bista expressed heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests, artists, organisers, volunteers and thousands of visitors for making the opening day a grand success. He particularly appreciated the remarkable participation of young people, stating that their involvement fulfilled the vision of connecting the younger generation with their culture, traditions and roots.

The celebrations continued on November 14, with the organisers inviting people to join the festival at Milan More from 4 pm onwards. Renowned Nepali singer Raju Lama is among the major attractions of the cultural programme.