Rankey Mela 2026 celebrates Sikkim’s Rich Cultural Heritage

NAMCHI, (IPR): Rankey Mela 2026 concluded today with great splendour and traditional fervour, bringing to a successful close six days of vibrant celebrations dedicated to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sikkim.

The festival, which commenced on July 12, witnessed an impressive showcase of cultural performances, traditional arts, rural sporting events and community participation, attracting enthusiastic crowds and reaffirming Rankey Mela’s status as one of the State’s premier cultural festivals.

The closing ceremony was graced by the Minister for Buildings & Housing and Labour Departments Bhim Hang Limboo as the chief guest, while the Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Rajkumari Thapa attended as the guest of honour.

Also present were the Area MLA for Namchi-Singhithang and Chairman, DACS-cum-Patron of the Namchi Rankey Mela 2026 Celebration Committee Satish Chandra Rai, MLA Barfung and Advisor to the Buildings & Housing Department Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, Advisors and Chairpersons to various Departments, Zilla Adhakshya Namchi, APS to the Chief Minister (Namchi), District Collector and Senior Superintendent of Police Namchi, OSDs, HoOs and officials from various line departments, members of the Rankey Mela Celebration Committee, other dignitaries and a large gathering of visitors.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest remarked that Rankey Mela has evolved into one of Sikkim’s most prominent cultural festivals, attributing its remarkable growth and increasing popularity to the unwavering support of the State Government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Recalling his college days, when Rankey Mela was celebrated on a much smaller scale, he observed that since 2019 the State Government has consistently prioritised the preservation and promotion of Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously creating opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs and local communities. He encouraged the youth of Namchi to seize these opportunities, embrace entrepreneurship and contribute towards strengthening the district’s tourism sector.

He further highlighted several key infrastructure projects currently being undertaken across Namchi, alongside significant improvements in healthcare facilities, stating that these initiatives reflect the Government’s steadfast commitment to inclusive development and enhancing the quality of life of the people.

In his address, the Area MLA-cum-Patron Satish Chandra Rai, stated that the historic Rankey Mela has been transformed into a week-long celebration under the guidance of the Chief Minister. He noted that the festival has not only preserved the region’s rich cultural heritage but has also generated substantial economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, self-help groups, artisans, traders and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors, thereby contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Namchi District.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support towards the successful organisation of the mela. He commended the collective efforts of the District Administration, the Rankey Mela Celebration Committee, line departments, volunteers, security personnel and the people of Namchi, whose coordinated cooperation ensured the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the festival.

As part of the closing ceremony, the celebration committee presented Certificates of Appreciation to representatives of various tour and travel agencies and journalists from Bihar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, Shillong, Jharkhand and Namchi in recognition of their valuable contribution to promoting Rankey Mela and showcasing Namchi’s tourism potential to a wider audience. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to local stakeholders and bird-watching guides for their support towards the successful organisation of the festival.

The concluding day also featured an exciting series of traditional rural sporting events, drawing enthusiastic participation from contestants and spectators alike.

Earlier in the morning, as part of the Namchi Rankey Run, the celebration committee, in collaboration with the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, organised an open walkathon and an open 21-km marathon for both men and women.

In the walkathon, Laxmi Prasad Chettri and Amrita Sherpa emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. In the 21-km marathon, Damber Kumar Basnett and Akanksha Singh secured the top honours in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

In the tug-of-war competition, Barfung Constituency claimed the men’s title, with Maniram Phalidara GPU finishing as runners-up. In the women’s category, Namchi District Police emerged champions, while Poklok Kamrang Constituency secured the runners-up position. Winners of the various competitions were felicitated during the closing ceremony, bringing the six-day celebration to a memorable conclusion.