Sikkim Blue Duke Festival commences at Saramsa Garden

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The-first-of-its-kind Venky’s Presents: Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025 was declared open by Soreng-Chakung MLA Aditya Golay at Saramsa Garden near Ranipoolhere on Friday.

An initiative byLokSabha MP (Sikkim) Indra Hang Subba, the three-day event, celebrating technology, culture and food, is organised by Sikkim365, with support from the State Tourism department. The festival aims to inspire students and young people to explore new ideas and dream big.

A major highlight of the festival is technology, where experts will introduce students to Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones and robotics.

“The Sikkim Blue Duke Festival is named after our State butterfly ‘Blue Duke’, under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay. Sikkim is a green State, and our people are sensitive about the environment and the State government has tried to bring environment-friendly policies. This festival is dedicated to the students and youths of Sikkim, with the aim to expose them with innovative ideas. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being implemented everywhere these days, and we tried to give exposure to students regarding AI and robotics. We urge the students and youth to participate in the festival,” expressed Indra Hang.

IIM Bangalore (AI) and Robotex Mumbai (robotics) experts and AIC-SMUTBI entrepreneurs are part of the event.

“Sikkim is a tourism destination, but we ourselves are at a dilemma about what our specific cuisine is. On Day 2, three culinary experts/national master chefs and 12 local chefs will do live cooking. This event is being organised in association with the Homestay Association of Sikkim and Tourism department. Our aim is to promote our local cuisine. We are a tourism destination, but tomorrow, we want to become a healthy and delicious food destination,” said the LokSabhaMP.

The festival has 7-8 educational stalls and 12-13 food stalls.

The evening sessions will have cultural events, featuring Bollywood stars RajpalYadav and Rhea Chakraborty, performances by Wangden Sherpa, Sushant Ra Raga, Prajina, JhumaLimbu, EkdevLimbu, Amit Jung and the Gorkhey, Mellow Preachers, SaifaliKhan, Madhur Sharma, Chum Darang etc.

The event is free to the public.

The first day also witnessed a painting competition, which had participation of youths from different parts of Sikkim. The winners will be declared on the concluding day.

The Press Club of Sikkim and Postitude are the partners for this three-day festival.