State-level Chasok Tongnam celebrated

PAKYONG, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, accompanied by Krishna Rai, attended the State-Level Chasok Tongnam 2025 celebration organised by the Chasok Tongnam Celebration Committee at Saramsa Garden, Ranipool today.

The event was graced by the cabinet ministers; MP Lok Sabha; MLAs; advisors; zilla adhyakshas and upadhyakshas, political secretary to CM, chairmen, heads of departments; OSD; dignitaries from various line departments; along with members of the celebration community.

The programme commenced with the arrival of guests, followed by the reception of the chief guest with traditional honours. Ritualistic observances, including Mangsewa at the Manghim, were performed. The dignitaries also visited the Limbu Traditional House and the traditional Ya Thamma Ten, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Limbu community.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended warm greetings to the attendees and stated that festivals of all communities are being celebrated at the State level to recognise and honour the State’s diverse cultural traditions. He added that such initiatives also encourage the younger generation to understand, value, and preserve their rich cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister remarked that Chasok Tongnam is not merely a festival but a celebration of gratitude and a way of life. He highlighted the profound contribution of Mahatma Sirijunga Teyongsi, a prominent Limbu scholar and cultural reformer, for reviving and promoting the Sirijunga script, thereby strengthening the linguistic and cultural identity of the community. He appreciated the Limbu community for its sustained efforts in preserving and promoting the Limbu language, literature, and traditions, and for actively using the language in daily life. He urged all communities to speak and preserve their language, noting that language preservation is central to safeguarding cultural identity.

The Chief Minister also referred to the government’s efforts towards the inclusion of 12 left-out communities under tribal status. He termed it a significant achievement that the Limbu language was introduced as a core subject under the CBSE curriculum for classes in Sikkim schools in 1981.

He further mentioned the State government’s initiative mandating government employees to wear traditional attire every Thursday under the “Traditional Wear Work Day” initiative, aimed at promoting cultural pride, diversity, and the preservation of traditional heritage.

The Chief Minister also highlighted various initiatives of the State government in the education, health, infrastructure and sustainable development sectors.

On the occasion, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dr Indra Hang Subba, extended his warm greetings and gratitude to all present. He commended the State Government for declaring Chasok Tongnam a gazetted holiday on December 15, noting its positive role in fostering community unity. He also placed before the Government certain requests of the Limbu community as conveyed by the concerned association.

Furthermore, Associate Professor, Bal Muringla, Sikkim University, provided brief information on the Chasok Tongnam festival, stating that it commemorates the offering of the first harvest to the Limbu ancestral goddess, Yuma Sammang, along with other deities. He explained that the sacred occasion serves as a prayer for the welfare of humanity, prosperity, abundant harvests, and happiness. He further stated that Chasok Tongnam brings the Limbu community together, strengthening social bonds and serving as an important source of social capital while reinforcing shared cultural values and collective identity.

The programme also featured the distribution of cheques under the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) and a series of traditional cultural performances, including sirdhapey yalak, hakparey samlo (folk music), yalang (Dhan Nach), and tamokay (cultivation dance).