SORENG,: Chief Minister P.S Golay and his spouse Krishna Rai attended the State-level celebration of Mangar festival Barahimizong in the premises of Suldung-Kamling senior secondary school under Rinchenpong constituency on Tuesday.
All Sikkim
Mangar Association (ASMA) had organised the festival. Baharimizong is one of
the most significant festivals of Mangar community to pay homage to their
forefathers and deities.
In his
address, Chief Minister P.S. Golay shared that Barahimizong, traditionally
celebrated on December 20, was preponed to allow the community to observe the
festival in their households on its actual day. He announced that henceforth,
State-level celebrations of different community festivals would take place on
preponed dates to ensure that people could celebrate on the designated day at
their households.
Highlighting
the government’s inclusive approach, Golay emphasized the SKM government’s
commitment to providing equal opportunities for the development, preservation
and promotion of every community’s religious and cultural heritage. He assured
continued support and patronage from the government for all communities in the
State.
Golay
accused the previous SDF government of creating divisions among communities for
political gain, claiming that the SKM party refrains from interfering in the
functioning of community-based organizations. He said the SKM-government is
committed to serve the religious, cultural and literary aspirations of all
communities to ensure their growth and development.
Highlighting
on the significance of traditional attire worn by different communities of the
State, Golay appealed to individuals belonging to different communities to
maintain their traditional wear at least during their traditional festivals. He
pointed out that failing to acknowledge one’s own heritage meant pushing a
community's ethnic identity at a larger risk.
On the
developmental front, Golay informed that the construction of Magarjung at
Mangsari under Soreng district was sanctioned under SKM government and the
construction is under progress. He also promised development of Mangar village
at Suldung with traditional Mangar style homestays to propel the rural tourism
prospects of Suldung.
The Chief
Minister also called for larger participation and involvement of Mangar
community in the different sectors of the State for further development and
prosperity of the community.
On many
development based demands placed today, Golay said he will ensure that the
genuine demands will get fulfilled.
The Chief
Minister and Sikkim Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Raj Kumari Thapa were
felicitated on the occasion by ASMA, recognizing their efforts and
contributions towards welfare and development of Mangar community.
