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.