GANGTOK, : The 8th edition of ‘Discover
Rabong’ Chodzo Festival will take place from April 11 to 16, the organisers
informed.
Addressing a press conference Friday
in Gangtok, Barfung MLA Riksal Dorjee Bhutia reiterated that the primary
objective of the Chodzo Festival is to promote sustainable tourism in the
region. Bhutia explained that the term “Chodzo” refers to lake and emphasized
the festival's role in safeguarding the region's natural water bodies. He
underscored that promoting tourism benefits both local stakeholders and the
State economy.
The festival was first
celebrated in 2002.
Yougan Tamang, press secretary
to the Chief Minister, emphasized that the festival aims not only to promote
sustainable tourism but also to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of
Rabong. He noted that the Chief Minister, who serves as the chief patron of the
organizing committee, has curated the event to attain both national and global
recognition.
Tamang said the festival would
also mark the debut of Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Volleyball Tournament.
Vishnu Prasad Sharma, the general
secretary of the organizing committee, elaborated on the festival’s events, all
centered around the theme of “Nature, Culture and Sports”. He announced that 10
teams, including one team from Nepal, have registered for the inaugural Chief
Minister’s Gold Cup Volleyball Tournament. The tournament will begin on April
11 with the final scheduled for April 16. The winning team will receive a cash
prize of Rs. 20 lakh, while the runner-up will take home Rs. 10 lakh.
Additionally, an intra-State volleyball tournament will feature 15 teams, with
the final taking place on April 15. The winners and runner-up
of this tournament will receive Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh respectively.
Sharma also announced an
18-kilometer trail run on the Maenam Hill, an open competition with categories
for men, women and individuals aged 45 and above. The winners will receive cash
prizes, ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 75,000, with consolation prizes for the
top five finishers. On April 16, the festival will feature a ‘strongman’
competition, which will test participants’ strength and endurance in five
events. The winner will receive Rs. 60,000, while the runner-up will receive Rs.
40,000, and third place will earn Rs. 20,000.
In addition to these sporting
events, the festival will have a variety of other activities, including a Mixed
Martial Arts (MMA) tournament, pillow fights, rock climbing, a ‘B2B’ meet
between the Rabongla Tourism Development Corporation and the Travel Agents
Association of Sikkim, and a helicopter joyride available throughout the
festival. There will also be a flower show, with prizes for the best growers,
and an exhibition of local handlooms and handicrafts, featuring over 30
participating organizations.
The festival will offer a rich
cultural experience with local food stalls, traditional dance and music
performances, a Sikkimese band showcase (April 11-14), and ‘Mr and Ms Chodzo’
beauty pageant (April 11-16). The opening night on April 11 will feature a
musical performance by ‘Purna Rai and Daju Bhai Haru’. Additionally, bird
watching enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the region’s natural
habitat, while an art exhibition will cater to creative minds.
Bikash Basnet, political
secretary (press) to the Chief Minister, highlighted the significance of the
festival in the context of Sikkim’s 50 years of Statehood celebrations. He
emphasized the importance of such events in revitalizing the tourism sector,
which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Teesta floods. Basnet
noted that the Chief Minister envisions the festival becoming a major regional
event, akin to the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Ziro Festival in
Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders in Rabong for
their cooperation and commitment to making the event a success. Basnet further
stressed that the growth of the tourism industry will not only contribute to
the state’s economy but also create job opportunities, encouraging local
entrepreneurs to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The press conference concluded
with the unveiling of the logo for the 8th ‘Discover Rabong’Chodzo Festival.
The press conference also had
former Barfung MLA Tashi Thendup Bhutia and Karma Subba, OSD (Political Affairs)
to the Chief Minister.
