GANGTOK,: The second day of the
Pre-Namsoong Festival, being held at the vibrant Vajra World here, witnessed a
colorful celebration steeped in the rich heritage of the Lepcha community.
The
event began with a solemn ceremony to honour the esteemed chief guest, Roads
and Bridges minister Nar Bahadur Dahal, and the guest of honor, Forest minister
Pintso Namgyal Lepcha.
Both
dignitaries, along with other distinguished guests, were felicitated before
lighting the traditional lamp—a ritual symbolizing blessings for the auspicious
occasion—under the spiritual guidance of the Bongthing present for the day.
Rummit
Lepcha, a revered member of the community, captivated the audience with the
narration of a traditional Lepcha folk tale, eloquently explaining the cultural
significance of the ‘Naam Aal Namsoong’ celebration.
The
storytelling session was followed by an enthralling cultural dance performance
by the cultural troupe from Dzongu, who showcased the elegance and vibrancy of
Lepcha traditions.
The
event organizers, Dzongu Heritage, took the opportunity to recognize
outstanding contributions from various individuals and groups within the Lepcha
community.
Among
those honored were Padmashree Dr. Jordan Lepcha, for his 25 years of dedication
to Lepcha cultural handicrafts; the Bamboo Bridge Group of Dzongu, for their
sustainable construction of bamboo bridges; Dr. Ravi Kumar, for his work in
advancing commerce and industries; Nim Tshering Lepcha, for his achievements in
football at both State and national levels; Sofiyum Band, for bringing Lepcha
folk music to national prominence; and Live With Us, for their exemplary
contributions to organic farming and women empowerment.
Adding
a modern touch to the traditional celebrations, Megha Pradhan, representing
Culture Media, announced the launch of the ‘Explore Dzongu’ website—an
initiative aimed at promoting Dzongu and the Lepcha culture to a broader
audience.
The
workshop stakeholders responsible for creating the Sumok Thyaktuk (traditional
Lepcha hats) were also recognized for their craftsmanship.
The
cultural vibrancy continued with a traditional dance performance by the
students of the Sikkim Lepcha Students Association, who mesmerized the audience
with their graceful portrayal of Lepcha heritage.
The
event also included the distribution of prizes to winners of the traditional
competition held the previous day, a task undertaken by the chief guest and
guest of honor.
In
his concluding address, minister Nar Bahadur Dahal expressed heartfelt
gratitude to the Lepcha youth for inviting him to the event. He commended the
launch of the Explore Dzongu initiative, emphasizing its potential to preserve
and promote the cultural heritage of Dzongu and the Lepcha community.
Highlighting
the significance of youth-led initiatives, he praised the organizers for their
dedication to keeping indigenous traditions alive. He also underscored the
importance of cultural events in fostering a sense of identity and pride among
the community's younger generation.
The
celebrations concluded on a high note with a soulful musical performance by the
renowned Lepcha band Sofiyum and local artist Ten Tshering Lepcha from Sakyoung
Dzongu, encapsulating the spirit and vibrancy of the Lepcha community and a DJ
performance to seal the night.
The
Pre-Namsoong Festival has once again showcased the Lepcha community’s
unwavering commitment to preserving their rich cultural legacy, offering a
meaningful platform for both celebration and cultural education.
