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.