Gangtok, 17th Dec (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister graced the closing ceremony of Yakthung Chasok Tongnam festival as a chief guest today at Saramsa khet.

A festival of first harvest offering to Yuma Sammang (Limboo ancestor goddess) and other deities was organized by Sukhim Yakthung Chasok Tongnam Lokchum was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Political and Administrative Advisors to the Government, dignitaries and people from all walks of life.

Addressing the huge gathering Chief Minister greeted everyone and congratulated the organizing committee for successfully celebrating this festival in Sikkim. He also said that such community based festival brings harmony, prosper, positivity among people from different cultures and traditions. Chief minister also called for participation’s of all the communities to maintain peace, tranquility and progress of the state.

He also mentioned that the amount of rupees Five Lakh will be granted to the community based celebrations and is always ready to help financially when ethnic organizations celebrate their festivals.

Similarly, he also mentioned about the declaration of Saturday as a gazetted holiday for cure and care and urged government employee to work with full co ordination keeping in mind such initiatives of government.

While talking about the demand put forth by the limboo community regarding government holiday on Chosak Tongnam he said that the government will seriously take up this matter to discuss Public Holiday on Chosak Tongnam , which is very important festival.

He also mentioned that the demand for renovation and beautification of Sirijunga Mangheem would be done at the earliest. He further announced that the Teyongsi Sirijunga Study Center at Hee Patal, West Sikkim would be further developed and completed in the coming years.

Congratulating the organizing committee for have kept Limboo tradition alive, Chief Minister stated that the youths of each and every community should come forward to take further the cultural practices and traditions passed onto the generations by our ancestors.

He added that SKM government unlike the former SDF government has paved way for a secular environment for all the distinct communities of the state to organize their festivals and religious practices free and without fear.

Chief Minister said that the present government is trying to give continuity to the pending works left by the previous government.

Keeping health in priority he informed the masses that the Medical Insurance for government employees and entire Sikkimese Public would be initiated in days to come.

Also constructing a house under Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana for BPL people has been on the pipeline of government for which the amount of 16 lakh 85 thousand for one construction has been allocated, he added.

The festival also saw felicitation to Shri. S. P. Mangyung from Lingchom, West Sikkim, Shri B. L. Sawaden from Rumbuk, West Sikkim and Lt. Birkha Man Subba(posthusmous) from Mangsila, North Sikkim for the immense contributions in the field of limboo tradition and culture.

On the occasion, the chief guest and dignitaries also released six Limboo books.

Nepal nu Sukhim Len Kaie [Poem] -Rup Lall Khamdhak ‘Mering’

Aani lakhum Vol-19 [Magazine] SYNSC

Lamdhomma Husing [ Learning book] – Samal Muringla, Karna Hang Tamling & Binaya Wanem.

Muienam [Poem]- Som Hang Khamdhak

Ching Sing Kotching [Drama]- Phungwama

Yakthung Suwang Ren Lokfagen Singhim [Poem]- Arun Kumar Limboo.

Offering of puja by phedangbas, limboo cultural competitions, traditional fashion show and performances by the guest artists from Nepal were the main highlights of the three days festival.