News & Announcement
Joint Inspection Conducted to Enforce Ban on Animal Slaughter
Gangtok, February 21 (IPR): A joint inspection team led by the Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of Sikkim carried out visits to several shops in and around Gangtok to ensure compliance with the notified ban on the taking of animal lives during the Buddhist holy days observed as per the Lunar Calendar.
The inspection team included Mr Ugen Tshering Bhutia, Joint Director, Ecclesiastical Department; Dr Hissay Wangchuk Bhutia, Research Officer, Ecclesiastical Department; Mr Jigdal Gyatso Bhutia, Inspector, Ecclesiastical Department; Mr Khem Bahadur Rai, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry and Livestock Department; Mr B.B. Pradhan, Sub-Inspector; Mr Norden Bhutia, Editor (Bhutia), Information and Public Relations Department; and Mr Norden Lepcha, Assistant Sub-Editor (Lepcha), Information and Public Relations Department.
The drive follows an official circular calling for strict observance of the prohibition across the State during the specified period. During the visits, officials interacted with shopkeepers and members of the public, monitoring adherence to the directive and raising awareness about the significance of observing the holy days in keeping with the State’s religious traditions and cultural values. Business establishments were also requested to extend full cooperation in implementing the notification.
According to the circular, the holy days of the first Tibetan month — including Chothul Dawa (1st to 15th day) and the 30th day (Nangang) — will be observed from February 18 to March 3, 2026, and again on March 18, 2026.
The inspection team included Mr Ugen Tshering Bhutia, Joint Director, Ecclesiastical Department; Dr Hissay Wangchuk Bhutia, Research Officer, Ecclesiastical Department; Mr Jigdal Gyatso Bhutia, Inspector, Ecclesiastical Department; Mr Khem Bahadur Rai, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry and Livestock Department; Mr B.B. Pradhan, Sub-Inspector; Mr Norden Bhutia, Editor (Bhutia), Information and Public Relations Department; and Mr Norden Lepcha, Assistant Sub-Editor (Lepcha), Information and Public Relations Department.
The drive follows an official circular calling for strict observance of the prohibition across the State during the specified period. During the visits, officials interacted with shopkeepers and members of the public, monitoring adherence to the directive and raising awareness about the significance of observing the holy days in keeping with the State’s religious traditions and cultural values. Business establishments were also requested to extend full cooperation in implementing the notification.
According to the circular, the holy days of the first Tibetan month — including Chothul Dawa (1st to 15th day) and the 30th day (Nangang) — will be observed from February 18 to March 3, 2026, and again on March 18, 2026.
