News & Announcement
Lampokhari Festival 2026: Day Two Focuses on Culture and Tourism Promotion
Pakyong, March 27 (IPR): The 13th Lampokhari Tourism Festival 2026, organised by Aritar Dalapchand Lampokhari Lake Tourism Development Society (ADLDS), under the theme “Experience Heritage, Celebrate Culture, Discover Nature,” entered its second day at Lampokhari Lake, Aritar, today.
The day’s event was attended by Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Mr Raju Basnet, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) and Fisheries Department cum Chief Patron of the event, Mr Puran Gurung; MLA and Advisor for Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Mrs Pamin Lepcha; Zilla Adhakshya, Ms Laden Lhamu Bhutia and Zilla Upadhakshya, Ms Prabha Pradhan.
Also in attendance were Zilla Panchayats, Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Development, Mr Bikram Pradhan; OSD Water Resources Department, Mr Gagan Gurung; OSD to MLA, Chujachen constituency, Mr Damber Pradhan; Deputy Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ms Sushma Pradhan; SDM Rongli, Mr Suren Kumar Pradhan; along with dignitaries from various line departments, police personnel, members of the organising committee and general public.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Mr Raju Basnet emphasised that improved road connectivity and quality homestay experiences can enhance the growth of the tourism sector in the state, while sharing suggestions to promote local tourism enterprises and strengthen business opportunities.
Minister, Mr Raju Basnet also stated that initiatives such as the Mega Homestay will transform the rural tourism landscape and facilitate more entrepreneurship for the local community, further advising to utilise the assistance provided by state departments in the field of agriculture and tourism to uplift themselves and be self-reliant.
During the event, Minister and Chief Patron, Mr Puran Gurung highlighted on the developmental initiatives being undertaken in the region, including improvements in road infrastructure, promotion of tourism and various projects aimed at uplifting the area. He also lauded the establishment of the Rongli Permit Office, which facilitates permits to Nathula for domestic tourists, thereby creating greater opportunities to utilise the route.
Encouraging stakeholders and local residents, he underlined the need to expand tourism-related activities, stating that the tourism sector not only supports local businesses but also strengthens the livelihood opportunities for the community.
Further, he shared suggestions to promote rural tourism and advised the younger generation to prioritise health and education to excel in life.
He then mentioned the vast potential of the state’s agricultural produce in the global market, highlighting its organic status as an advantage, further mentioning on various initiatives being undertaken by the Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries Departments to uplift the farmers and stakeholders associated with these fields.
Likewise, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr CS Rao, highlighted the immense potential of the tourism sector in the state and informed that Sikkim has witnessed the participation of approximately 17 lakh tourists in the current year. He then emphasised on the initiatives of the state government to strengthen tourism infrastructure through the improvement of road connectivity and the implementation of various tourism initiatives.
He also appreciated the organising committee for reviving the festival and showcasing the natural beauty of the lake, urging the stakeholders to maintain the homestays in proper condition to ensure a comfortable experience for both domestic and international tourists.
Mr CS Rao apprised on the rich flora, fauna, culture and heritage of the state and stressed that its preservation must remain an utmost priority for each individual, further assuring to provide necessary support towards strengthening the tourism sector in the region.
Similarly, General Secretary ADLDS, Mr Bibek Rai, stressed the significance of the 13th Lampokhari Tourism Festival 2026 and informed that the event is a revival of a legacy, tourism, culture and community development with the collaborative effort from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim.
He then mentioned the cultural and spiritual significance of Lampokhari Lake and called for the preservation of its sanctity and the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Prior to it, the dignitaries participated in a ritual to invoke prayers to mark prosperity and gratitude, followed by the official inauguration of the zip-lining adventure sport.
The event also featured stalls set up by various departments, including the Fisheries Department, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Forest and Environment Department and Agriculture and Horticulture Department, along with ATMA.
The programme also showcased cultural performances by students from various schools, followed by a ramp walk presentation, showcasing the diverse communities of the state.
The day’s event was attended by Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Mr Raju Basnet, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) and Fisheries Department cum Chief Patron of the event, Mr Puran Gurung; MLA and Advisor for Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Mrs Pamin Lepcha; Zilla Adhakshya, Ms Laden Lhamu Bhutia and Zilla Upadhakshya, Ms Prabha Pradhan.
Also in attendance were Zilla Panchayats, Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Development, Mr Bikram Pradhan; OSD Water Resources Department, Mr Gagan Gurung; OSD to MLA, Chujachen constituency, Mr Damber Pradhan; Deputy Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ms Sushma Pradhan; SDM Rongli, Mr Suren Kumar Pradhan; along with dignitaries from various line departments, police personnel, members of the organising committee and general public.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Mr Raju Basnet emphasised that improved road connectivity and quality homestay experiences can enhance the growth of the tourism sector in the state, while sharing suggestions to promote local tourism enterprises and strengthen business opportunities.
Minister, Mr Raju Basnet also stated that initiatives such as the Mega Homestay will transform the rural tourism landscape and facilitate more entrepreneurship for the local community, further advising to utilise the assistance provided by state departments in the field of agriculture and tourism to uplift themselves and be self-reliant.
During the event, Minister and Chief Patron, Mr Puran Gurung highlighted on the developmental initiatives being undertaken in the region, including improvements in road infrastructure, promotion of tourism and various projects aimed at uplifting the area. He also lauded the establishment of the Rongli Permit Office, which facilitates permits to Nathula for domestic tourists, thereby creating greater opportunities to utilise the route.
Encouraging stakeholders and local residents, he underlined the need to expand tourism-related activities, stating that the tourism sector not only supports local businesses but also strengthens the livelihood opportunities for the community.
Further, he shared suggestions to promote rural tourism and advised the younger generation to prioritise health and education to excel in life.
He then mentioned the vast potential of the state’s agricultural produce in the global market, highlighting its organic status as an advantage, further mentioning on various initiatives being undertaken by the Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries Departments to uplift the farmers and stakeholders associated with these fields.
Likewise, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr CS Rao, highlighted the immense potential of the tourism sector in the state and informed that Sikkim has witnessed the participation of approximately 17 lakh tourists in the current year. He then emphasised on the initiatives of the state government to strengthen tourism infrastructure through the improvement of road connectivity and the implementation of various tourism initiatives.
He also appreciated the organising committee for reviving the festival and showcasing the natural beauty of the lake, urging the stakeholders to maintain the homestays in proper condition to ensure a comfortable experience for both domestic and international tourists.
Mr CS Rao apprised on the rich flora, fauna, culture and heritage of the state and stressed that its preservation must remain an utmost priority for each individual, further assuring to provide necessary support towards strengthening the tourism sector in the region.
Similarly, General Secretary ADLDS, Mr Bibek Rai, stressed the significance of the 13th Lampokhari Tourism Festival 2026 and informed that the event is a revival of a legacy, tourism, culture and community development with the collaborative effort from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim.
He then mentioned the cultural and spiritual significance of Lampokhari Lake and called for the preservation of its sanctity and the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Prior to it, the dignitaries participated in a ritual to invoke prayers to mark prosperity and gratitude, followed by the official inauguration of the zip-lining adventure sport.
The event also featured stalls set up by various departments, including the Fisheries Department, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Forest and Environment Department and Agriculture and Horticulture Department, along with ATMA.
The programme also showcased cultural performances by students from various schools, followed by a ramp walk presentation, showcasing the diverse communities of the state.
