News & Announcement
Somnath Swabhiman Parv Observed in Gangtok with Cultural and Spiritual Fervour
Gangtok, March 25 (IPR): The Culture Department, Government of Sikkim, organised Somnath Swabhiman Parv at Manan Bhawan, Gangtok, marking the enduring spiritual, civilisational and national significance of the Somnath Temple.
The programme formed part of a nationwide commemoration observing 1,000 years of unbroken faith associated with Somnath, while also reflecting on two milestones in India’s history—one thousand years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026 and seventy-five years since its reopening in 1951 after Independence.
Chairperson, Culture Department, Ms Bhim Kumari Sharma, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the importance of preserving and transmitting cultural values to future generations, stating that such observances serve as acts of remembrance while reconnecting society with heritage, responsibility and national consciousness.
The event brought together officials, artists, students and invited guests in a tribute to a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. The proceedings began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by CO-cum-Nodal Officer, Ms Tshering Leezum, who highlighted the significance of the observance and its message of civilisational pride and spiritual strength.
The cultural segment featured Ganesh Vandana by Ms Banita and group and Shiv Tandav Nritya by Ms Denay and group. Shiv bhajans were presented by Mr Laxuman Kafley, Mr Deepraj Rai, Mr Pranesh Adhikari, Ms Pranita and Mr Chetan, along with a group bhajan by Mr Ganesh Dhungel and team, creating a devotional atmosphere.
Officer on Special Duty, Culture Department, Mr Bhavani Ghimiray delivered a special talk providing historical context to the observance. He described the Parv as a platform for strengthening national identity and fostering respect for India’s rich cultural legacy. A storytelling session by Library Assistant, State Central Library, Ms Sushma Chettri added an engaging educational component.
Highlights of the programme included a Kathak performance by Ms Renuka and an integration dance representing the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, conveying unity in diversity and reflecting the cultural harmony of the State.
The programme also reflected the ongoing revival of Somnath under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chairperson of the Shri Somnath Trust, with focus on heritage conservation, infrastructure development, improved governance, sustainability and inclusive initiatives.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Programme Coordinator, Culture Department, Ms Neha Tamang. The Master of the Ceremony for the programme was Ms Yangzum Lepcha.
The programme was attended by Chief Engineer, Culture Department, Mr Rimp Dorjee Lepcha,Special Secretary, Culture Department, Ms Tshering Yangdon Shartso, officials and staff of the department and students from various schools across Gangtok.
The programme formed part of a nationwide commemoration observing 1,000 years of unbroken faith associated with Somnath, while also reflecting on two milestones in India’s history—one thousand years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026 and seventy-five years since its reopening in 1951 after Independence.
Chairperson, Culture Department, Ms Bhim Kumari Sharma, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the importance of preserving and transmitting cultural values to future generations, stating that such observances serve as acts of remembrance while reconnecting society with heritage, responsibility and national consciousness.
The event brought together officials, artists, students and invited guests in a tribute to a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. The proceedings began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by CO-cum-Nodal Officer, Ms Tshering Leezum, who highlighted the significance of the observance and its message of civilisational pride and spiritual strength.
The cultural segment featured Ganesh Vandana by Ms Banita and group and Shiv Tandav Nritya by Ms Denay and group. Shiv bhajans were presented by Mr Laxuman Kafley, Mr Deepraj Rai, Mr Pranesh Adhikari, Ms Pranita and Mr Chetan, along with a group bhajan by Mr Ganesh Dhungel and team, creating a devotional atmosphere.
Officer on Special Duty, Culture Department, Mr Bhavani Ghimiray delivered a special talk providing historical context to the observance. He described the Parv as a platform for strengthening national identity and fostering respect for India’s rich cultural legacy. A storytelling session by Library Assistant, State Central Library, Ms Sushma Chettri added an engaging educational component.
Highlights of the programme included a Kathak performance by Ms Renuka and an integration dance representing the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, conveying unity in diversity and reflecting the cultural harmony of the State.
The programme also reflected the ongoing revival of Somnath under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chairperson of the Shri Somnath Trust, with focus on heritage conservation, infrastructure development, improved governance, sustainability and inclusive initiatives.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Programme Coordinator, Culture Department, Ms Neha Tamang. The Master of the Ceremony for the programme was Ms Yangzum Lepcha.
The programme was attended by Chief Engineer, Culture Department, Mr Rimp Dorjee Lepcha,Special Secretary, Culture Department, Ms Tshering Yangdon Shartso, officials and staff of the department and students from various schools across Gangtok.
