News & Announcement
Yongthoom Season 3 draws to a close, showcasing rich Lepcha heritage
Gangtok, August 7 (IPR): The closing ceremony of Yongthoom Season 3, organised as part of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026 celebrations, was held at Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari Complex, Ridge Park, Gangtok, today.
The programme was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, as the Chief Guest, while the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The event marked the successful culmination of Yongthoom Season 3, a vibrant cultural and heritage initiative organised on the eve of Tendong Lho Rum Faat to celebrate the rich traditions, art, cuisine, handicrafts and entrepreneurship of the Lepcha community.
Upon their arrival, the Governor and the Chief Minister visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with local artisans, entrepreneurs and exhibitors showcasing traditional Lepcha cuisine, handloom and handicraft products, indigenous produce and other locally made items. The dignitaries also visited the Bongthing Stall, where they witnessed traditional Lepcha rituals and customs.
The cultural programme featured a captivating series of performances highlighting the history, beliefs and traditional lifestyle of the Lepcha community. The presentations included Tundong Faat Aalok by the Sikkimese Lepcha Cultural Association, Puntong Palit by Mickma Tshering Lepcha, Mon Dryak Lok, the traditional Lepcha hunting dance, Kovin Yangta, a folk narrative performance, and Zow Maal, portraying the community's transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture.
A special highlight of the programme was the launch of the song "Mongmer" by Mr Ten Tshering Lepcha, followed by the felicitation of Mr Jigmee Gyalpo Sherpa in recognition of his significant contribution to Lepcha art and music. The celebrations were further enlivened by musical performances from Sofiyum Band and Lasso Mungkup, drawing enthusiastic participation from the audience.
Over the course of the festival, Yongthoom Season 3 featured traditional Lepcha cuisine, indigenous products, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, cultural displays, folk storytelling sessions, children's activities, face painting and traditional games, attracting large numbers of residents and tourists.
Earlier, the welcome address was presented by Chief Coordinator-cum-Additional Political Secretary, Mr Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha.
The event also had the presence of Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Mayor, GMC, Councillors, GMC, Chairperson, OSDs, former MLAs, along with Heads of Departments, DC Gangtok, officers, officials, dignitaries and locals.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of Yongthoom Season 3 under the broader celebrations of Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026.
The programme was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, as the Chief Guest, while the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The event marked the successful culmination of Yongthoom Season 3, a vibrant cultural and heritage initiative organised on the eve of Tendong Lho Rum Faat to celebrate the rich traditions, art, cuisine, handicrafts and entrepreneurship of the Lepcha community.
Upon their arrival, the Governor and the Chief Minister visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with local artisans, entrepreneurs and exhibitors showcasing traditional Lepcha cuisine, handloom and handicraft products, indigenous produce and other locally made items. The dignitaries also visited the Bongthing Stall, where they witnessed traditional Lepcha rituals and customs.
The cultural programme featured a captivating series of performances highlighting the history, beliefs and traditional lifestyle of the Lepcha community. The presentations included Tundong Faat Aalok by the Sikkimese Lepcha Cultural Association, Puntong Palit by Mickma Tshering Lepcha, Mon Dryak Lok, the traditional Lepcha hunting dance, Kovin Yangta, a folk narrative performance, and Zow Maal, portraying the community's transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture.
A special highlight of the programme was the launch of the song "Mongmer" by Mr Ten Tshering Lepcha, followed by the felicitation of Mr Jigmee Gyalpo Sherpa in recognition of his significant contribution to Lepcha art and music. The celebrations were further enlivened by musical performances from Sofiyum Band and Lasso Mungkup, drawing enthusiastic participation from the audience.
Over the course of the festival, Yongthoom Season 3 featured traditional Lepcha cuisine, indigenous products, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, cultural displays, folk storytelling sessions, children's activities, face painting and traditional games, attracting large numbers of residents and tourists.
Earlier, the welcome address was presented by Chief Coordinator-cum-Additional Political Secretary, Mr Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha.
The event also had the presence of Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Mayor, GMC, Councillors, GMC, Chairperson, OSDs, former MLAs, along with Heads of Departments, DC Gangtok, officers, officials, dignitaries and locals.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of Yongthoom Season 3 under the broader celebrations of Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026.
