Press Release
Press Release From Yangang Tourism Development Committee
Information & Public Relations Department
Zomal Zoethyang – The Ago Kyong Experience Celebrated with Grandeur at Lower Gagyong
Yangang, 16 July 2026: The maiden edition of Zomal Zoethyang – The Ago Kyong Experience, a celebration of traditional Lepcha heritage through traditional paddy cultivation, was held with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at Lower Gagyong, Yangang on Thursday. The event witnessed overwhelming participation from the local community, public representatives and government officials, making it a memorable celebration of Sikkim’s rich indigenous heritage.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for the Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Fisheries Department and Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest was joined by Hon’ble Deputy Speaker-cum-Hon’ble MLA Smt Raj Kumari Thapa, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bikash Basnet, Hon’ble Chairman, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department Shri Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Chairman, IFFCO Organics Shri Raj Kumar Basnet, Advisor, Food Processing Department Shri C. L. Gurung, OSD to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Karma Subba, OSD to the Agriculture Department Shri S. B. Rai, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Yangang Shri K. L. Dahal, representatives of various line departments under Yangang Sub-Division, departmental heads, Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat Members, Hon’ble Panchayat Members, SKM Party functionaries and a large gathering of residents from Lower Gagyong and adjoining areas.
The event was observed with great pomp and splendour, reflecting the collective commitment towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of the Lepcha community. Traditional rituals, cultural performances and the symbolic Ago Kyong (traditional paddy plantation) experience highlighted the deep bond between the Lepcha people, their land and their agricultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest lauded the initiative for reviving and showcasing an age-old tradition that embodies the values of community participation, environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. He underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and encouraged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker-cum-Hon’ble MLA Smt Raj Kumari Thapa appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in organising the event and expressed confidence that Zomal Zoethyang would evolve into a signature cultural and tourism event for Yangang, celebrating the unique heritage of the Lepcha community while creating new opportunities for rural and cultural tourism.
The programme also showcased the vibrant traditions, customs and agricultural practices of the Lepcha community, offering visitors an immersive experience of one of Sikkim’s oldest living traditions. The enthusiastic participation of villagers, cultural groups and youth added colour and authenticity to the celebration.
The event concluded on a high note with a renewed commitment to preserve the legacy of Ago Kyong for future generations and to promote Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage through community-driven tourism initiatives.
Zomal Zoethyang – The Ago Kyong Experience stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lepcha community and their timeless relationship with nature, agriculture and tradition.
Yangang, 16 July 2026: The maiden edition of Zomal Zoethyang – The Ago Kyong Experience, a celebration of traditional Lepcha heritage through traditional paddy cultivation, was held with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at Lower Gagyong, Yangang on Thursday. The event witnessed overwhelming participation from the local community, public representatives and government officials, making it a memorable celebration of Sikkim’s rich indigenous heritage.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for the Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Fisheries Department and Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest was joined by Hon’ble Deputy Speaker-cum-Hon’ble MLA Smt Raj Kumari Thapa, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bikash Basnet, Hon’ble Chairman, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department Shri Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Chairman, IFFCO Organics Shri Raj Kumar Basnet, Advisor, Food Processing Department Shri C. L. Gurung, OSD to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Karma Subba, OSD to the Agriculture Department Shri S. B. Rai, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Yangang Shri K. L. Dahal, representatives of various line departments under Yangang Sub-Division, departmental heads, Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat Members, Hon’ble Panchayat Members, SKM Party functionaries and a large gathering of residents from Lower Gagyong and adjoining areas.
The event was observed with great pomp and splendour, reflecting the collective commitment towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural traditions of the Lepcha community. Traditional rituals, cultural performances and the symbolic Ago Kyong (traditional paddy plantation) experience highlighted the deep bond between the Lepcha people, their land and their agricultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest lauded the initiative for reviving and showcasing an age-old tradition that embodies the values of community participation, environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. He underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and encouraged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker-cum-Hon’ble MLA Smt Raj Kumari Thapa appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in organising the event and expressed confidence that Zomal Zoethyang would evolve into a signature cultural and tourism event for Yangang, celebrating the unique heritage of the Lepcha community while creating new opportunities for rural and cultural tourism.
The programme also showcased the vibrant traditions, customs and agricultural practices of the Lepcha community, offering visitors an immersive experience of one of Sikkim’s oldest living traditions. The enthusiastic participation of villagers, cultural groups and youth added colour and authenticity to the celebration.
The event concluded on a high note with a renewed commitment to preserve the legacy of Ago Kyong for future generations and to promote Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage through community-driven tourism initiatives.
Zomal Zoethyang – The Ago Kyong Experience stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lepcha community and their timeless relationship with nature, agriculture and tradition.
