Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the State-level Gyalpo Losar celebration at Wangmasukhey Ground, Perbing, in Namchi district. The event was organized by the Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) with support from the Sherpa Samaj of Sikkim (Kiduk). Chief Minister was accompanied by Krishna Kumari Rai, who attended as the special guest. The religious heads for the occasion were Ben Tulku Dasang Rinpoche and Ben Tulku Ngawang Tenzin Chogyal Rinpoche.
The celebration witnessed the presence of Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Chief Patron M.N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Urban Development Minister Bhoj Raj Rai, Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama, along with MLAs, former MLAs, advisors, HoDs, and other dignitaries.
The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by the Denzong Sherpa Committee and adorned with traditional Sherpa garments — the ‘Kho’ (dress) and ‘Shambu’ (hat) — symbolizing respect. He explored Sherpa stalls and food stalls that showcased the community’s rich cultural heritage.
In his address, Chief Minister emphasized the importance of preserving Sikkim’s diverse cultural identity through traditions, customs, costumes, and languages. He announced that the government has mandated wearing traditional attire at least once a week in schools and passing language subjects for promotion to the next class. He also mentioned that language teachers are being appointed to support language preservation.
Highlighting development plans, CM PS Tamang announced a grant of ₹2 lakh for roadside vendors from Namthang-Rateypani to build stalls. He also promised the renovation of Perbing Samtelling Gumpa, road construction in Namcheybong, and support for a Sherpa film and vision document by the DSA.
M.N. Sherpa expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his inclusive governance and for allocating 50 reservation seats in medical programs for economically disadvantaged students. Three Sherpa students and one Chettri student recently received scholarships.
Area MLA Sanjit Kharel requested the Chief Minister’s support for road maintenance, renovation of Wangmasukhey Ground into a cricket stadium, a Janta Vaat program in Namthang Rateypani, and a four-story plaza with car parking, a Haat Bazaar, a police station, and a water supply line.
Two books — “Ethnography of Sikkimese Sherpa Tribe” and “Food Habits of Sherpa Tribe” — were launched during the event. Cultural performances featuring traditional Sherpa songs and dances were held, with Perbing Sherpa Kyidug securing first place in the Sherpa Dance Competition. The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to preserving and promoting Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
