NAMCHI: State level Sakeva 2023 celebrated in Namchi

Namchi: Chief Minister PS Golay on Tuesday announced a restricted government holiday for ‘Ubhauli Sakeva’ from the coming year as per the demand of Rai community of Sikkim.

Addressing the state level ‘Udhauli’ Sakeva festival at Namchi, the Chief Minister mentioned that this winter Sakeva festival is already a government holiday, but ‘Ubhauli’ Sakeva is equally important for the Rai community. He said, since there is a strong demand from the Rai community, ‘Ubhauli’ Sakeva is declared a restricted government holiday for the community.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced the setting up of an art academy and art gallery in the name of prominent artist Bijay Mani Tholung. He said that Bijay Mani Tholung Art Academy and Gallery will be established in the premises of the Self-reliant Research Center under construction in Gangtok.

Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Rai Khim at Singithang. A colorful celebration of Sakeva (Udhauli) was witnessed along with the state level festival organized by Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh (AKRS) Sikkim at the farmers market in Namchi town.

Addressing the gathering, Golay said that his highest resolve is to preserve and promote the distinct cultural heritage of each Sikkimese community. He stressed that one should not politicize the cultural and religious initiatives of any community.

“Our SKM government has never discriminated against any community and has not politicized any community-based program. We have kept community festivals free from political interference. Despite being in opposition for ten years, we never politicized community organizations and festivals and did not interfere in association elections. Gole said, we respect all communities and faiths and provide equal support to every community and faith.

The Chief Minister urged every Sikkimese to come forward to strengthen the cultural heritage of all communities. “Instead of calling it a cultural festival of this or that community, we should promote various community based festivals as our own festivals. The dream of ‘Sunalo Sikkim’ can come true when every community comes forward to protect the identity and diverse cultural heritage of Sikkim. If we remain united no one can break us,” he said.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the developmental and welfare measures taken by the State Government for the Rai community, including the International Kirat Rai Linguistic and Cultural Research Center at Ranka and Kirat Manokamna Dham at Pareng village, with 70% completion. . He mentioned the regularization of Rai language teachers in the state.

AKRS Sikkim President Mohan Dungamali informed about the significance of Sakeva festival and the achievements of the association so far in the state.

The official website of AKRS Sikkim and its calendar was launched by the Chief Minister, followed by the release of a book ‘Souvenir’ containing the tradition and culture of Rai community.

During the program, the Chief Minister also released the book ‘History of efforts made by AKRS’ written by Dr. SK Rai.