By Manoj Joshi

The Namprikdam Festival is one of the most loved attractions of entire Sikkim. Other than performances, several dance enthusiasts and reputed troupes make their presence at this charming festival. Namprikdam Festival is an entertaining cultural event of Sikkim. It is one of the most colorful events of Sikkim that attracts thousands of viewers from all over the state. Visitors visit Dzongu during this festival to cherish a lifetime experience. Namphrikdang festival is held coinciding with the Losoong festival which is organised in a village called Namphrikdang in Dzongu, North Sikkim, inhabited only by the lepchas.

Now a days, Dzongu is a highly cultural land celebrating various art and dance festivals. The Namprikdam Festival in Sikkim is undoubtedly the most exciting and entertaining festivals to get pleasure from. Both the participants and the audience enjoy the event equally. Music and dance of every origin is encouraged in this festival. The stage is open to all talent. Viewers from all over Sikkim rush to Dzongu to be a part of this fabulous event. Namprikdam Festival truly takes over the hearts and minds of entire Sikkim. The simple fact is that the festival is inextricably bound with Dzongu’s very own identity.

This time around, this State Level Festival was held under the banner of State level Namprikdam Namsung festival cum North East Zonal Cultural festival which continued from 7th-14th Dec 2010. State PWD Minister R B Subba graced the auspicious occasion as Chief Guest on Dec. 9 and extended greetings and warm wishes for the Lepcha community on behalf of the Government. He also congratulated the committee for organizing the festival in such a grand manner.

Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only in respect of economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This was captured in the Namprikdam Namsung festival, which provided a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity.

The state Culture and Heritage Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, who also happens to be the Area MLA of Dzongu Constituency, seemed much busy making the festival to be a memorable one. Shri Gyatso while informing the flagship programmes of the government aimed towards protection, upliftment and development of the underprivileged in the state. He reiterated that the Namprikdam Namsung festival was not only destined to Dzongu alone but in fact covers the aspirations of Lepchas of entire Sikkim. The Minister also urged the local artists to learn and exchange their talents with fellow visiting artists of the NE regions.

Namprikdam Namsung festival is an integrated approach to see nature meeting culture, the past meeting the present, the monumental and movable heritage meeting the intangible. The Namprikdam festival aims to protect age old tradition and the cultural heritage. It is an expression of living culture, contributing to the development of the society and the building of peace and happiness, shares some of the visitors.
Under the leadership of the Area MLA Sonam Gyatso, Dzongu, the hidden ecstasy has turned out to be a happening place often with lively festivals and colourful events. This action has also fortified his commitment to sustainable environment management and promotion of culture and tradition at equal pace and dimension thus transforming the quality of the lives of local people in the direction of posterity.

It was a great pleasure to observe that the main attraction of the most recent Namprikdam Namsung festival included the mega sale and exhibition of the exotic handloom of Manipur, Assam and also the stalls showcasing products from Sikkim. The interesting festival was also marked by cultural display and many sporting activities followed by a musical night performed by the Eastern Zonal, Kolkota.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Mail)

 

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