Gangtok, 10 May, 2012:

From MG Marg to Palzor stadium, streets to hotels, everything has been rhythmically embellished to greet the tourists from different parts of the world, there is no time left for the grand opening of the Spring Festival which is scheduled from May 11.

It seems like the joint venture of the Tourism department and the Army will end at a colourful note as the eve of the fest has fetched thousands of tourists in the town.  Right from the old to the young ones, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Gujarat to that of Arunachal, tourists are just enjoying the mood at the MG Marg, which has been superbly festooned with lights. It is not only the story of the Indian tourist, but the fest has been successful in bringing foreign tourist in the town, who are seen everywhere even before the fest sets on roll. “I have been to Switzerland many times, but the environment in Sikkim for me is blissful” said Mod, a tourist from Thailand, who is basically in the town to witness the carnival. “It feels like walking in a rainbow at night” said Subhasish, a tourist from Gujarat who is here on a weeklong tour with his family. A Bengali tourist who was dressed in a typical Lepcha dress with a traditional cap said that “This is my 7^th time, but this time Gangtok looks Bhallo”.

In the meantime, the Indian Army had a final rehearsal for the Military Tattoo at Paljor Stadium, under the supervision of Secretary Tourism, R. Telang, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs, K.P Bhutia and P. Bhatt, Dy GOC. The rehearsal included a Punjabi dance Bhangra by the army personnel and a dog show, landing by the sky diving team members one by one, besides many other items.

The Secretary Tourism & Civil Aviation Department commenting about the forthcoming event said, “We want to make continuous efforts for reviving tourism, in the State. So the Department has organized the Carnival, in collaboration with the army to boost the morale of the stakeholders and to draw more tourists”. Adding on it he also said that having a carnival is not sufficient but these have to be followed step by step.

After the 18/9 earth quake, inflow of tourists has gone down though everything is now normal and back on the track. We are expecting a positive tourists’ response this time, better than the recent Snow Festival he added.

Sikkim Mail

 

Comment