Gangtok, 3 May, 2012

Along with the lives of the people and various infrastructural damages, the tourism industry in Sikkim was also badly hit by the massive September 18 earthquake. Past eight months since the devastating quake, the Government, concerned Department, associations and organizations related to tourism industry are striving hard to make up for the loss by organizing tourism based events all around the State.

Similarly, as an add on to this struggle and also to boost the image of the State as a secure place to visit, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department along with the Indian Army with an idea of nature, culture and adventure will be organizing the Sikkim Spring Carnival from May 11- May 15, 2012. The estimated cost for hosting this forthcoming carnival is above a crore and much hike in the number of tourist inflow is expected through this.

Informing about the same during a press meet in the capital, the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Secretary, R Telang along with the IPR Secretary, KS Topgay, said that this particular carnival is meant to restore the tourist inflow in the State back to at least the pre- earthquake level. The 17 Mountain Division Army Unit has also come forward to contribute in the tourism growth of Sikkim, he mentioned. The carnival is not only secluded in the capital but it will be organized in every districts of the State.

Further, acquainting about the Sikkim Spring Carnival details, the Secretary said that on the inaugural day food courts will be put up at Ridge Park, exhibitions on photos and paintings will be organized at White Memorial Hall, the flag off of carnivals and mountain biking will be conducted from the Palace Gate. Also on the same day traditional wedding processions followed by a Faith Healer procession shall take place. There will be an exhibition cum sale of handicrafts and handlooms in the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (DHH) complex. The Self Help Groups (SHG) will also exhibit and sale their products along with the horticulture and agriculture produces and an Organic food mart will be set up at Mangan.

Likewise, Telang informed that since the opening of Siddheshwara Dham numerous devotees especially from Nepal are pouring in. this in a way is adding up to the pilgrimage tourism in the State making South Sikkim the most sought place for pilgrimage. Hence, keeping in mind the same, they will be organizing a puja at Samdruptse along with religious and traditional Chaam and a Bhajan Sandhya and laser show at Siddeshwara Dham.

The other list of activities include paragliding, traversing, river rafting, rock craft, trekking, Yak safari, rock climbing, traditional archery, Samar Trek, angling, helicopter joy ride, rhododendron safari, farm tour of Dzongu and Tingchim Village Tourism, rose walk at Daramdin, flower show at Darap, exhibition of religious mask dance costume, nature walk/ short trek at Yuksom, friendly cricket match between the locals and the tourists etc.

The Secretary, lastly mentioning about the Military Tattoo being organized by the Indian Army informed that on 11^th May onwards at Palzor Stadium they will be putting up Para motor show, Bhangra, landing by skydiving team, dog show, Kalari Payattu, Malkhamb and pipe band display.

Sikkim Mail

 

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