Sikkim: Plans afoot for grander Kamsel at Tholung Monastery

MANGAN, October 23, 2013

Plans are afoot to organise Kamsel, one of Sikkim’s important Buddhist ceremonies in a big way from November 21 to 24. As the name of the ceremony suggests, the personnel effects of Guru Padmasambhava, Gyalwa Lhabtsun Chenpo, will be aired and sunned – Kamsel – at Tholung monastery. It may be perhaps because of the invaluable items that are kept at remote Tholung that this festival is held only every three years.

Sikkim’s revered Tholung monastery houses some of the rarest Dharma treasures including relics and belongings of the Guru Padmasambhava, his consort Khandro Yeshi Chogyal and Gyalwa Lhabtsun Chenpo.

To organise the event in a grand manner this year, district magistrate, North, C.P. Dhakal today convened a preparatory meeting here at his chamber with Khamsel

Ceremony Committee, officers from line department, Panchayat members. Various aspects relating to organising the event such as road connectivity, sanitation, accommodation and basic amenities for visitors, security, etc. were discussed at length.

Electricity, an important component, it may be added here has been severely damaged at Tholung and nearby areas, following the devastating earthquake of September 18, 2011.

In this connection, the district magistrate directed superintendent engineer, Power department, North, to organise a generator as an alternative.

Similarly, deputy secretary, Rural Management and Development department was asked to initiate action for sanitation, while assistant engineer, Passingdang, BAC was entrusted with restoration work of footpath as early as possible.

Regarding medical facilities, chief medical officer, D.S. Kerongi was asked to make medical team available at two different points: one forest guest house (on the way) and the other at Tholung Gompa.

For accommodation to visitors travelling to Tholung during the ceremony, Dhakal suggested the house to approach Tourism department for assistance.

Informing that Rs. 5 lakhs has been sanctioned by Land Revenue and Disaster Management department for reconstruction of log-bridges, the district magistrate told the committee to start the construction immediately.

It was also informed that potters would be made available on payment basis for convenience of visitors.

Superintendent of police R.N. Yadav assured that police personnel for security would be arranged during the three-day ceremony.

Meantime, joint director, Ecclesiastical department informed that the department as per the demand placed by the Kamsel Ceremony Committee, has sanctioned Rs. 2 lakhs for the event.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Express / DEEPAK SHARMA)