News & Announcement

Sonam Lochhar Celebration under Pakyong District

Date: 02-Feb-2025
Pakyong, February 2 (IPR):
The Sonam Lochhar Celebration, organised by Teendharey Youth Club, in collaboration with Teendharey Navin Samity, was held at Teendharey, East Pendam GPU at Pakyong today.
The occasion was graced by Mr Puran Gurung, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), and Fisheries Department as the Chief Guest.
Alongside, Mr Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, Advisor to HCM and Ms Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadhakshya.
The programme commenced with the Champa Offering (Kye Kye So So), intended to invoke blessings and commemorate the occasion within an atmosphere of positivity.
In his address to the assembly, Mr Puran Gurung conveyed his heartfelt best wishes for the occasion and accentuated the paramount importance of community engagement in the promotion of culture and traditions. He subsequently apprised the attendees of prospective job openings across various departments and encouraged all individuals to adequately prepare themselves to seize these opportunities.
Mr Gurung further drew attention to the concerning decline in fertility rates within the state and highlighted the initiative undertaken by the state government to provide increments and financial incentives for families choosing to have more than two children. He articulated that this initiative is designed to bolster population growth and create a supportive environment for families desiring to expand.
In addition, he advocated for the adoption of innovative agricultural practices to enhance industry performance, rather than relying exclusively on traditional employment avenues.
Moreover, Mr Purna Yonzon, Sonam Lochar Celebration Committee Advisor underscored the significance of the festival, noting that it heralds the commencement of the New Year for the Tamang community. He stressed that this celebration represents a profound cultural and spiritual heritage and emphasised the necessity of preserving their culture, language, and traditions, thereby ensuring the transmission of their invaluable heritage to future generations.
The event also featured a range of activities, showcasing traditional dances, music performances, and cultural exhibitions.
Also present were Mr Robin Pd Sewa, ADC (Development); Mr RL Subba, SE Power Department; Mr Thendup Lepcha, SDM (H.Q); Mr Dakman Subba, SDM Pakyong along with local gentry, Panchayats, committee members and the general public.