Animal husbandry of Sikkim

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Animal husbandry of Sikkim

  • Livestock sector in Sikkim is highly livelihood intensive, agriculture along with livestock is the single largest employer in the state, over 80 per cent of the rural households in the state own livestock and earn supplementary incomes from them, distribution of livestock holdings is less iniquitous – over 85 per cent of all species of livestock are owned by the marginal and small holders.
  • For this reason, income from livestock is more equitably distributed. Livestock sector contribution to Sikkim’s Gross Domestic Product in 2002 was over 6 per cent.
  • In the Sikkim context, livestock has immense potential for diversification in agriculture, offering gainful employment and incremental incomes to tens of thousands of landless, marginal and small farmers.Animal husbandry of Sikkim

Livestock wealth of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

  • Livestock production in Sikkim is predominantly the endeavour of the small producers.
  • Marginal and small farmers own nearly 85 per cent of all species of livestock and poultry, even though they own or operate less than 55 per cent of the farmland in Sikkim.
  • Even the tiny organised poultry industry in Sikkim is made up of small broiler farms.
  • Over 80 per cent of all rural households own livestock (often a mix of several species) as part of the traditional mixed crop-livestock farming system: earning substantial incomes and enriching family diets with nutrient rich animal products.

Contribution of livestock to Sikkim economy

  • Contribution of LS to State economy- 8.16%GSDP
    • Employment in LS 4.5% growth rate per annum
    • Milk is the second largest agriculture produce next to maize
    • 70 % main workforce
  • The Sikkim LSRE Sector Analysis however shows that over 60 per cent of the rural household income in Sikkim comes from livestock farming.

NEW LIVESTOCK SECTOR POLICY (GOALS)

On the basis of the detailed Sector Analysis carried out by the State Livestock Review Exercise in 2003-04, and in the light of the facts placed above, it appears that the following will be the most appropriate policy considerations for the growth of livestock sector in Animal husbandry of Sikkim:

  • Use the livestock sector as a growth engine for the social and economic development of the rural population, increasing rural selfemployment opportunities, enabling steady growth of rural household income and improved quality of life in the Sikkim villages.
  • Enable the small producers to actively participate in the process of development by equipping them with appropriate skills and technologies to transform the growing challenges of the market place into opportunities to build comparative and competitive advantages through improved livestock quality and higher productivity.
  • Ensure the ecological and environmental sustainability of the livestock sector growth and modernisation; constantly monitoring the environmental impact of the growth process and designing policies and programmes to effectively mitigate their adverse impact

Department of Animal Husbandry Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Government of Sikkim

Main Objectives:

Major objectives and strategies followed for livestock development during the years are as under:

  • Expand and strengthen infrastructure for artificial insemination, which improve its efficiency and effectiveness using frozen semen technology for crossbreeding purposes.
  • Create a seed stock of qualitatively superior bulls, which would form the nucleus germ-plasm pool to build milch herd of high production cattle.
  • Bring about genetic improvement of important livestock breeds through selective breeding and crossbreeding of low production non-descript stock, both for milk and for draught purposes. Steps are taken to conserve important indigenous breeds of the State.
  • Establish linkage between rural milk producers and urban consumers by replicating the “Anand Pattern” dairy cooperatives in the State and lessen the adverse impact of seasonal imbalances in milk production and marketing.
  • Improve the productivity of pasture lands by introducing improve fodder seeds and increased use of wasteland for fodder production.
  • Optimise the use of crop residue through provision of appropriate supplements and conservation of green fodder.
  • Promote stall-feeding in order to reduce overgrazing and degradation of village grazing lands.
  • Develop adequate animal health services for protection of livestock, with special emphasis on eradication of most prevalent diseases in the State
  • Explore the marketing avenues for sale of livestock products like wool, meat, eggs and day old chicks, cheese and utilize by-products of slaughter waste as well as to find export-oriented programmes of the State livestock products.

 

Goat Farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

  • Goat is known as ‘Poor man’s cow’ in India and is a very important component in dry land farming system.
  • Marginal or undulating lands unsuitable for other types of animals like cow or buffalo, goat is the best alternative.
  • With very low investments goat rearing can be made in to a profitable venture for small and marginal farmers.

Sheep farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

  • Few countries in the world have no sheep.
  • They are found in tropical countries and in the arctic, in hot climates and in the cold, on the desert and in humid areas.
  • There are over 800 breeds of sheep in the world, in a variety of sizes, shapes, types and colours.
  • Sheep were domesticated long before the dawn of recorded history.
  • Wool fibres have been found in remains of primitive villages of Switzerland that date back an estimated 20000 years.
  • Egyptian sculpture dating 4000-5000 B.C. portrays the importance of this species to people.
  • Much mention is made in the Bible of flocks, shepherds, sacrificial lambs, and garments made of wool.
  • The Roman empire prized sheep, anointed them with special oils, and combed their fleece to produce fine quality fibres that were woven into fabric for the togas of the elite.
  • Perhaps the first ruminants domesticated by man along with goats, sheep are a very valuable and important asset to mankind.
  • Domesticated sheep : phylum Chordata (backbone), class Mammalia (suckle their young), order Artiodactyla (hooved, even-toed), family Bovidae(ruminants), genus Ovis (domestic and wild sheep), and species Ovisaries

Emu rearing

  • Emus belong to ratite group and have high economic value for their meat, eggs, oil, skin and feathers.
  • These birds are adaptable to varied climatic conditions.
  • Although emu and ostrich were introduced in India, emu farming has gained much importance.
  • Ratite birds have poorly developed wings and include emu, ostrich, rhea, cassowary and kiwi.
  • Emu and ostrich are reared commercially in many parts of the world for their meat, oil, skin and feathers, which are of high economic value.
  • The anatomical and physiological features of these birds appear to be suitable for temperate and tropical climatic conditions.
  • These birds can be well maintained on extensive (ranches) and semi intensive rearing systems with reasonably high fibrous diets.
  • United State, Australia and China are leading in emu farming. Emu birds are well adapted to Indian climatic conditions.

Features of Emu

  • Emu has long neck, relatively small naked head, three toes and body covered with feathers Birds initially have longitudinal stripes on body (0-3 months age) then gradually turn to brown by 4-12 months age.
  • Mature birds have bare blue neck and mottled body feathers. Adult bird height is about 6 feet with a weight of 45-60 kg. Legs are long covered with scaly skin adaptable to hardy and dry soil.
  • Natural food of emu is insects, tender leaves of plant and forages. It also eats different kinds of vegetables and fruits like carrot, cucumber, papaya etc. Female is the larger of the two, especially during breeding season when the male may fast.
  • The female is the dominant member of the pair.
  • Emus live for about 30 years.
  • It may produce eggs for more than 16 years.
  • Birds can be maintained as flock or pair.

Rabbit Farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

Why Rabbit Farming?

  • With available small investment and in a small place rabbit farming gives more income
  • Rabbits eat ordinary feed and convert them into a protein rich high quality meat
  • Apart from meat production they can also be reared for hide and fur.

Rabbit Farming is for whom?

  • For landless farmers, uneducated youth and women, rabbit farming gives an additional income as a part time job

Advantages of Rabbit Farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

  • By rabbit rearing one can produce a quality protein rich meat for his own family
  • Rabbits can be fed with easily available leaves, waste vegetables, grains available in the home
  • Growth rate in broiler rabbits is very high. They attain 2 kgs at the age of three months
  • Litter size (Number of young ones born/ kindling) in rabbits is high (around 8-12)
  • When compared to the other meats rabbit meat contain high protein (21%) and less fat (8%). So this meat is suitable for all age groups from adults to children

 

Quail Farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

Advantages of quail farming

  • Requires minimum floor space
  • Needs low investment
  • Quails are comparatively sturdy birds
  • Can be marketed at an early age ie. five weeks
  • Early sexual maturity – starts laying eggs in about six to seven weeks of age
  • High rate of egg laying -280 eggs per year
  • Quail meat is tastier than chicken and has less fat content. It promotes body and brain development in children.
  • Nutritionally, the quail eggs are on par with that of chicken eggs. Moreover, they contain less cholesterol.
  • Quail meat and eggs are a nutritious diet for pregnant and nursing mothers.

 

 

Turkey farming of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

Breeds of turkeys in India

The varieties are as follows

  1. Board breasted bronze:The basic plumage color is black and not bronze. The females have black breast feathers with white tips, which help in sex determination as early as 12 weeks of age.
  2. Board breasted white:This is a cross between Board breasted bronze and White Holland with white feathers. White plumage turkeys seems to be suitable Indian-Agro climatic conditions as they have better heat tolerance and also good and clean in appearance after dressing.
  3. Beltsville small white: It closely resembles the Board breasted white in color and shape but smaller in size. Egg production, fertility and hatchability tend to be higher and broodiness tends to be lower than heavy varieties.
  4. Nandanam turkey 1: This variety is a cross between the black desi variety and exotic Beltsville small white variety. It is suited for Tamil Nadu climatic conditions

Marketing of turkeys

The body weight of adult male and adult female turkey at the 16th week is 7.26 kg and 5.53kg. This is optimum weight for marketing the turkeys.

Turkey egg:

  • The turkey will start lay from the 30th week of age and its production period is 24 weeks from the point of lay.
  • Under proper feeding and artificial lightening management turkey hens lay as much as 60-100 eggs annually.
  • Nearly 70 percent of the eggs will be laid in the afternoon.
  • The turkey eggs are tinted and weigh about 85 gms.
  • Egg is noticeably pointed at one end with strong shell.
  • The protein, lipid carbohydrate and mineral content of turkey egg are 13.1%, 11.8%, 1.7% and 0.8% respectively. The cholesterol is 15.67-23.97 mg/gm of yolk

Turkey meat:

  • People prefer turkey meat because of its leanest nature.
  • The protein, fat, energy value of turkey meat are 24%,6.6%, 162 Calories per 100 gm of meat.
  • Mineral like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc and sodium are present.
  • It is also rich in essential amino acids and vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6 and B12.
  • It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids and low in cholesterol.
  • A market study shows that a male turkey sold at 24 weeks of age weighing 10 to 20 kg with expenditure of Rs.300 to 450 will give a profit of Rs. 500 to 600.
  • Likewise a female will give a profit of Rs.300 to 400 in a span of 24 weeks time. Besides, the turkey can be reared in scavenging and semi-scavenging conditions also.

 

PIG FARMING of Animal husbandry of Sikkim

Advantages of pig rearing

  • Pigs convert inedible feeds, forages, certain grain byproducts obtained from mills, meat by products, damaged feeds and garbage into valuable nutritious meat. Most of these feeds are either not edible or not very palatable to human beings
  • Pig grows fast and is a prolific breeder, farrowing 10 to 12 piglets at a time. It is capable of producing two litters per year under optimal management conditions
  • The carcass return is quite high ie. 60-80 percent of live body weight
  • With a small investment on building and equipment, proper feeding and sound disease control programme the farmer can profitably utilize his time and labour in this subsidiary occupation
  • The faeces of pigs is used as a manure to maintain soil fertility

Pig farming- for whom?

  • Small and landless farmers
  • Part time earning for educated youth having agriculture as occupation
  • Uneducated / Unemployed youth
  • Farm women

Breeds

The indigenous pig has been the basis used for pig production for a long period of time. It is small in size. Improved breeds are now being used for grading up the form the basis for pig production in the rural areas.

 

CoP15 (Copenhagen Summit)

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  • Main aim was to establish a global climate agreement for the period from 2012 when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires
  • The conference did not achieve any binding agreement for long term action
  • A ‘political accord’ was negotiated by approximately 25 parties
    • Collective commitment by developed countries for new and additional resources , including forestry and investments through international institutions to a tune of $30 bn for the period 2010-12.
  • Copenhagen Accord
    • Not legally binding and does not commit countries to agree to a binding successor to the Kyoto Protocol
    • Annex 1 parties would commit to economy-wide emissions targets for 2020 to be submitted by 31 Jan 2010. Delivery of reductions and finance by developed countries will be measured , reported and verified (MRV) in accordance with COP guidelines
    • Non-annex 1 countries would implement Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions to slow their carbon emissions
    • Commits $30 bn for 2010-12
    • Copenhagen Green Climate Fund
    • The accord shall be assessed in 2015

 

Earth Movements – Endogenetic Movements

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The interaction of matter and temperature generates these forces or movements inside the earth’s crust. The earth movements are mainly of two types: diastrophism and the sudden movements.

The energy emanating from within the earth is the main force behind endogenic geomorphic processes.

This energy is mostly generated by radioactivity, rotational and tidal friction and primordial heat from the origin of the earth. This energy due to geothermal gradients and heat flow from within induces diastrophism and volcanism in the lithosphere.

Diastrophism

Diastrophism is the general term applied to slow bending, folding, warping and fracturing.

Wrap == make or become bent or twisted out of shape, typically from the action of heat or damp; make abnormal; distort.

All processes that move, elevate or build up portions of the earth’s crust come under diastrophism. They include:

orogenic processes involving mountain building through severe folding and affecting long and narrow belts of the earth’s crust;

epeirogenic processes involving uplift or warping of large parts of the earth’s crust;

earthquakes involving local relatively minor movements;

plate tectonics involving horizontal movements of crustal plates.

In the process of orogeny, the crust is severely deformed into folds. Due to epeirogeny, there may be simple deformation. Orogeny is a mountain building process whereas epeirogeny is continental building process.

Through the processes of orogeny, epeirogeny, earthquakes and plate tectonics, there can be faulting and fracturing of the crust. All these processes cause pressure, volume and temperature (PVT) changes which in turn induce metamorphism of rocks.

Epeirogenic or continent forming movements

In geology, Epeirogenic movement refers to upheavals or depressions of land exhibiting long wavelengths [undulations] and little folding.

The broad central parts of continents are called cratons, and are subject to epeirogeny.

The movement is caused by a set of forces acting along an Earth radius, such as those contributing to Isostacy and Faulting in the lithosphere

Epeirogenic or continent forming movements act along the radius of the earth; therefore, they are also called radial movements. Their direction may be towards (subsidence) or away (uplift) from the center. The results of such movements may be clearly defined in the relief.

Uplift

Raised beaches, elevated wave-cut terraces, sea caves and fossiliferous beds above sea level are evidences of uplift.

Raised beaches, some of them elevated as much as 15 m to 30 m above the present sea level, occur at several places along the Kathiawar, Nellore, and Thirunelveli coasts.

Several places which were on the sea some centuries ago are now a few miles inland. For example, Coringa near the mouth of the Godavari, Kaveripattinam in the Kaveri delta and Korkai on the coast of Thirunelveli, were all flourishing sea ports about 1,000 to 2,000 years ago.

Epeirogenic movement – uplift

Subsidence

Submerged forests and valleys as well as buildings are evidences of subsidence.

In 1819, a part of the Rann of Kachchh was submerged as a result of an earthquake.

Presence of peat and lignite beds below the sea level in Thirunelveli and the Sunderbans is an example of subsidence.

The Andamans and Nicobars have been isolated from the Arakan coast by submergence of the intervening land.

Epeirogenic movement – subsidence – arakan yomaEpeirogenic movement – subsidence – arakan yoma

On the east side of Bombay island, trees have been found embedded in mud about 4 m below low water mark. A similar submerged forest has also been noticed on the Thirunelveli coast in Tamil Nadu.

A large part of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait is very shallow and has been submerged in geologically recent times. A part of the former town of Mahabalipuram near Chennai (Madras) is submerged in the sea.

Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim

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Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

List of major Fairs and Festivals

Loosong/Namsoong

  • Lossong celebrated all over Sikkim marks the end of the harvest season at the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year.
  • Taking cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by religious masked dances in Enchey Monastery.
  • The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits for the new year.
  • Lossong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, climbing of greased pole.
  • Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.
  • The festival is organized by Tribal Youth Association of Gangtok.

Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav, Aritar

  • Located at a height of 5100 ft, Aritar is surrounded by lush green forest, lakes and paddy fields.
  • The entire Khanchendzonga range can be viewed from this place. Aritar offers adventure sports, nature trails.
  • Lampokhari is one of the serene lakes where one can enjoy boating.
  • Added attractions are Aritar Monastery, Mankhim Dara, Phusray Lake, Pango Lakha and Rachela

Baisakhi Festival, Makha Tumin –Lingee

  • Organised to herald the spring season and the Nepali New Year.
  • Cultural programme, traditional customs, local cusinies and other local activities can be experienced

Sakewa

  • Sakewa is celebrated with great fervor by all the Kirat Khambu Rai community.
  • Also known as Bhumi/ Chandi Puja or land worshipping ceremony it is celebrated all over the State.
  • It is celebrated at that time of the year when cranes migrate to the Northern Hemisphere this indicates sowing season of cucumber, pumpkin and other kharif crops.
  • The festival begins with Shakti Puja at Mangkhim (temple) performed by a Chief Priest (Mangpa) for good harvest followed by the Shova Yatra.
  • Various traditional dishes like Wachipa, Bongchipa, Arakha Hengmawa, Baksa and Okrukma are served.

Saga Dawa

  • Full moon day of the 4th month in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, around end of May and early June.
  • Saga Dawa is a very important festival for the Buddhists.
  • This day is considered to be the holiest of the holy Buddhist Festival.
  • On this day Lord Buddha took birth, achieved Enlightenment and passed away attaining Nirvana.

Bhanu Jayanti

  • A cultural festival organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Nepali poet, Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.
  • Competitions for school children are organised in various field such as poetry, drama etc.
  • Other programmes include cultural parade and culture programmes.

Drukpa Tshechi

  • This festival celebrates Lord Buddha’s first preaching of the Four Noble Truths to his first five disciples at Saranath.
  • The festival is held on the 4th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
  • Prayers are conducted in the major monasteries all over the State.

Namprikdang Namsoong , Dzongu, North Sikkim

  • Namsoong is celebrated to welcome the good spirits for the New Year.
  • Namsoong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, pole climbing etc Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.

Cherry Tea Festival Temi South Sikkim

  • Tea plantation at Temi, South Sikkim was commenced in the year 1969.
  • The plantation ranges between the elevation range from 1460 to 1890 msl.
  • Temi being agro- climatically suitable for cultivation of China variety of tea plants initially procured from Darjeeling Tea Gardens.
  • The tea factory with orthodox type of manufacture was established in 1977.
  • The garden is consistently producing superior quality tea acceptable to wide markets both international and domestic segments.
  • The festival is organised with objectives as under:
  1. To promote Sikkim (Temi) Tea globally.
  2. To promote new destinations in and around South District.
  3. To promote home stays and village tourism in order to enhance and generate income of the local community.

Lhabab Duechen

  • This festival epitomizes in a significant manner the descent of Buddha from the heaven of the thirtythree Gods after visiting his mother.
  • It is universally believed that Lord Buddha through his spiritual powers came to know about the whereabouts of his mother who did not live for a long time after his birth.
  • After gaining the necessary information about his mother he ascended to Heaven where he delivered sermons to his mother and other celestial beings.
  • During this period the disciples of the lord could not bear his long separation and longed to hear his preaching.
  • Buddha finally relented and descended on earth along a triple ladder that was prepared especially for the occasion by Viswakarma

Barahimizong

  • The festival of Barahimizong is celebrated by the Mangar community living in Sikkim.
  • The celebration reflects the faith in almighty as the bestower and protector of mankind.
  • Through this festival, the gratitude to God is expressed by offering fresh harvest and seek good fortune for the coming days.

 

Dasain ( Durga Puja)

  • Also known as Durga Puja, this fortnight long Hindu festival usually falls in the month of October.
  • The festival symbolizes the victory of the Hindu Goddess Durga over evil.
  • Barley seeds are sown in the soil on the first day of this festival and their growth foretells good harvest.
  • A week later is “Phulpati “meaning the day of flowers, followed by Maha Astami and Kala Ratri and Navami.
  • The 10th day of the festival is known as Vijay Dashmi and also marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
  • During this day people smear their foreheads with colored rice and the barley sprouts, which was sown on the first day of Dasain, are picked and placed over the ears.

Indrajatra

  • Indrajatra is an important religious festival celebrated with pomp and fanfare by the Newar community in Sikkim.
  • It is belived that many centuries ago, Indra (king of Heaven)’s mother needed specially scented flowers (Parijat).
  • Indra looked for them but could not find them in heaven.
  • Indra discovered Parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by people in the Valley.
  • Indra’s mother came searching for him and people were shocked to know what they had done.
  • They released Indra and dedicated one of the most colourful festivals of Nepal to him to calm down his anger.

Pang Lhabsol

  • Pang Lhabsol, a festival unique to Sikkim is celebrated to offer gratitude to Mt Khanchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the Supreme Commander.
  • Rabong is now emerging as one of the important Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations. Situated at the base of Maenam Hill, a sub-divisional headquarter and transit point for beautiful spots such as Chozo Lake, Ralong Monastery, Manilakhang Sakyamuni Cultural and Pilgrimage Centre and various tourist destinations of South Sikkim, Base Camp for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong Hot Spring.
  • A trek down to the sacred lake “Shar Chok Bhepu”, one of the four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.

Namchi Mahotsav Namchi ,South Sikkim

  • Namchi – “Top of the Sky”, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 4,400 feet.
  • The town commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and snow capped mountains and stretches of the valleys below.
  • It is an excellent place for short stay and village excursions.
  • Samdruptse “The Wish Fulfilling Hill” has 135 ft high statue of Guru Padmasambhava which is the highest in the world.
  • Siddheshvara Dham (Char Dham) is another state of the art pilgrimage centre wherein replica of all four Dham has been built around an eighty seven feet high statue of Lord Shiva.
  • All 12 jyotirlingaas are also built around the temple complex.
  • With so much to offer to the visitors the Toursim Committees are actively involved in promotion and publicity of Namchi, South Sikkim.
  • Every year Namchi Mahaotsav is celebrated in the month of October.
  • There are activities like traditional sports, sale and exhibition of local arts and handicrafts, cuisine, flower show and sale etc.

Kagyed Dance

  • Kagyed dance, a customary dance festival, celebrated annually in Sikkim falls on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month according to Tibetan calendar, which according to English calendar falls in the month of December.
  • In the name of eight tantrik Gods and Goddesses commonly called Kagyed, lamas on these days perform dances and sing songs in different monasteries and offer prayers to them requesting these deities to save human beings from the tormenting evil spirits and to bless them for good health and fortune.

Red Panda Winter Festival, Gangtok

  • The winter season in Sikkim draws a spectacular image of Mt. Khangchendzonga in its ivory grandeur, providing an alluring background while corpuscular rays pierce through the scudding clouds over the skies, adorning Sikkim perfectly for the cold season.
  • Red Panda Winter Festival previously known as Sikkim Winter Carnival is organized in the cold months of December/ January annually.
  • Like most festivals, the Red Panda Winter Festival showcased the traditions and culture of the Sikkimese people.
  • The festival integrates the locals as well as the tourists with events and activities themed on a typical Himalayan winter.
  • From food stalls that serves exquisite and delicious cuisines of various ethnic tribes and communities, to cultural carnival showcasing diverse culture and traditions of Sikkimese people, flower shows, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, adventure sports, photography contests, rock –shows, karaoke and dancing and many more other interactions forms the affair of the festival.

Pelling Tourism Festival

  • Pelling is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
  • Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains including Mt. Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
  • There are numerous tourist spots in and around Pelling.
  • A weeklong festival includes cultural extravaganza, sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and local cuisine

Loosong/Namsoong

  • Lossong celebrated all over Sikkim marks the end of the harvest season at the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year.
  • Taking cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by religious masked dances in Enchey Monastery.
  • The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits for the new year.
  • Lossong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, climbing of greased pole.
  • Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.
  • The festival is organized by Tribal Youth Association of Gangtok.

Guru Rinpoche’s Thrunkar Tshechu

  • “Guru Thrunkar Tshechu is celebrated as the birth day of Guru Padmasambhava, reverentially referred as ‘Guru Rinpoche’ in Eastern Himalayan region and Sikkim in particular.
  • Guru Rinpoche is revered and worshipped as guardian saint in Sikkim who blessed this land as ‘Bayul Demojong’ (hidden valley of rice) and transmitted tantric Buddhism in the region adjoined by Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th Century AD.
  • Among the galaxy of Buddhist monks, Arahats and Rinpoches, the prominence of Guru Padmasambhava as the principal associate and disciple of Lord Buddha stands out.
  • It was his prominence that transformed this land into predominantly a Buddhist land.
  • Guru Padmasambhava is not only revered by Buddhist but is held in high regard by the Sikkimese across all faiths.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat

  • Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the oldest festival of indigenous Lepcha community of Sikkim.
  • The festival is related to with a legend of deluge.
  • The indigenous Lepchas residing in the Himalayan belt had earlier named each and every mountain, hills, rivers, valleys and ravines which was known as Nye-Mayel-Lang.
  • Some of these mountains and rivers, hills and ravines have not only carried beautiful and romantic folk lore but historical significance as well.
  • These mountains and valleys figure prominently in their local myths and folklores.
  • Tendong Lho Rum Faat is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur in Sikkim on 7th and 8th August every year.
  • It is a unique ritual maintained by our fore-fathers since time immemorial which is a matter of great pride for all of us.
  • Realizing its importance and need to preserve this age old tradition and culture of the indigenous Lepchas, the Tourism Department has included this festival in the tourism calendar of events.
  • The festival is organised annually by the Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebration committee.

Dentam Rhododendron Festival

  • The three day long Dentam Rhododendron Festival is celebrated under Maneybong – Dentam Constituency in West Sikkim.
  • The festival will be staged in popular tourist destinations viz. Uttarey, Dentam, Hee Bermoik, Chyataal, Gurasaydara, Changay Village with host of activities ranging from nature to adventure based.

Ram Nawami (Chaitey Dasain)

  • This is one of the most auspicious festivals of Sikkim and is observed in the honor of Lord Rama.
  • The grand celebrations commemorate the birth of the virtuous king Rama who is universally adored for his flourishing and righteous sovereignty.
  • People from all over the state gather together to celebrate this festival with much excitement and vigor.
  • Also known as Chaitey Dasain it is also celebrated as tourist festival. Devotees hikes towards Tendong Hill, South Sikkim for offering prayers.

Sonam Lochhar

  • Lho means year or age and Sar means new or fresh.
  • The word Lhosar means New Year or beginning of new era.
  • Tamang community in Sikkim celebrates their new year on the first day of new moon or in other words the very next day after the no-moon day of month of Magh.
  • The Tibetan calendar is made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins on the first day of the first month.

Losar

  • It is the Tibetan New year and is marked with a lot of gaiety and festivity across the State

Jorethang Maghey Mela, Jorethang, South Sikkim

  • Maghey Sankrati is celebrated all over Sikkim as one of the major festivals of the Hindu community.
  • However, it is not confined to only one religious group.
  • People of different religions come together to take part in this festival.
  • There are fairs in almost all parts of Sikkim.
  • People gather to take a holy dip in the rivers of Teesta and Rangit.
  • One of the biggest celebration of this festival is in Jorethang, South Sikkim, which lies on the banks of river Rangit.
  • The main activities during this fair are sale and exhibition of local handicrafts and handlooms, floriculture and horticulture products, cultural programme and competitions in local dance and music.
  • The festival carries on for almost a week. People from neighboring State as well as tourists from all over the country as well as abroad visits Jorethang during this festival.
  • Some of the adventure activities which are popular in this area are paragliding and angling