Darap to host second edition of Tongsum Tourism Festival from Dec 1-3

GEYZING,: The second edition of Tongsum Tourism Festival 2026, organised by Darap Tourism Development Committee (DTDC), will take place at Darap in Gyalshing district from December 1 to 3.

Minister and area MLA Bhim Hang Limboo on Friday released the festival posters and launched the official website of the organising committee.

The festival is part of DTDC’s initiative to promote rural tourism and explore Darap's tourism potential through cultural, sporting and tourism-based activities.

First organised last year, the festival attracted a large number of local and non-local visitors, giving a boost to the village’s emerging rural tourism sector.

The theme for this year's edition is centred on preserving and promoting the region's distinct cultural heritage and traditions while advancing sustainable and responsible rural tourism, the DTDC said.

The committee said the festival reflects Darap’s potential for growth as a rural tourism destination in West Sikkim.

DTDC has been working towards rural tourism development in and around Darap for several years. The committee said it remains committed to establishing the village as a prominent tourism destination.

Several tourism stakeholders in Darap are engaged in homestay tourism, while many local youths have found dignified livelihood opportunities through the sector, it said.

The three-day festival will feature exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, handloom products and art photography, besides a veteran football tournament and a mountain biking competition.

Other major attractions include the inauguration of a Natural Water Sound Therapy Point, farm-to-table activities, herbal garden and herbal bath, and food stalls showcasing local culinary traditions.

The cultural programme will feature Chyabrung dance performances accompanied by explanations of their cultural significance, along with folk dance and folk storytelling competitions.

A bamboo weaving competition and a digital content creation competition on the theme of eco-tourism and Darap village will also be organised. The latter will have separate open and student categories.