Fish Tshethar in Sikkim and why it matters

Dr.RINCHEN O. BHUTIA Joint Director Fisheries Government of Sikkim

Tshethar (Tse/Tshe-life : Thar -release) is an age old Buddhist tradition  of releasing life where practitioners or followers of Buddhism release birds, fish, animals commonly yak, cattle, goat, sheep, giving them a second chance to life, especially those destined for slaughter or captivity.

The practice of Fish Tshethar, as seen in Sikkim is done in many places throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Saga Dawa ( May -June), where to accumulate positive karma, many like-minded people financially contribute to different groups and perform Ngya/Fish Tshethar, while some do it individually. Other instance where people perform Tshethar is during medical emergencies, when someone is ill or affected by negativity in their health ,work  or family life . The monk or the astrologer advises them to release certain number of fish, so as to overcome the obstacle.

               As the song goes which we hold close to our hearts -

“Jahabagcha Teesta Rangit,

JahaKhangchendzongaseer,

YoHo  hamro Dhana ko desh,

Tapawanhopyaro Sikkim”

Our rivers in Sikkim which we all take pride in, are sacred and  pristine  so let us not harm and destroy what is left of it , let’s shift from the knowledge and practice of Traditional Tshethar to Ecological Tshethar.

              If Fish Tshethar is done in Sikkim, we should be mindful about the species and the location where it is done. Just like Buddhas” noble eight fold path, ecological Tshethar has three foundational  pillars-

·         Right species

·         Right location and Right source

Considering Sikkim and the Himalayas, it is highly suggested that we choose and select the right species which is suitable for our rivers , we will not only be releasing the fish but we will be bringing them back to their home , their OWN home .       

                      With times of identity crisis among the humans, with news all over the world where people are being displaced of their homes in the name of rapid modernisation, development and fight for power , fish in their own water body are being affected as well.

            Did you know Sikkim declared “Katley/ Copper Mahseer” (Neolissochilushexagonolepis ) as State fish in 2021 to highlight the importance of this fish and to emphasise on conservation measures ? This fish is found in different altitude level and mostly confined to Teesta and Rangit rivers . It was categorised as Endangered species by ICAR NBFGR Lucknow  (National  level )in 1992 and then  in 2014 by IUCN (Global) (International Union for Conservation of Nature ).

So when we use this species, along with other indigenous fish species for Tshethar, we will be doing the right thing, not only for the fish but for generations to come , both ours and theirs.

The most common fish we see during Tshethar is Magur/Catfish, Magur has 2 species, Desi  and Thai /African Magur. Desi Magur /Catfish (ClariusMagur or Clariusbatrachus) is a freshwater fish which is prized for its high nutritional value. Whereas Thai or African Magur (Clariusgariepinus) due to the potential threat to health and aquatic biodiversity, in 1997, the Ministry of Agriculture in India banned the culture, breeding, transportation, and import of Clariasgariepinus (Gopi & Radhakrishnan, 2002). However, due to the simplicity of rearing, it appears that several fish farmers and aqua-culturists have given little consideration to this ban and continue to rear this catfish. The catfish is a highly invasive carnivorous fish and is very well known for being a prolific breeder which feeds on local fish and amphibians.

            Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim since many years has taken up various initiatives for conservation and protection of our indigenous fish and riverine resources like strict patrolling in rivers and check posts, restriction on illegal stone crushing and sand mining, ranching in natural waters, protection of species and waterways. There is an ongoing project in the Department since 2024 in convergence with ICAR- CIFRI Guwahati on “Exploring fish diversity, catch pattern and habitat ecology of the major rivers of Sikkim and the silver lining is that until September 2025 they have identified 21 native fish species in our rivers of Sikkim.

            Organisations like Sikkim Anglers Association are not only raising the alarm for depleting aquatic biodiversity and water resources but also working in convergence with the Fisheries Department for various conservation initiatives.

Ecological Fish Tshethar is just one of the steps for conservation. A commitment is needed for cleaner free flowing waterways and protecting our nativefish. Let’s all use indigenous fish for Tshethar. Stop buying and release of Magur in our water bodies. Let’s do our part for the future generations.

For any information on sourcing  and purchase of indigenous fish, please contact the following officials of Fisheries Department:

*Gyalshing ,Soreng - Deputy Director - 9368971557

*Gangtok -Assistant Director -8348133878

*Pakyong- Assistant Director-9475302676

*Mangan-Assiatant Director-8436750431

*Namchi-Assistant Director-9593889807

(The author can be reached at rinchen2311@gmail.com)