‘Heritage Walk’ workshop deepens public awareness on Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage

JASWANT GAUTAM

GANGTOK, :As part of the golden jubilee celebrations commemorating 50 years of Sikkim's Statehood, the Sikkim State Archives, under the aegis of the Culture Department, organized a comprehensive ten-day ‘Heritage Walk’ workshop from April 1 to 10.

The initiative was conceived with the objective of deepening public awareness about Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage—reflected in its art, literature, rituals, and the living traditions of its diverse ethnic communities.

By seamlessly integrating cultural education with community participation, the workshop sought to promote heritage tourism, foster economic opportunities tied to cultural assets, and reinforce efforts toward the conservation of both tangible and intangible heritage.

The workshop also witnessed active participation from various associations in the state, such as the Travel Association, Homestay Association, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Urban Development and Housing Department, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, and Sikkim University.

The inaugural session was graced by Culture secretary Basant Kumar Lama, additional director B.P. Rai, and chief engineer Rimp Dorjee Lepcha.

A foundational presentation on the purpose and structure of the Heritage Walk was delivered by State Archives research officer Yangchen D. Bhutia.

In his keynote address, Rimp Dorjee Lepcha emphasized the need for architectural distinction in structures commissioned by the Culture department.

He articulated that architecture must not only serve function but also narrate history. Critiquing the trend of uniform modernity in construction, he urged a revival of traditional design elements that speak to the unique identity of Sikkim.

Highlighting sustainability, Lepcha praised bamboo architecture, which dates back over 4,000 years, and argued for its precedence over Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), a relatively modern invention from the mid-1800s.

He lamented the loss of bamboo craftsmanship due to the overuse of RCC and advocated that 10–15% of cultural infrastructure projects should involve local stakeholders, aligning with the national vision of 'Vocal for Local.'

The second day featured a presentation by Yangchen D. Bhutia on “How to Build a Business on Heritage Walks,” outlining strategies to monetize cultural tourism ethically and sustainably.

Ingsa Subba shared his personal journey in transforming Sikkim’s heritage into a viable enterprise, followed by a detailed historical account of White Hall and the Tsuklakhang Monastery and Palace—both iconic to the State’s architectural legacy.

Participants embarked on a demo heritage walk led by Ingsa Hang Subba, who guided the delegation through key historic structures across the capital.

The fourth day featured in-depth presentations on the Raj Bhavan, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, and the Ridge Park Gazebo, delving into their architectural evolution and cultural relevance.

A trial heritage walk was conducted on the fifth day with Debashish G. Nayak, noted heritage expert, along with staff from the Culture Department, facilitating hands-on experience for effective heritage interpretation.

Day seven brought thoughtful insights from Debashish G. Nayak, fondly known as the "Heritage Man of Ahmedabad," and founder of the Centre for Heritage Management, Ahmedabad University, and he is also the architect for Ahmedabad heritage works.

In his presentation titled “Getting the City Back to Its People,” Nayak explored themes of urban heritage, community ownership, and place-making.

The day also featured a compelling talk by Usha Lachungpa, eminent naturalist and environmentalist, titled “Ecological and Economic Heritage of Sikkim.” She highlighted the intrinsic relationship between biodiversity and cultural traditions, underscoring the need to preserve Sikkim’s unique flora and fauna alongside its cultural assets.

On the eighth day, Prof. Veenu Panth, historian and member of ICHR Guwahati, delivered an academic perspective on the region’s cultural timeline.

An interactive open discussion followed with Debashish G. Nayak, providing participants a forum to share insights and explore possibilities for enhancing the Heritage Walk model

Day nine celebrated the artistic heritage of the Lepcha community, with a captivating presentation and performance by Mickmar Lepcha, showcasing traditional musical instruments and folk music.

The performance highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous languages, music, and customs, reinforcing a deeper sense of cultural pride. The day concluded with a visit to the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, providing firsthand exposure to Sikkim’s traditional craftsmanship.

The final day featured a presentation by chief architect Gary Chopel, who eloquently reflected on the imperative to document, preserve, and promote Sikkim’s architectural heritage.

He spoke extensively about the Cultural Mapping Resource Project, initiated in 2003, which involved the systematic documentation of historically significant sites throughout the state.

Chopel provided a compelling visual and narrative overview of the evolution of ‘Gumpa’ architecture, intrinsic to the Himalayan monastic tradition, alongside indigenous domestic architectural forms such as the ‘Kothi’ and ‘Jhingeni’ roofs and other vernacular styles that articulate the lived heritage of Sikkimese communities.

He underscored the significance of the curated Heritage Walk—which will be conducted from May 1 to 10—as a powerful tool to revive public interest and strengthen emotional connections to build heritage.

The walk encompasses key landmarks including the Raj Bhavan, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, State Archives, White Hall, and the Tsuklakhang Palace, enabling participants to uncover the stories and symbolism embedded within these structures.

Chopel concluded with a poignant reminder: “Heritage is always at war with time.” He emphasized that now is the moment to act decisively to safeguard our cultural legacy. He encouraged active participation in the ongoing Kuzu Cultural Festival and called upon every citizen to embrace their role as custodians of Sikkim’s timeless heritage.