Rankey Mela 2026 celebrates Sikkim’s living heritage with culture, community spirit and rural traditions

NAMCHI,  (IPR): The fifth day of Namchi Rankey Mela 2026 unfolded with great fervour and enthusiasm as the festival continued to celebrate Sikkim’s rich cultural legacy through an impressive blend of traditional performances, rural sports, heritage exhibitions and community participation.

The day’s celebrations were graced by the Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Culture, GT Dhungel, as the chief guest, while MLA, Melli constituency and Advisor to the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries Departments, N B Pradhan, attended as the guest of honour.

Also present were Area MLA, Namchi-Singhithang and Patron Rankey Mela 2026 Satish Chandra Rai, Advisors and Chairpersons, APS to the Chief Minister, District Collector Namchi, Senior Superintendent of Police Namchi, OSDs, officials from various line departments, members of the Namchi Rankey Mela Celebration Committee 2026, distinguished dignitaries and a large gathering of visitors.

Addressing the gathering, Minister GT Dhungel described local festivals as living expressions of Sikkim’s identity, traditions and cultural heritage. He observed that such celebrations play a vital role in preserving the customs, values and wisdom inherited from previous generations while strengthening social harmony and nurturing a sense of belonging among the youth.

He further stated that the State government, under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving and promoting Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage through continuous support for traditional festivals and community-based celebrations across the State.

Expressing concern over the gradual erosion of traditional values, arts and cultural practices, the Minister emphasised the importance of building a disciplined, responsible and culturally conscious society. He also highlighted the need to preserve indigenous medicinal knowledge, recognising its enduring relevance and natural healing properties.

The Minister urged people to remain closely connected with nature, uphold the moral values imparted by parents and elders, and continue fostering mutual respect and support within society.

Appreciating the efforts of the Information and Public Relations Department, Namchi, he commended its exhibition showcasing Sikkim’s rich historical and cultural heritage, stating that the people of Sikkim are united by a shared identity and should collectively contribute towards a more prosperous future for the State.

Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to the holistic development of Sikkim and conveyed his best wishes to the organising committee for the successful conduct of the festival.

In his address, Area MLA cum Patron Rankey Mela 2026 Satish Chandra Rai, remarked that Rankey Mela has been celebrated for generations, with its origins rooted in centuries-old oral traditions, making it one of Namchi’s most enduring cultural celebrations. He noted that the festival has steadily gained recognition over the years, attracting visitors from across the country.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, he acknowledged the government’s support in elevating Rankey Mela to the status of a State-level festival. He stated that the mela serves as an important platform for preserving Sikkim’s age-old customs, strengthening community bonds and inspiring younger generations to take pride in and actively safeguard their cultural heritage.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, president of the Namchi Rankey Mela Celebration Committee 2026, Tashi Dorjee Tamang, highlighted the historical significance of Rankey Mela, describing it as a centuries-old celebration symbolising the triumph of good over evil. He explained that the ceremonial burning of the Rankey effigy represents the removal of negative forces, while traditional prayers and rituals are performed to seek peace, prosperity, good health and a bountiful harvest.

As part of the festivities, the celebration committee, in collaboration with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Namchi, organised a school-level marathon that witnessed the participation of 146 students from schools across Namchi and neighbouring areas. In the girls’ category, Aakansha Thapa secured first place, followed by Shristi Lepcha in second and Bibika Basnett in third. In the boys’ category, Riksang Sherpa emerged victorious, while Anmol Tamang and Aditya Chettri claimed the second and third positions respectively.

The day’s celebrations also featured a lively array of traditional games and rural sporting events, including tug of war, balloon popping, shoe-tying races, chocolate-eating contests and sack races, drawing enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups and adding to the festive spirit.

Adding further colour to the celebrations, Self Help Groups, government departments and traditional cultural troupes set up a variety of stalls showcasing local products, indigenous crafts, traditional cuisine and public welfare initiatives.

The Information and Public Relations Department, Namchi, also attracted visitors through a special exhibition of rare vintage photographs portraying the history of Sikkim, the evolution of Namchi and other significant milestones, offering a fascinating glimpse into the State’s rich heritage and historical journey.