State-level Chasok Tongnam celebration held at Saramsa

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Chief Minister P.S. Golay, accompanied by his spouse Krishna Rai, attended the State-level Chasok Tongnam celebration at Saramsa Garden near Ranipool here on Saturday.

Chasok Tongnam is celebrated by Limboo community on the full moon day of the month of Mangsir in the Nepali calendar. The festival honours Yuma Sammang, the deity believed by the Limboo people to have provided them with crops and animals for survival. Traditionally, the first harvest of crops and the first progeny of animals are offered in a ritual sacrifice to Yuma Sammang. The celebration included prayers and a traditional rice harvesting and traditional Dhaan Naach.

In his address, Chief Minister Golay extended his best wishes to the Limboo community worldwide and expressed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the event. He stated that while Chasok Tongnam officially falls on December 15, the State-level celebration was held a day earlier to allow the community to celebrate with their families at home without conflicting with public commitments.

Golay emphasized the government’s commitment to celebrating the rich traditions, culture and heritage of all communities in Sikkim. The government declared Chasok Tongnam as a State holiday, recognizing its importance to the Limboo community, he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted various developmental initiatives under the SKM government, including the establishment of manghims and cultural research centres, to support the welfare of all communities including the Limboo community. He encouraged the propagation of languages, traditions and ethnic attire across all communities, urging community associations to promote the use of mother tongue among children to preserve cultural heritage.

Golay also responded to two significant demands from the Limboo association. He reiterated that the State government has been continuously pursuing the issue of Limboo Tamang (LT) seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly with the Central government. “Apart from myself, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are pressing the long pending issue at various levels at the Centre. The government of India is positive as well and I assure to bring about resolution in the forthcoming SLA and do the needful,” he stated.

Secondly, regarding the demand for language teachers, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenge in appointing teachers in schools with fewer than 10 students but assured that the government would take steps to address the issue.

Additionally, Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba extended his gratitude to the attendees and commended the State government for their unwavering support in the Chasok Tongnam celebration. He appreciated the declaration of Chasok Tongnam, as a gazetted holiday, underlining its positive impact in fostering community unity.

Furthermore, Bal Muringla, Associate Professor, Sikkim University, provided a brief information on the Chasok Tongnam festival, wherein the commemoration of the offering for the first harvest to the Limboo ancestral goddess, Yuma Sammang, along with other deities, takes place. This sacred occasion serves as a prayer for the welfare of humanity, prosperity, abundant harvests, and happiness.

The key feature of the day was the release of the 53rd and 54th editions of the Limboo news bulletin ‘INGSA.’ Various cultural performances were also showcased from various regions, including Lamdhan Samlo (Welcome Song), Tumyehang Samlo, Tam-okkay Samlo and Yarak Samlo.