Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday, September 25, highlighted the contribution of the Newar community to the development of the state and said the Indrajatra festival represents values of nature, agriculture, remembrance, community and harmony.
Addressing the state-level Indrajatra Celebration 2026 organised by the Sikkim Newar Guthi (SNG), Tamang said the Newar community has made important contributions to various sectors in Sikkim, including administration, agriculture, trade, mining, culture, arts, sports and social service.
He recalled the role of early Newar pioneers such as Laxmidas Pradhan and Chandrabir Pradhan in administration, agriculture, trade, copper mining and coin production during the early history of Sikkim.
“Indrajatra is not merely a festival but a celebration of nature, agriculture, remembrance, community and harmony,” Tamang said, adding that the festival promotes mutual respect and goodwill.
The chief minister also spoke about the achievements of members of the Newar community in fields such as administration, mountaineering, sports, arts and music, saying their work had brought recognition to the state.
Tamang said the state government remains committed to the inclusive development of all communities and has taken steps to give them more opportunities to strengthen their institutions and promote their cultural and social interests.
Speaking about the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme, he said students from different parts of Sikkim, including those from the Newar community, have benefited from financial support for higher education, medical studies and other professional courses.
He also stressed that government schemes and development programmes should reach the people who need them and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of people across Sikkim.
During the programme, Tamang handed over the land parcha to the Sikkim Newar Guthi for the construction of its bhawan. He also unveiled the logo of the first Sikkim Travel and Tourism Fair 2026.
He later felicitated the recipients of the Newar Ratna Samman 2026 and Bhanji Bhrikuti Samman. Suryavir Tuladhar, Govind Prasad Pradhan and Ganesh Kumar Pradhan received the Newar Ratna Samman, while Suchitna Tamang was honoured with the Bhanji Bhrikuti Samman for her contributions and achievements.
The chief minister also released Smarika 2026, the annual publication highlighting the community’s activities, achievements and cultural heritage. This year, the publication has been released in both print and digital formats.
The Ritual Book and Newar Indrajatra Song were also released during the event.
The fourth day of the state-level celebration featured traditional Newar rituals and cultural performances, including Kumari Nritya, Bajrayogini Nritya, Newari folk dance, Dhimey Dance and Pancha Kumari Nritya. Musical performances and community offerings were also part of the programme.