Mangshila hosts grand Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam celebrations

MANGSHILA, 11 Dec:  The 307th birth anniversary of Teyongsi Sirijunga was celebrated here at Sirijunga Mangkhim, the first Limboo place of worship constructed in Sikkim, at Mangshila in North Sikkim yesterday.

The celebrations began early in the morning with the offering of special prayers at the Mangkhim wherein fruits, sweets, yams, cassava and flowers were offered at the altar. The prayers were led by Phedangmas [Limbu priest] with Mang sewa at Mangkhim by the chief guest and other guests.
The function which was organised by the Mangkhim Committee was attended by Area MLA cum Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha as the chief guest along with Deputy Chairman, State Planning Commission, Sanchaman Limboo, Legal Political Advisor, RB Subba, Political Advisor to the CM Hishey Lachungpa, DC North, TN Kazi and the general public.
President, Mangkhim Committee, Mak Raj Limboo highlighted about the significance of the day and the establishment of the Mangkhim at Mangshilla. He informed that the land for the construction of the Mangkhim was donated by Palden Gyamtso Bhutia and expressed gratitude on behalf of the people. The president also highlighted the demand for the construction of a museum and multi-purpose centre at the premises.
The chief guest while addressing the gathering stressed that everyone should be aware of their tradition and culture and appreciated the community development undertaken by the people of Mangshilla.  Mentioning that the Limboo community is rich in culture, he added that the Limboo language is being introduced at the college level and soon it will also be introduced at the University level.
The Minister further announced that Mangshilla will be one of the best villages in North District and highlighted the ongoing infrastructure development in Mangshilla like the under construction degree college, polytechnic, Waste & Amenity Centre which has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore. He also announced the construction of a museum and multi-purpose centre at the Mangkhim premises. A botanical garden at Tingjey with home stay facility will also come up, he added.
Also on the day, the traditional Dhaan Naach competition was held among the different wards like Namok Robi-Chongthong, Tingjey, Ralak, Tibuk etc. wherein Tibuk ward was awarded the first position followed by Robi-Chongthong in second position.  The winners of the competition were awarded with trophies and cash prizes.  The Sukhim Yakthung Nichamsa Sapsok Chumbho (All Sikkim Limboo Students Association, Tadong College) also presented a colorful cultural programme during the function.
The Mangkhim Committee also presented a token of appreciation to Palden Gyamtso Bhutia for his selfless contribution towards a noble cause. Also during the function, the public of Upper Zusing placed a demand petition to the area MLA for the construction of a Durga Mandir at their village.
The function was also addressed by former minister, Birbal Limboo who highlighted about the history of the Mangkhim and extended his gratitude towards Late Birkhaman Limboo, Thukchuk Lachungpa and Ganden Lachungpa for their contribution in setting up the Mangkhim at Mangshilla.
Similarly, President Sikkim Yakthung Sakshok Sajumbu, SP Limboo highlighted about Sirijunga and importance of language and literature wherein he urged everyone to learn about their history. The President, All India Limboo Mahasangh, SR Khajum informed that there are 8-9 Mangkhims in Sikkim but the Mangkhim at Mangshilla is the first one in the state which was inaugurated in the year 1992.
Likewise, Yumaism expert , JR Pondhak, highlighted about Yumaheem and urged everyone to respect the Phedangmas (Limboo Priests). The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Budha Maya Kambang while the welcome speech was delivered by Phip Raj Limboo.