CM inaugurates Sakungsaya Mangkhim at Chemchey on Sakewa

NAMCHI, 14 May: On the auspicious occasion of the Rai festival of Sakewa today, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Sakungsaya Mangkhim at Chemchey, South Sikkim and participated in the prayers conducted by Mangpas at the “Three-Heart Stone” of the Mangkhim. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his wife Tika Maya Chamling, and Political Advisor DD Bhutia.
Organized jointly by the North East Zone Cultural Center, Dimapur and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, the state-level Sakewa festival at Chemchey was marked with colourful presentations of Rai traditions, culture and customs along with traditional food and wine.
Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister stressed that religion should bring change in the life of people and inspire them towards creating a better society. To the educated youth and students in the audience, the Chief Minister said that Sikkim has gained world’s class development and opportunities but people have to become more competitive, hardworking and skilled to benefit from these opportunities.
He further urged the youth to imbibe the positive aspects of developed countries and stay away from its harmful aspects.
The CM said that in the coming Panchayat elections, the party will give priority to the candidates nominated by the people and urged the people in turn to be careful in choosing their candidates.
During the programme, the Sakewa celebration committee also felicitated contractor Prem Tsering Sherpa with a citation for his contribution in constructing the Mangkhim at Chemchey while the CM presented certificates to the different cultural groups.
On the occasion the CM also released books and music CDs. Cultural performances of different forms of Sili dance were also presented during the celebrations while singer Jatin Rai and his group also performed with traditional instruments on the day.
The Sakewa festival was also attended Ministers, MLAs, officers and had a large presence of local public.