Sikkim Spring Carnival concludes

CARNIVAL HAS SUCCESSFULLY CONVENED ‘SIKKIM IS SAFE & SOUND’ MESSAGE, SAYS TOURISM SECRETARY
ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 15 May: The five-day Sikkim Spring Carnival concluded today amidst cultural performances by artists brought in from across the country.
The last day of the Carnival saw performances by cultural artists from Odisha, last year’s winner of ‘Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega’ Abu Salek from Mumbai, Singye Cham, singers from Darjeeling, Swar Sikkim contestants, North East Super Star Remanti Rai, singing star Thupden Bhutia including a special performance by Sikkim Police IGP, Akshay Sachdeva.
Secretary Tourism, R Telang while speaking to media persons said, “The Snow Fest was a good initiative taken by the TAAS; it did lay the foundation for this carnival, which was a great success and had lived up to their expectation. This success has given us strength. It has improved the image of the State and has sent a message to all tourists that Sikkim is safe and sound now. The people are feeling confident to come to Sikkim now”.
There was huge support from various agencies, the Army participated through Military Tattoo, Cultural and Heritage Department played a huge supporting role to make this event successful including the Horticulture department, Police department and the District Collectorate from all the 4 Districts, he further informed.
The Secretary added that this can continue if stakeholders are interested to hold discussions regarding the same with the department.
Lopsang Yonten a monk at one of the stalls in White Hall said that all the tourists were enthusiastic and wanted to know more about the art and sculpture showcased. “The visitors had no idea about the religious items on display and were amazed to learn that they were made of pure butter and a mixture of flour”, said Yonten.
During the carnival 14 communities of the state showcased their traditional food items in which the Department of Food Securities and Agricultural Development [FS&ADD] department had also displayed different food crops like Baby Corn, Sweet corn, Buckwheat, Millet, Maize, and a variety of pickles.    
Tourists from across the world like Denmark, Zurich, New Zealand and Washington DC visited the stalls and appreciated all the items displayed by the different communities. Speaking to NOW!, Terry and Judy Lund from Australia said that they had gone to Yuksom where they took a hike around the village which they found amazing and fabulous. “The Spring Carnival has surprised us as there was nothing happening before 11 May but after the Carnival started, we have had lots of fun. We hope Sikkim will come up with a lot more events and surprises in the coming days”, the couple added.
The department of Tourism also gave away certificates of participation to all the 14 communities who showcased traditional food items. The department also selected the 4 best ethnic food stalls which were Akhil Tamu Gurung Buddhist Association, Sikkim Lepcha Association, All Sikkim Kirat Sangh and Sikkim Bhutia Association.
The evening’s programme was attended by the Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel as the chief guest along with Secretary Tourism, R Telang, Inspector General [IG], Akshay Sachdeva and other dignitaries.