Jorethang gears up for Maghey Mela 2013

JORETHANG, 26 Dec: The final meeting for the celebration of Maghey Sakranti Mela 2013 in Jorethang was held today at the playground here.
Present as chief guest, Chief Whip Ugyen T Gyatso stressed on wide and thorough publicity of the event and called for proper planning and appropriate execution to make this Maghey Mela a grand success. The Chief Whip advised the main committee to devise a permanent funding pattern/ system for the mela celebration to avoid recurring hassles in future and asked one and all from all sections of the society to participate in this state level event.
The area MLA, Madan Cintury, in turn, informed that the mela would be held over three days from 14 to 16 January 2013. Highlighting on the programme of the mela, the area MLA informed that this time, venues for the various entertainment elements have been divided across the town and the river bank area. Mini bazaars and the traditional food stalls exhibition will be put up in the town area while all other fun, food, shopping and entertainment stalls will be placed at the river bank side, he added.
The mela will also include cultural and musical programmes, Mr Cintury informed, adding that Deep Raj Rai will perform on the opening night. He further informed that the Inter Constituency Rural Sports Festival Football Tournament will commence on 28 December.
Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai addressing the gathering said that Jorethang Maghey Sakranti Mela is a state level event which highlights the various traditional and cultural aspects of the state in the process creating the identity of the state in the national and international maps. He stressed on focussing on making this mela a state tourism event.
Citing the example of the Pongal Festival in South India which has now become a huge tourist attraction there, and also bears resemblance to Maghey Mela, Mr Rai stressed that this mela which is a heritage festival should be connected with the tourism sector as all the characteristics of this festival make it suitable to become a typical tourism festival of the state.
He further said that this festival which commences in the beginning of a new year should be celebrated in such way to usher in positive energy and good vibes in the state and leave a good impact.
Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel pointed out that a publicity campaign in advance would help in attracting tourists whether domestic or foreign. The Minister stressed that the Jorethang town should also prepare for adequate and suitable accommodation for tourists during such events. He assured complete cooperation and support from his department for the celebration of this mela.
UD & HD Minister, DB Thapa also assured cooperation and support from his department to the committee.
Earlier the gathering was welcomed by ADC (South), ST Tamang. Also present were Cabinet Ministers Neeru Sewa, TT Bhutia, NK Pradhan, Namchi Singhithang MLA Binod Rai, UDHD Secretary T Dorjee, SP South Manoj Tewari, DC West LP Chettri, HODs, official dignitaries, President and councilors of Jorethang Nagar Panchayat, members of Maghey Mela committee, members of NGOs and local gentry.