Khamsel at Tholung Monastery from 21 to 24 Nov

MANGAN, 22 Oct: The much revered Tholung monastery in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim that houses relics belonging to Lhatsun Chenpo, will host the Khamsel ceremony from 21 to 24 November this year, coinciding with Lhabab Duechen. This was decided today in a preparatory meeting for the ceremony chaired by DC [North], CP Dhakal along with the Tholung Monastery committee, officials from line department and the Panchayat members.  
This time, the North District Administration and Khamsel Ceremony committee have unanimously decided to organize the ceremony in a grand manner. Tholung Monastery hosts the Khamsel ceremony every three years when the clothes and other belongings of Lhatsun Chenpo are put on display for devotees who come from across the world under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department.
During the meeting, various aspects such as road connectivity, sanitation, accommodation and basic amenities for visitors, security etc were discussed at length. One such important component, electricity supply was extensively affected by the 2011 earthquake and in this connection DM, North, Mr. Dhakal has asked the Superintendent Engineer, North, Power Department to look at alternative remedies like installing generators.
Similarly, Deputy Secretary, RMDD, was asked to initiate necessary action for sanitation, AE, Passingdang, BAC, has been entrusted with the restoration work of foot-path as early as possible. Regarding medical facilities, CMO, North, Dr. DS Kerongi was  asked to make medical teams available at two points - one at Tumlung forest guest house (on the way to Tholung Gumpa) and the other at the monastery itself while SP [North], RN Yadav assured to provide police personnel for security measures.
DM North advised the committee to approach the Tourism Department for assistance regarding accommodation of visitors. Mr. Dhakal informed that Rs 5 lakh has been sanctioned by the Department of LR&DM for reconstruction log-bridges and committee to start the construction immediately.
JD, Ecclesiastical Department informed the house that as per the demand placed by the Khamsel ceremony committee, the department has approved and sanctioned an amount of Rs 2 lakh for the Khamsel ceremony.  It is also learnt that porters will also be available for hire for the walk up to the monastery.