Namprikdang Namsoong celebrations at Dzongu

NAMPRIKDANG, 09 Jan:  Unity amongst the people is the strength of democracy, said Speaker Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen while addressing the Namsoong celebration here at Namprikdang ground in Upper Dzongu as the chief guest on Thursday.  
Mr Gyaltsen added that peace and development have prevailed in the state along with unity in diversity since the SDF party came to power. Highlighting the importance of Namsoong festival, he stated that the SDF government has always worked for the preservation and promotion of different traditions and cultures in the state.
He also urged people not to believe those with vested interests who are going around asking for support in the name of change. Mr Gyaltsen further urged party workers not to decide on the party candidate from the constituency until the tenure of the sitting MLA is over.
Responding to the demand placed by the president Namprikdang Namsoong Celebration Committee [NNCC], he said that all demands will be forwarded to the Chief Minister and assured that the demands would get sanctioned before the upcoming election.
Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha also addressed the function where he urged all to work for the ruling party.
President NNCC, Nezing Lepcha placed a demand relating to the protection of Namprikdang play ground with jhora training work and land compensation for the land donor of the playground which has been long overdue.  He also highlighted about the history of Namprikdang Namsoong festival being celebrated since the year 1976.
The NNCC also felicitated Tseten Nordon Cargyal (UPSC 2012, opted for IFS) and Sonam Palden Lepcha (Ayurvedic expert) in the function. A huge Lepcha ‘Bomfok’ knife weighing 35 kgs was also on display at the function.
Also present in the function were area MLA Lachen-Mangan, TW Lepcha, Zilla Adhakshya North, Anguli Lepcha, DC North CP Dhakal, SP North, RN Yadav, panchayat and zilla members, members of Mangan Nagar panchayats, departmental officials and people from all walks of life.
Earlier, the chief guest and other guests also attended a puja being performed by a Lepcha Boongthing at a traditional Lepcha house. The celebration also included games, colourful cultural programmes, Meena bazaar, Musical Nites, literary programmes and traditional food stalls. Artists from Nepal also performed in the evening to entertain the gathering.