Maniram invites tourists to explore rural tourism

NAMCHI: Maniram village in South Sikkim is sprucing up to tempt tourists with an invitation to “Explore Rural Tourism” with the 2nd Maniram Village Tourism Festival being organised by the South Sikkim Tourism Development Society, Maniram Branch, at the village on 09 and 10 April, this weekend. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is scheduled to inaugurate the festival on Saturday.
The village is giving the finishing touches to its preparation for the mega-event with the residents chipping in energetically. The festival has Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai, is the chief patron, while Himal Tamang, Zilla Upadhyaksha South is the patron.
The festival will feature stalls for horticulture, agriculture, handloom and handicrafts displaying the respective items and products along with traditional cultural presentations.

To introduce the younger generation to local traditions and culture, the organizing committee has also established ethnic houses of Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities.
Since the area has a majority Tamang popualtion, the focus is on Tamang traditions and culture, for which a Tamang traditional hut has been especially commissioned. The festival will also have traditional food stalls, a kite-flying competition at Sadam and a flower exhibition as well.
The main attraction is the Musical Nite which will have Nepali pop singer, Raj Moktan, in performance along with bands from Namchi and ‘Seven Band’ of Ravangla.
Another attraction will be the finale of ‘Sur Sangam’ in which the 6 finalists of the dance and song categories will perform on 09 April and the top three will be awarded.
Purna Tamang, publicity secretary of the organising committee informs that the Chief Minister will also inaugurate the renovated 100-year-old Chorten in the village on 09 April.
An interesting part of this rural tourism festival is that it has been completely organised with contributions and participation of the local people.