Van to spread Zero Waste message at Jorethang Maghey Mela

GANGTOK, 13 Jan: As part of the endeavour to observe the 2015 Jorethang Maghey Mela as a Zero Waste Event, the State Institute of Rural Development in collaboration with the State Institute of Capacity Building and Zero Waste Himalayas is deploying an IEC Van from 12 – 14 January, 2015. This van would be continuously travelling in and around Jorethang and surrounding areas playing specially recorded messages and jingles regarding Zero Waste, informs a press release.

Rorathang Maghey Mela marches strong on revival mode

GANGTOK, 13 Jan: The third edition of Rorathang Maghe Mela 2014 started today with numerous cultural performances by local and guest groups along with traditional food stalls, Meena Mela and other activities at the river bank of Rorathang in East Sikkim.
Speaking to media persons today, the organizing committee president, Deo Kumar Pradhan said that the people of the surrounding areas led by the area MLA came forward to revive this Mela in 2012. The main idea behind this was to bring back the charm of this Mela and to connect it with tourism activities to create more opportunities for local people.
This year, the five-day mela includes performance by various local and guest artists and groups. The venue also has traditional food stalls along with stalls by the health department, JICA and Fire Department Pakyong. There is also the Lingey Ping and Meena Mela.
The first day saw performances by Fauda Singh of Dooars along with Chorus Band of Siliguri and other local artists; while the second day will have performance by Indrajit Mizar and other guests and the third day will have Lok Dohori by groups from Nepal.

Jorethang Maghey Mela 2013 concludes with sports

JORETHANG, 16 Jan: The three-day Maghey Mela officially concluded here at Jorethang playground today with a number of colourful programmes.
The main attraction of the closing day was the final football match of the Inter Constituency Rural Sports Festival 2013 played between Zoom-Salghari Constituency and Soreong-Chakung Constituency. In a neck-to-neck match Soreong-Chakung emerged as the champions with a score of 1 goal to nil.
Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Department, NK Pradhan was the chief guest of the valedictory function while it was also attended by Minister cum MLA Soreong Chakung Constituency, RB Subba, area MLA Zoom Salghari cum Patron in Chief, Jorethang Mela Celebration Committee, Madan Cintury and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai.
The winner of the Inter Constituency Rural Sports (Football) Festival, Soreong Chakung Constituency team was awarded with the cash prize of Rs. 30,000 along with winner’s trophy while Zoom Salghari team received the cash prize of Rs. 20,000 and a runners-up trophy.
Later the chief guest, Mr. Pradhan formally declared the closing of the Jorethang Maghey Mela. Even though the mela has been announced closed formally but the stalls of readymade garments and others along with Meena bazaar will continue till Sunday.
This time the mela was organized after a gap of one year as the organizers stayed away from any kind of celebration last year following the earthquake of 2011. This year the mela resumed with the same spirit and enthusiasm with visitors from across the state and outside as well gathering at the venue.
Beside the famous river side stalls of Jorethang Mela, the visitors equally enjoyed the taste of different communities of Sikkim in their respective traditional stalls. Saras Mela was another attraction of Jorethang Mela 2013 where a number of Indian states displayed their respective traditional items, handlooms and handicrafts. Visitors enjoyed the exhibitions and also had a good time shopping.
The main event which entertained the people during the three days was the evening musical concert. Deep Raj Rai and Rosalin Sahu rocked the stage on the evening of the opening day while Nepali Sakira, Indira Joshi (Nepali Tara) enthralled the gathering with her latest Nepali songs on the second day.
The third and final day of the mela witnessed Nepali singer Thupden Bhutia live in concert. The local artists from Jorethang Prabal Sangeet Sansthan also performed during these evening programmes while Taal Dance and Music Academy, Jorethang and Namchi presented their dance items.

Panchayats asked to deliver, people invited to keep watch

CM INAUGURATES JORETHANG MAGHEY MELA 2013
JORETHANG, 14 Jan: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Jorethang Maghey Mela 2013 here at the public play ground today. The CM was present as the chief guest of the opening ceremony.
The Chief Minister was accorded a traditional welcome by the organizing committee near Akar Bridge from where he was escorted till the main venue with traditional jhakis [floats]. Here, the CM officially declared the Jorethang Maghey Mela 2013 open.
While addressing the huge gathering here at Jorethang play ground, the CM congratulated the newly elected Panchayats, especially the women representatives. The SDF Government, he underlined, has spearheaded women’s empowerment and in the political sphere, not only are 50% of panchayat seats reserved for women, but even the Adakshyas and Upadakshyas posts have been equally divided between men and women this time.
He further asked the panchayats to work for the betterment of the people in their respective areas and also asked the public to go through the party manifesto released before the recent panchayat elections and demand of their elected representatives to fulfil all the promises made by the party.
“This is the 21st century where the public is aware and their representatives right from the Chief Minister, Minister, MLAs, Chairman and Panchayats cannot intimidate the people with their posts or positions,” he said.
He further said that till date the government has been providing a number of benefits to the underprivileged of the state and now the panchayats should look at the still unaddressed and overlooked genuine problems of the people, which, he assured, will be taken up in earnest.
The CM also announced that from now onwards he will meet only those people who come to him with the recommendation of area Panchayat and MLA, except in the case of financial assistance for medical emergencies for which he assured to meet the public directly.
Stating that the water supply work of Chakung-Chumbung in West Sikkim sanctioned by the government many years ago is still lying incomplete, the CM said that now people should question the mistakes and lapses made by the Government, officers of the concerned departments, engineers and the contractors. In the case of Chakung and Chumbung also he urged the people to ask the concerned authorities and the contractor regarding the delay in water supply work.
Here he said that people should oppose the government if it fails to sanction the demands of the people and also oppose the concerned department officers, Engineers and contractors if the sanctioned work is not completed within the prescribed timeframe.
He also urged the people to check the quality of the works underway in their respective areas.
Providing an update, he informed that till date, the government has sanctioned 1,400 CMRHM houses and the target has not been achieved, he stated and asked the recently elected panchayats to carry the work forward.  The government has been giving Panchayat Shree award to the best panchayats of the state as per the recommendation of the area MLA and now the recommendation of the people of the area will also be included, said the Chief Minister.
Similarly, the best MLAs and Officers will also be awarded as per the recommendation of the panchayats. These awards will be conferred on the occasion of the state day, he informed.
The CM also noted that the green house construction scheme started under the Horticulture Department last year is still incomplete for which he asked the panchayats to look into the matter. The shortage of teachers in school, doctors and supply of medicines in Medical centres should also be addressed by the panchayats, he added.
Regarding the problem of LPG distribution in the state, the Chief Minister informed the public that besides STCS other private LPG distributors are answerable to the petroleum ministries and not to the state government. If something is wrong in STCS, then the state government is responsible but it is not so in the case of private distributors, he explained.
However, reading out the list of names of private LPG distributors in different parts of the state the CM said that whether it is STCS or the private distributors people of the state should get their rights and there should not be any problem in getting their refilled cylinders in time.
He further informed the gathering that during the year 2012 the state government sent a total of 140 graduate students for IAS and allied service coaching to different parts of the country as well as abroad and this year the target is to even more graduates for the same for which the government has decided to use 10% of the state budget.
He urged parents not to encourage children not to go for ad-hoc and MR service but to cooperate with the government in making them the true rulers of the country. Speaking on the proposal to raise a Sikkim Scouts Battalion, the Chief Minister said that this year 1400 boys will be recruited for the Battalion for which class X passed is the eligibility criteria.
“During the 18 years of SDF government, Sikkim has witnessed real peace and harmony, but now there are some intent on destroying this. To guide people on the right path is tough, but to misguide them is very easy; some people have opted for the latter ploy”, said the CM and added that people should decide whom to choose for the better future of Sikkim.
Speaking on the issue of Adhaar cards diluting the importance of Sikkim Subject as alleged by some, the CM said that the government has always preserved the value of Sikkim Subject and this is evident from the fact that Sikkim Subject holders are exempted from paying Income Tax in Sikkim. While on the Companies Act 1961, he said that the central government is trying to introduce a uniform rule throughout the country, but since this comes in conflict with an existing Old Law in Sikkim, his government has requested the Centre to exclude Sikkim from the same. The SDF Government, he said, will not allow FDI into Sikkim. The Companies Act, it may be recalled, is to facilitate FDI in retail in the country.
He also announced that the two martyrs of the state, Shahid Sanjog Chettri of Namchi and Shahid Binod Rai of Rakdong, East Sikkim will be honoured by the government with the installation of their statues and establishing scholarships in the name of these martyrs besides naming important roads or places after them. He also announced an increase in maternity allowance for women from Rs 3500 to Rs 5000 from April 2013.
The CM also spoke on overcharging by taxis which he said is ruining the state’s image at the national as well as international level. He further said that 90% hotels in the state are run by outsiders, which, he said, was neither good for tourism nor the local economy.
Finally, he said that the recent IBN7 Diamond State Award has highlighted good governance of the state and the peace and harmony here at the national level. He urged the people of Sikkim to help the government to maintain this tempo in the future also.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was felicitated for the IBN7 award by the Jorethang Maghey Mela Organizing Committee and by representatives of 15 major communities of Sikkim.
Area MLA cum chief patron, Jorethang Maghey Mela Organizing Committee, Madan Cintury also addressed the opening function where he highlighted the uniqueness of the Jorethang Mela and thanked the Chief Minister for his support in making this a grand success. He also thanked every individual for their support and wishes.
Earlier, Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh felicitated Deep Raj Rai for his recent achievement in India’s Got Talent and mountaineer Santi Rai. The general secretary of the organizing committee, Kamal Chettri delivered the vote of thanks. The evening session of the opening ceremony witnessed live cultural performances by Deep Raj Rai and others.

Jorethang Maghey Mela 2013 promises not to disappoint

SHOP, DINE, ENJOY AND FLY AT THIS YEAR’S MAGHEY MELA
NAMCHI, 14 Jan: Jorethang Maghey Mela has gained popularity and recognition over the years and it attracts people from all over the state and outside which include those from the neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan. This annual event is attended by people of all walks of life, some for the shopping and local treasures they can pick up for their houses, some for the thrill of being in a “mela” and some for just the evening cultural programmes, the wining and dining.
This year too, the organizers headed by their patron-in-chief, Madan Cintury have promised not to disappoint the people who throng the small town in the South district. Local artistes from within the state and from Nepal have been invited to perform during the cultural extravaganza apart from a host of other events which will be unique in their concept.
Traditional food stall courts have been set up for the foodies, a Meena bazaar has also been set up near the riverside, the SARAS Mela which is an annual event in conjunction with the Maghey Mela, the inter-constituency football tournament under the aegis of the rural sports festival shall also be held.
For adventure lovers, there is paragliding where the participants can take off from the top of the Chakung hill and land near the Mela on the riverside. The traditional cultural event shall kick off in the evening with a Musical fire night attended by the Nepal Tara, the ‘Nepal ko Shakira’, Indira Joshi. The Indian idol participant Rojalin Sahi will also enthrall the audience with her singing as will local artistes like finalist Deepraj Rai, India’s Got Talent and renowned Nepali singer, Thupden Bhutia.
The organizers further stated that in case of medical emergencies, the District Hospital Namchi, Jorethang PHC and surrounding PHSCs have been asked to be on stand-by.
While talking to this correspondent, SP South, Manoj Tiwari stated that security has been tightened to maintain law and order during the Mela. A total strength of 295 personnel has been deployed in Jorethang. DIG Range will look after the overall situation along with the DC, AK Singh and SP South. Both the SDMs, Gloria Namchu and Karma R Bonpo have been deputed for magisterial duty during the period.
Traffic shall be managed by OC, Melli Bijoy Subba for the Jorethang–Melli stretch and OC, Ravangla, KB Gurung has been given the Namchi-Jorethang stretch. SDPO Soreong will supervise the traffic coming from the West. Besides the Jorethang Thana, four Police booths have been set up in various locations for assistance and quick response, two near the river bank, one at Akar Bridge and one near the Taxi stand, informed SP South.
Further, the Fire stations and the fire engines have been asked to stay on high alert. The SP South Manoj Tewari also said that the police are always on high alert and shall continue their line of duty and in case of a situation arising, the police shall act as per the demand of the situation and as per the law.

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.

Rorathang Maghey Mela Committee thanks all for making celebration successful

GANGTOK, 29 Jan: The Rorathang Maghey Mela Organizing Committee convened its closing meeting, chaired by the committee’s chief patron Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel, at Pachey PWD guest House, Pakyong on Saturday.
BDO Pakyong and treasurer of the committee, Dhiraj Subedi read out the statement of income and expenditure during the meeting, informs a press release.
The meeting discussed the recently concluded Mela and expressed satisfaction over its success. The chief patron, Mr Dhungel expressed his gratitude to all the executive members and thanked them for their active support in making the Mela a success, the release mentions.
The committee also thanked all concerned who offered financial, physical and moral support to the organizing committee and expressed hope for similar co-operation and support for the next Mela.
The committee has expressed its sincere gratitude to Speaker SLA, KT Gyaltsen, Road and Bridges Minister RB Subba and Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, who was present in the Mela as the chief guest. Further, the committee has also thanked all the cultural groups, artists from Sikkim and outside for their participation in the Mela namely the Culture and Heritage Deptt, Lok Dohri team form Kathmandu, Carnival Band of Darjeeling, Prakriti Giri, Mahindra Bagdas along with local artists, dance teams etc, the release further adds.

Tea seller murdered at Jorethang Bazaar

JORETHANG, 18 Jan: The most awaited extravaganza of Jorethang, South Sikkim in the very beginning of this year has been marred with the murder of one 36 year-old tea seller last evening.
Illegal activities and minor crimes have always found their way during the Jorethang Maghey Mela but this time it has resulted in the loss of one life. Last evening one of the locals noticed a man lying behind Zyka hotel at Jorethang Bazaar and informed the police. However, when the police reached the spot the man had already bled to death as he had been attacked with a sharp weapon on the left side of his chest and also on his stomach.
The victim was later identified as 36-year-old C Charandas of Chayanpara, Siliguri, a tea seller by profession who was here at the mela to earn some money. The police suspect loot to be the cause behind the murder.
The body of the victim was taken to Namchi District Hospital for autopsy while the police have registered a case of murder against unknown persons under section 302 of IPC at Jorethang PS and investigation has begun. No arrest has been made so far in this connection and at present the police are interrogating persons with previous criminal records.

Jorethang Maghey Mela begins with prayers for earthquake victims

PURAN TAMANG
JORETHANG, 15 Jan: Jorethang’s biggest annual event, the Maghey Mela, began on 14 Jan on a sombre note this year. The Maghey Mela began with a homage to lives lost in 18 Sept Earthquake and the organisation committee has left out all events and zones of entertainment this year.
The Mela Celebration Committee organized special prayers for the earthquake victims on the inaugural day which had Animal Husbandry Minister Dawcho Lepcha as the chief guest accompanied by Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai and area MLA, Madan Cintury.
The Minister joined the Puran Aahuti Puja and then declared the Maghey Mela 2012 open. He, along with the MLAs also visited stalls and Menal Mela.
It may be mentioned here that the Maghey Mela is a major event here, attracting hordes of locals and tourists each year. The Mela is said to have evolved from an agricultural fair and now hundreds of stalls selling and exhibiting various products are put up for the huge number of people who visit the fair.
It is a great mix of local cultural extravaganza as well as modern day entertainment along with traditional stalls, but this year, the Celebration Committee included a fewer number of stalls and focussed essentially on agriculture, horticulture, the 7th National Expo 2012, Great India Shopping Festival exhibition-cum-sale and Menal mela for children.

In the evening, the Celebration Committee organised a candlelight procession from the Mela ground to Akkar Bridge covering the entire Jorethang bazaar and after observing two minutes of silence, the gathering offered prayers and bhajans in a Sarva Dharma Prathna Sabha for the earthquake victims.
Speaking to this correspondent, MLA Madan Cintury explained that this year, the Jorethang Maghey Mela was not about entertainment but more about sharing the grief that the 18 Sept earthquake brought. He informed that the Celebration Committee has organised prayers by all faiths followed by the people of Sikkim.

4-day Dikchu Maghe Mela begins

MANGAN, 13 Jan: The Tumin-Lingee MLA, Chief Whip Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia, inaugurated the four-day long Dikchu Maghe Mela here at Dikchu New Market, North Sikkim today. He was accompanied by the DC North, TN Kazi and CMO District Hospital Mangan, Dr KT Lepcha as special guests to the inaugural function.
The Maghe Mela here is being organized by the Dikchu Youth Welfare Association with the main motive to keep the traditions alive with special attractions like a cultural extravaganza, traditional sports & games, local organic products, ethnic food stalls and other such attractions.
The inaugural function began with a welcome address by General Secretary DYWA, Chung Chung Tongden Lepcha who highlighted about the history of Dikchu Mela and its significance to the area. He also highlighted the demand of the local community for a playground at Dikchu.
The DC North, in his address, appreciated the organizing committee for conducting the traditional Mela and informed that it should be continued in order to preserve our traditions and for this he is ready to extend his support.
While addressing the gathering, the chief guest Mr Bhutia urged the people to analyze and decide for themselves the development brought about by the ruling government. On the special occasion, he encouraged people to take time out for indulging in traditional events.
While responding to the demand placed by the General Secretary DYWA, the MLA informed that the demand for the community ground had already been forwarded to the concerned department and further assured that it would be fulfilled as soon as possible.
The chief guest and guests also visited the stalls set up by the different SHGs and NGOs.  A colorful cultural programme was also presented by the women SHG of Lower Dzongu, Dhan Naach from Mangshilla, Gurung Dance from All Sikkim Gurung Tamu Association, Rai Dance from Sreejana club Marchak and Nepali Dance from the host club.
The function was also attended by BDO Tintek, Tenzing Dorjee Denzongpa, SDPO Mangan, DIO IPR North, Sonam Chopel Bhutia, President Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Karma Jigdel Bhutia, Councilor Pappu Kumar Malu, MO Dikchu PHC, Dr. Mohan Thapa, Zilla member Saraswati Regmi, Zilla member Thingchim-Mangshilla, Zomin Limboo, Panchayat president Rakdong-Tintek, Ganden Lepcha, Panchayats members of different wards, officials of various departments, NGO representatives and the general public.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Sports Secretary DYWA, Jigmee Tongden Lepcha.

Rorathang to host State-level Maghey Mela celebrations

GANGTOK, 12 Jan: Rorathang Bazaar in East Sikkim is all set to host the State-level Maghey Mela Celebrations from 13 to 15 January, informs a press release issued by publicity secretary, Maghey Mela Organising Committee, CL Dulal today.
Maghey Mela has been a regular feature at Rorathang for the past 60-70 years, but this year it is being organized on a grander scale with the inclusion of such features as an exhibition-cum-sale of traditional food items of all communities of Sikkim, stalls of all government departments, a grand cultural show, traditional ‘lingey-ping’, etc, the release informs.
Cultural performances by Carnival Band of Darjeeling, traditional Lok Dhori, Indian Idol- Prashant Tamang, Swar Sikkim winner- Milan Sharma, North East Super Stars- Remanti Rai and Robin Mukhia are the main attraction of the Mela, the release further informs.
The Mela Committee, which includes MLAs of four constituencies, Bhim Dhungel [Rhenock], LM Lepcha [Gnathang-Machong], BB Rai [Namcheybong] and Puran Gurung [Chujachen] as chief patrons and patrons respectively and Roshni Rai [SDM, Pakyong] as chairperson and all the BDOs of surrounding five BACs are working hard towards conducting the Mela successfully.
On 13 January, Speaker, SLA, KT Gyaltsen is scheduled to inaugurate the Mela as the chief guest, while Minister Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha and Minister Road & Bridges Department, RB Subba will be the chief guest on 14 and 15 January, respectively, the release further mentions.
The Mela organising committee has invited all the people of Sikkim to participate and make the Mela a grand success.