GANGTOK, SEPT 24: The traditional Dhimey drum performance and Lakhey dance of Sikkim’s Newar community entered the India Book of Records following a spectacular performance by more than 120 artists at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Gangtok on Wednesday evening.
The record-setting performance, featuring the traditional sounds of Dhimey drums and the vibrant Lakhey dance, was organised on the eve of the Indra Jatra celebrations by Sikkim Newar Guthi. More than 120 members of the Newar community participated together in a mass presentation of their traditional dance and music.
The special performance was held at Gangtok’s main town street as part of the 10-day Yenyā Punhi celebrations, which began on September 22 and will conclude on September 30.
Following the performance, India Book of Records representative Sony Vidri conferred the recognition medal on the organisers, acknowledging the community’s effort to promote and preserve the traditional Lakhey dance and Dhimey drum performance.
Indra Jatra, one of the most prominent religious and cultural festivals of the Newar community, brings together traditional rituals, music, dance, food and cultural heritage on a common platform.
The festival holds particular significance for Sikkim’s Newar community as it provides an opportunity to preserve and showcase traditions carried forward through generations. This year, organisers have sought to give greater public visibility to the community’s cultural heritage by taking its traditional performances to the streets of Gangtok.
The Rath Yatra is also expected to be one of the major attractions of this year’s celebrations, bringing traditional Newar religious symbolism to the heart of the state capital.
The main Indra Jatra function will be held in Gangtok following a puja at Bhanu Uddhyan, followed by a chariot procession from Bhanu Path to MG Marg, which will culminate at Manan Kendra.
The second session of the programme will feature the presentation of the Newar Ratna Samman to two distinguished personalities for their contributions to Sikkimese society and the promotion of Newar culture and traditions. Similarly, the Bhanji Brikuti Samman will be conferred on a woman in recognition of her distinguished contribution to cultural promotion and social service. However, the names of the recipients have not yet been announced.
In the evening, popular Nepali artist Deepak Bajracharya is scheduled to entertain music lovers in Gangtok.
The celebrations aim to bring the rich cultural traditions of the Newar community into the public space while encouraging younger generations to remain connected with their cultural heritage.
अनलाइन् खबर पत्रिका तथ्य जाँच र आचारसंहिता प्रतिवेदन:
यो सामग्री हाम्रा सम्पादक टोलीद्वारा तथ्य प्रमाणीकरण र प्रेस काउन्सिल अफ इन्डिया आचारसंहिता बमोजिम प्रकाशित गरिएको हो।
