Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural Festival 2026 and the sacred Sakela Ubhauli celebrations in Darjeeling on Sunday. During the event, he highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between Sikkim and Darjeeling. Additionally, he praised the efforts of the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural and Research Society (KKRSS) in preserving the community’s heritage. The Chief Minister also said that cultural exchanges strengthen regional unity, mutual respect and shared progress.
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Key Facts
- Event: Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural Festival 2026 and Sakela Ubhauli celebrations
- Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Chief Guest: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang
- Organiser: Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural and Research Society (KKRSS)
- Other Dignitaries: Sikkim Minister Bhojraj Rai, West Bengal Minister Bishal Lama and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista
- Key Message: Strengthening the cultural and historical bond between Sikkim and Darjeeling
Chief Minister Attends Cultural Festival in Darjeeling
Darjeeling: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang participated in the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural Festival 2026 and the sacred Sakela Ubhauli celebrations on Sunday.
During the event, he highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical relationship between Sikkim and Darjeeling. Moreover, he described this shared heritage as a symbol of regional unity and harmony.
Leaders Celebrate Shared Heritage
Several leaders and dignitaries attended the festival. They included Sikkim Minister Bhojraj Rai, West Bengal Minister Bishal Lama and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.
Together, they celebrated the cultural traditions of the Kirati community and reaffirmed the importance of preserving the region’s diverse heritage.
CM Praises KKRSS for Cultural Preservation
Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural and Research Society (KKRSS) for successfully organising the festival.
According to the Chief Minister, such initiatives help preserve the Kirati community’s language, traditions and cultural identity. Furthermore, he said these events encourage younger generations to stay connected with their heritage.
Cultural Exchange Strengthens Regional Unity
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of cultural exchanges between neighbouring regions.
Additionally, he said these programmes promote mutual respect, understanding and stronger social ties. As a result, they contribute to long-term peace and cooperation across the region.
Commitment to Cultural Harmony
Prem Singh Tamang reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the cultural relationship between Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Finally, he described this enduring bond as a strong foundation for harmony, inclusive development and collective progress in the Himalayan region.
Question & Answer
Q1: What event did Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attend?
A: He attended the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural Festival 2026 and the Sakela Ubhauli celebrations in Darjeeling.
Q2: What message did the Chief Minister deliver?
A: He highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Q3: Which organisation organised the festival?
A: The Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural and Research Society (KKRSS) organised the event.
Q4: Who attended the programme?
A: The event was attended by Sikkim Minister Bhojraj Rai, West Bengal Minister Bishal Lama, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and other dignitaries.
Q5: Why is the festival important?
A: The festival promotes the preservation of Kirati culture while strengthening regional unity and cultural harmony.
Location Context
Sikkim and Darjeeling share deep historical, cultural and social connections in Northeast and Eastern India. Consequently, cultural festivals like the Kirati Khambu Rai Cultural Festival play an important role in preserving indigenous traditions, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting cultural tourism.