Lampokhari lake festival returns; ADLDS holds first coordination meeting

<p><b>GANGTOK,: </b>The Aritar-Dalapchand Lampokhari Lake Tourism Development Society (ADLDS) held its first coordination meeting on Saturday at the Lampokhari picnic ground beside Lampokhari Lake to discuss preparations for the 13th Lampokhari Lake Festival. The meeting was chaired by SDM Rongli, Suren Kumar Pradhan, who stressed the importance of community participation and unity, stating that the festival is meant for the people of the surrounding areas and should reflect their collective involvement.</p><p>Addressing the press after the meeting, ADLDS president Lalit Rai, general secretary Bibek Rai and advisor Canny Gurung informed that the festival will be held on March 27 and 28 as a two-day programme. They also stated that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has granted in-principle approval for the festival, while the Tourism and Civil Aviation department of the Government of Sikkim is supporting the event.</p><p>The theme for this year’s festival is “Promoting Agro Tourism.” Stalls will be set up during the festival where local residents will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their organic crops and vegetables. As a community-based festival, traditional dances and cultural performances representing different communities of Sikkim will also be presented.</p><p>A traditional fashion show is also planned where local models and school students will walk the ramp wearing traditional attire of Sikkim to promote and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.</p><p>Advisor Canny Gurung informed that the festival was organised annually from 2006 to 2018 but was later discontinued due to various reasons including the COVID-19 pandemic and elections. He said the festival is being revived this year with a reconstituted committee, marking it as the 13th edition.</p><p>As part of the programme schedule, a marathon for both men and women will be organised on March 26. On March 27, the first day of the festival will conclude with a musical night featuring guest artists.</p><p>During the coordination meeting, the official logo of the 13th Lampokhari Lake Festival was also unveiled.</p><p>The ADLDS members also expressed gratitude to the festival’s chief patron, area MLA-cum-Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Puran Kumar Gurung, for his support.</p><p>On March 28, the organisers will hold a business interaction programme where local tourism stakeholders, including homestay and resort owners, will meet with tour and travel agencies from Darjeeling, Siliguri and nearby areas to discuss tourism promotion and collaboration.</p><p>The committee also highlighted various tourism spots in and around Aritar and Dalapchand, stating that the revival of the Lampokhari Lake Festival is expected to help promote tourism and generate economic opportunities in the region.</p><p><br></p>

from www.sikkimexpress.com https://ift.tt/0yfwChN
via IFTTT