11.jAN 2009
NEW DELHI: It's hard to imagine that Gangtok is nearly 1600 km from Delhi. It seems just next door....With the sound of drums wafting on the cool
winter breeze, traditionally dressed youngsters wreathed in welcoming smiles, thousands of richly-hued orchids nodding along the pathways and a pair of energetic `snow lions' cavorting amid the greenery, Sikkim is truly holidaying in Delhi's Garden of Five Senses for a brief weekend !
The Sikkim Festival, presented by the state government in association with the Times of India Group, is bringing more than a whiff of the magical mountain paradise to frenetic Delhi. It's showcasing the ethos and philosophy of a unique little Himalayan niche which its native Lepcha people call Nyemae-el or Abode of the Gods. And it seems an apt name, given the sheer beauty of the land, its aura of tranquility and harmony amid the turmoil of the north east, and the unshakeable good humour on the faces of its people.
Even as eyes widen at the sight of rows and rows of gloriously-coloured, shiny orchids, and the piles of mandarin oranges, kiwi fruit and plump ginger tubers, it's not difficult to nod in affirmation of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's pen picture of an idyllic, ancient region devoted to the new mantra of the 21st century, sustainable development. Even the dances presented by the Lepchas, Bhutias, Limbus and Nepalis, underline each community's deep attachment to nature and Sikkim's rooted culture.
Opening the two-day event in the presence of state Governor BP Singh, the three-term CM eloquently evoked not only Sikkim's commitment to taking the organic path to prosperity, but also its multifaceted attractions for the modern traveller, from natural beauty and adrenalin-pumping sports to spiritual solace and healing solitudes. From handicrafts to flowers, traditional food and music to tourist attractions, the best of Sikkim is on show. Delhiwallas have to travel only as far as Said ul Ajab on Sunday to experience it and then plan a trip to that paradise at the foot of the Kanchenjunga...
( Source:TOI)
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