Delhi Secretariat hosts grand Sikkim Day celebration
The Delhi Government on Monday organised a grand cultural programme at the Delhi Secretariat to celebrate Sikkim Day, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta describing the Himalayan state as a national model for environmental conservation, organic farming and cultural harmony.
The event featured traditional Sikkimese folk performances, including Singhi Chham, Khampa, Tamang Selo and Mask Dance, performed by 10 artists. The programme highlighted the cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and natural identity of Sikkim through music and dance presentations.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister extended greetings to the people of Sikkim and praised the state’s contribution in fields such as tourism, education, environmental protection and national unity. She said Sikkim had emerged as an inspiration for the country by becoming India’s first fully organic state through complete adoption of organic farming practices. “Sikkim has set a benchmark in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The state has consistently given the message of peace, progress and unity,” the Chief Minister said during the event.
She added that Sikkim’s achievements in tourism and ecological preservation offered important lessons for the rest of the country, particularly at a time when environmental challenges were becoming increasingly serious.
The programme was organised by the Sahitya Kala Parishad under the Department of Art, Culture and Languages of the Delhi Government. Officials said the event was part of the Delhi Government’s broader initiative to celebrate the foundation days and cultural traditions of different states across the country.
Minister for Art, Culture and Languages Kapil Mishra said the initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, aimed at strengthening national unity through cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
He said such events help younger generations learn about India’s diverse traditions and strengthen emotional connections between different regions of the country. “Delhi is home to people from every part of India. Celebrating the cultural identity of every state helps deepen national integration and respect for diversity,” Mishra said.
The minister added that the Delhi Government would continue organising cultural festivals and state foundation day events to showcase India’s rich heritage. The audience at the Delhi Secretariat witnessed performances rooted in Sikkim’s spiritual and folk traditions. The Singhi Chham dance, associated with the snow lion symbol of Sikkim, drew particular attention for its elaborate costumes and symbolic storytelling.
Officials said the performances reflected themes linked to nature, faith and harmony, which remain central to Sikkim’s cultural identity. The event also highlighted the state’s development journey and achievements in promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism.
Several attendees appreciated the effort to bring regional cultural traditions to the national Capital through live performances and public events. The Delhi Government said such programmes play an important role in promoting awareness about the traditions, languages and artistic heritage of different states among residents of the capital. Sikkim Day is observed every year to commemorate the state’s merger with the Indian Union in 1975.
