Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Preparations for Sikkim Pang Lhabsol festival begins


GANGTOK, August 11: Preparations for the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations have begun.
The President of Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee Thukchuk Lachungpa today said that the festival held in honour of Mt Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim would be carried out with usual pomp and gaiety.
Addressing a press conference at his office here today, Mr. Lachungpa said the celebration will begin from September 2 with ritual prayers. “From September 4 onwards, a variety of cultural programmes of different communities will be organised,” he said.
The president of the celebration committee added that Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh will be the chief guest on the final day programme while Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be attending the programme as the guest of honour.
The celebration to be held at the State Capital will have participation from students from schools in and around Gangtok along with participation from other NGOs, clubs and other associations. “There are separate categories for students as well for the NGOs, clubs and associations with lots of attractive prizes,” Mr Lachungpa said.
This year the Pang Lhabsol falls on September 4, coinciding with the 15th day of the seventh Buddhist month.
He further said that the committee will take up the initiative of sponsoring financially deprived students who secure above 80 percent in their board exams for their degree courses.