Namchi is now the only all time tourist destination: Tourism Minister

Namchi,Nov04 : The district town of South Sikkim, Namchi, is at present the only all time tourist destination which has the potential to draw more than 1000 tourists daily by the year 2015, said the Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel on Tuesday. He was speaking as chief guest at Namchi Mahotsav 2009 which was inaugurated by Monday by Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.
Mr. Dhungel highlighted the rich tradition and culture of Sikkim which, he said, adds to the prospect of the state tourism sector to advance in national and international level. He urged the educated unemployed youth of Sikkim to take tourism as a profession in view of the development of infrastructures done by the state government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Chamling.
The cultural programme on the second day of the Mahotsav for the first time included kite festival as a special attraction. People were thrilled to witness locals, tourists and experts from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, flying kites of various designs at Assangthang Helipad from 9 in the morning. Moreover, sever colourful cultural events were impressively presented on the day

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling to inaugurate 'Namchi Mahotsav' tomorrow.

Namchi,November01: The chief minister of Sikkim, Dr.Pawan Chamling is on visit to Namchi for the inauguration of the 6th Namchi Mahotsav being held at Bhaichung Stadium,Namchi . The annual tourist festival of South Sikkim will be held at Namchi and Kazitar for three days beginning tomorrow on Nov2,2009.

The festival is part of an endeavor by the government to showcase the cultures and traditions of the ethnic communities in Sikkim. It is believed that these sorts of festivals will help in attracting more tourists. The Namchi Mahotsav is organised by the state tourism and the South district administration.

Namchi is decorated with flowers for the three day festival with flowers like chrysanthemums, dendrobiums and more than 15 other categories. A contest is also being held to award the best bloom in the festival.

There are a number of stalls representing the tradition, culture, dress, food and lifestyles of the various communities – and traditional houses of the Nepalis, Bhutias and the Lepchas has also been erected in the festival area.

The attractions of Namchi Mahotsav 2009 includes Traditional cultural shows,flower exhibition, traditional nepalese instrumental music programme, Nachyo Babari finals,helicopter joyrides and ethnic food stalls.

meanwhile, Excise department has declared dry days on Nov 2 to 4 on account of Namchi Mahotsav.

Namchi Mahotsav for tourists from November 2 in Sikkim

Namchi,October30: Namchi is all set to host the annual Namchi Mahotsav from November 2nd,2009 .The three days tourist festival will take place at Bhaichung Stadium of Namchi.

Namchi, district headquarters of South Sikkim is the destination for thousands of tourists who come here in October each year for the annual Namchi Mahotsav, a unique festival showcasing the traditional culture of Sikkim.

Stalls of ethnic handloom and handicrafts are put up along with traditional houses of the three indigenous communities. Marriage rituals of the three are also enacted for the benefit of tourists. Food is the big draw at the Mahotsav with stalls serving authentic ethnic food of ten communities. Open air day programmes are held at the town square over the five afternoons with artists from the state and outside entertaining the audience with special performances. Evening programmes include fashion shows, music and dances.
This year,'Kutumba' a music band from Nepal which is purely based on instrumental will perform along with the local bands and artists.The Mahotsav will also feature performance of Darjeeling carnival with participations of locals as well. According to the organisers, Sikkim Heli Service will be roped in for the interested persons to have an aerial view of Samdruptse and Solophok from November 1 to 5. Rupees 1000/- per head will be charged for the same,it is informed.The arrangement for the heli-service from Gangtok to Bagdogra and back via Namchi will fly on these five days. Interestingly, 'Kite-Show' will also be held at Assangthang Helipad from 8.30am on November 3.The flower show especially on Chrysanthemum will be integral  part of the Namchi Mahotsav.The organisers also inormed that Lingey Ping will be additional attractive.