Pakyong, March 26 : The 13th edition of the Lampokhari Tourism Festival 2026, themed “Experience Heritage, Celebrate Culture, Discover Nature,” commenced at Lampokhari Lake, Aritar, today.
Organised by the Aritar Dalapchand Lampokhari Lake Tourism Development Society (ADLDS), the festival aims to promote tourism in the region while creating entrepreneurial opportunities for the local community through B2B engagements and cultural exchange.
The inaugural programme was graced by the Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Development, Mr Bikram Pradhan as the Chief Guest.
Also present were OSD, IT Department, Mr Bum Tshering Yonzon; DPO (Zilla), Mr Sonam Zangpo Bhutia; DE, Power Department, Mr Ramesh Pradhan; SDPO Rongli, Mr Sanjay Rai; BDO, Rhenock, Mr SK Dhungana, along with officials from various departments, police personnel, members of the organising committee, and general public.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr Bikram Pradhan underscored the importance of collective effort and community participation in organising such events, further stressing the need to foster a sense of belonging to sustain such initiatives. He also reiterated the vision of Chief Minister to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through tourism-driven development and commended the organisers for successfully reviving the festival.
Further, he encouraged the attendees to effectively utilise social media platforms to showcase and promote the region’s tourism potential to a wider audience.
SDM Rongli, Mr Suren Kumar Pradhan, lauded the efforts of the organising committee for successfully executing the event within a short span of time and stressed that the revival of the festival would provide a renewed platform for local businesses and contribute to the economic upliftment of the region.
Advisor ADLDS, Mr Canny Gurung highlighted the vision of the festival and stated that the event aims to promote tourism, adventure sports and cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local stakeholders and entrepreneurs.
The inaugural day commenced with the Lampokhari Run, conducted in both men’s and women’s categories to raise awareness about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and promote sports and tourism in the region.
The festival also featured exhibitions by Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, along with ATMA, Pakyong District which showcased government initiatives, farmer-oriented modern technologies and products.
Additionally Officials of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary under Forest and Environment Department presented displays on human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures, raising awareness among the public on coexistence and safety practices.
Stalls by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department and the Fisheries Department also added to the informative aspect of the event, highlighting the diverse opportunities and initiatives within the sector.
The day featured cultural performances, motivational talks delivered by Mr Premus Bhutia and “Marathon Man of Sikkim,” Mr Amar Subba, followed by a prize distribution ceremony honouring the winners and participants of the Lampokhari Run.
The 13th Lampokhari Tourism Festival 2026 will continue over the next two days, featuring a host of cultural and promotional activities aimed at strengthening and celebrating tourism.
