Gangtok, 25th May : A rich cultural and religious festival of Rai community
‘Sakewa’ is observed across the world. The festival is celebrated to
offer a greet to their deity. Sakewa is one festival which is celebrate
with great enthusiasm by all the Kirat Khambu Rai. It is also known as
Bhoomi Puja or Chandi Puja or land worshiping ceremony by others. It is
generally celebrated by all the Kirat Khambu Rai especially in villages.
They are basically nature worshipers and during the festival prayers are
offered to the natural supreme power. The creator of the universe for
peace, protection and well being of all living and non-living things of
the universe. Thus Sakewa festival is also celebrated with Sakewa Silli
or ceremonial daces which have their own significance and unique charm.
Dances in different postures depicting the behavior of animals, birds
etc are performed to express gratitude to the creator. Of the various
Silis, Chasum Sili is very popular. It is danced by depicting the
actions of planting of paddy, harvesting, husking, cooking and finally
eating the cooked rice.
In the state of Sikkim the general body of the community Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh AKRS is the major wing which organizes the festival with great laurel in different parts of each districts. According to the President of AKRS Dr SK Rai, Sakewa is being observed this time at Ranka, Sichey ,Chimchey, Kopchey.Assam Lingzey, Machong-Riwa, Aritar, Mangalbaria, Namchi.
In the state of Sikkim the general body of the community Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh AKRS is the major wing which organizes the festival with great laurel in different parts of each districts. According to the President of AKRS Dr SK Rai, Sakewa is being observed this time at Ranka, Sichey ,Chimchey, Kopchey.Assam Lingzey, Machong-Riwa, Aritar, Mangalbaria, Namchi.
In Mangalbaria West Sikkim under
Rinchenpong constituency , this reporter took great enthusiasm observing
the rich cultural festival which was celebrated today. The event was
presided by MLA of Rinchenpong constituency Sh Karma Sonam Lepcha as the
Chief Guest and T.Dorjee (UD&HD) Secretary graced as the guest of
honor.
During the celebration here the special
attraction of the cultural cum traditional event was a cultural
programme like, Rai Silli, Maruni Dance ,Saya Chongma Silli,Tamang
Dance, Lepcha,Bhutia, Nepali Dance
Dance, Buruwa Silli,Chasum Silli which was performed by the different students from Jhusingthang School, Mangalbaria Sr.sec. school, Chumbung and Sakyong.
While addressing the gatherings the Chief Guest Shri Lepcha apprised the gathering that SAKEWA is the one biggest festival of Rai community and its being celebrated across the world and it is the ethnic heritage festival of the Sikkimese people so we have to preserve it. Sikkim is a land of vivid cultural lineage, there is no any discrimination among the caste,creed,colour and religion. Everyone enjoys all festivals of the state with full enthusiasm and glory , he said. The delegates visited the different stalls of the arena interacting with the people dressing in traditional attire.
Dance, Buruwa Silli,Chasum Silli which was performed by the different students from Jhusingthang School, Mangalbaria Sr.sec. school, Chumbung and Sakyong.
While addressing the gatherings the Chief Guest Shri Lepcha apprised the gathering that SAKEWA is the one biggest festival of Rai community and its being celebrated across the world and it is the ethnic heritage festival of the Sikkimese people so we have to preserve it. Sikkim is a land of vivid cultural lineage, there is no any discrimination among the caste,creed,colour and religion. Everyone enjoys all festivals of the state with full enthusiasm and glory , he said. The delegates visited the different stalls of the arena interacting with the people dressing in traditional attire.
MLA Sh Karma Sonam Lepcha felicitated cum offered Shawl to BR Rai for
social-abilities and for this aspiring contribution for upliftment of
Rai community ever since many years. Similarly, MLA also handed over the
certificates of appreciation along with Rs.10,000 cash to one Abhinai
Rai for his sincerity and remarkable presentation, since 2013-2014 in
academic. Class V topper Abhinai Rai hails from Sapi Govt.School of West
Sikkim.
The main theme of celebration this time was for to bring peace and prosperity,communal harmony in the society, told AKRS to VOS. In the meantime,Suraj Rai (Org.Committee Advisor) highlighted over the significance of ‘SAKEWA’ in the gathering.
Similarly; president of ‘AKRS’ Sikkim Dr.SK Rai informed that ‘SAKEWA’ festival symbolizes the worship of mother nature as she is the ultimate source of life and protector of mankind.the festival of ‘Signifies the wisdom that our ancestors intended to pass to the subsequent generation as a traditional inb the quest to protect our environment, providing us the way of living in perfect harmony in nature. Later Chief Guest handed over the Cash prizes and certificates to all the participants. Accompanying delegates included Concern (BDO)Santosh Allay, Orgnising Committee President PD Rai, MK Rai (Co-ordinator), Vice president Dinesh Rai, Suraj Rai (Advisor),Officials and local dignitaries.
The main theme of celebration this time was for to bring peace and prosperity,communal harmony in the society, told AKRS to VOS. In the meantime,Suraj Rai (Org.Committee Advisor) highlighted over the significance of ‘SAKEWA’ in the gathering.
Similarly; president of ‘AKRS’ Sikkim Dr.SK Rai informed that ‘SAKEWA’ festival symbolizes the worship of mother nature as she is the ultimate source of life and protector of mankind.the festival of ‘Signifies the wisdom that our ancestors intended to pass to the subsequent generation as a traditional inb the quest to protect our environment, providing us the way of living in perfect harmony in nature. Later Chief Guest handed over the Cash prizes and certificates to all the participants. Accompanying delegates included Concern (BDO)Santosh Allay, Orgnising Committee President PD Rai, MK Rai (Co-ordinator), Vice president Dinesh Rai, Suraj Rai (Advisor),Officials and local dignitaries.
In South Sikkim, Namchi also Sakewa was obsered with zest and galore as
well as several parts in all four districts. Similarly in
Maneybung-Dentam constituency of West Sikkim MLA cum Minister Sh
Narendra Kumar Subba attended Sakewa celebration, is also informed.
Source: Voice of Sikkim