Gangtok: Sikkim celebrated Tendong Lho Rum Faat, the traditional nature-worshipping festival of the primitive Lepcha tribe on Friday. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) attended the State-level celebration at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, where he extended warm greetings to the people of Sikkim, especially the Lepcha community.
The Lepcha festival commemorates the legend of Tendong Hill in South Sikkim, which, according to oral tradition, saved their ancestors from a devastating flood in ancient times. When a great deluge submerged much of the land, Tendong Hill is believed to have risen above the waters, sheltering survivors until the floods receded. The day is observed in gratitude to Idburum, the Lepcha God, and to the sacred hill.
Sharing the folklore, Chewang Norbu Lepcha, President of the Sikkim Primitive Lepcha Welfare Board, recalled how the Lepcha ancestors, threatened by rising waters, sought refuge atop Tendong Hill. There, they prayed for safety, and legend says a divine bird appeared, transforming into a protective spirit that blessed the community and saved them from the flood. “Even today, the Lepcha people revere Tendong Hill and gather to offer prayers in gratitude for the divine protection,” he said.
Calling the festival a “celebration of faith” and a “living testament” to the Lepcha community’s deep bond with nature, the Chief Minister urged all to reflect on the vital role of the environment and renew efforts to protect Sikkim’s natural heritage.
The state-level event at Manan Kendra featured traditional prayers, cultural performances, and exhibitions highlighting Lepcha heritage. The celebration brought together community members, cultural bodies, and officials to honour the state’s rich traditions while promoting unity and environmental awareness.
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