The Spirit of Sikkim

Ever wondered, in a far flung village to the eastern tip of the country, 13000ft closer to God, under the umbrella of misty clouds, what would be the spirit of the people on an important national day like the Independence Day?

Yes, this is Thegu a tiny Hamlet in the beautiful land of Sikkim to the east of the state. Tricolour in all sizes fluttering all around, painted on the walls, even on the faces and pinned onto the chest of all, young and old.

Having been a witness to the big north Indian town festivities earlier, the patriotic fervor of these cheerful people seemed to dull out the earlier ones. As an invitee to the beautiful event organized by the collective strength of six odd villages, it is a lifetime opportunity to be a part of such an occasion.

Welcomed by the couples and young girls dancing to the sonorous tunes of Nepali and Hindi songs as part of the dance competition organized, the spirits went up instantly. It was good to see the village girls put in their best in the volleyball match The boys team displayed a game of very high standard, not often found even in district level teams to the other side of the Chicken’s Neck.

The prize distribution was equally entertaining and we could hear the continuation of the festivities in the form of music and loud voices late into the night, long after we broke off.