Grand Welcome for Prime Minister Modi in Gangtok: Cultural Pageantry and Naumati Baaja Resonate Through the Capital

Gangtok — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gangtok on Sunday to participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50 years of statehood celebrations. During his two-day visit, he is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony and other official engagements at Paljor Stadium on Monday.

Upon alighting at Deorali from the Libing Helipad, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a grand welcome by an enthusiastic crowd. Local residents, students, and representatives of various organisations lined the route, waving flags and cheering with applause, while the rhythmic sounds of the Naumati Baaja filled the air with a musical ambience. In the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and State BJP President DR Thapa, the Prime Minister’s entourage proceeded on a roadshow from Ganju Lama Dwar to Lok Bhawan.

At Lal Bazar Fatak, members of the Sikkim Marwari Samaj and the Muslim community welcomed him with chants and cheers. At Hospital Dara, the Tamang community presented a traditional dance performance, while at Zero Point, Self-Help Groups and the Newar Ghuti presented a Lakhey dance, a cultural expression symbolising the triumph of good over evil. At the Tashi Namgyal Academy Gate, representatives from Lachen-Mangan, Dzongu, and Kabi-Tingda constituencies extended their greetings. Members of the Gurung community presented traditional folk songs accompanied by the native Khaijari drum, while retired Sikkim Armed Police personnel and staff of the Tashiling Secretariat were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Modi later arrived at Lok Bhawan, where he was received by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Jitendra Singh Raje, and State Government officials. The visit is expected to further strengthen the development of Sikkim and its ties with the central government.