08/08/2026
Message on the Auspicious Occasion of Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026
My dear brothers and sisters of Sikkim,
On the joyous and sacred occasion of Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the entire people of Sikkim, especially to our Lepcha community, the first inhabitants and guardians of our land.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is much more than a festival, it is a timeless reminder of our shared heritage, our reverence for nature, and the enduring bond between humanity and the divine. The sacred Tendong Hill, standing as a symbol of protection, hope, and resilience, occupies a unique place in the spiritual and cultural consciousness of Sikkim. According to the cherished Lepcha tradition, Tendong Hill rose to protect our ancestors during the great deluge, teaching us that nature is not merely a resource but our protector, guide, and eternal companion.
On this auspicious day, we offer our deepest reverence to the sacred Teesta and Rangeet Rivers, the lifelines of Sikkim, whose pristine waters have nurtured our valleys, sustained our communities, shaped our history, and enriched our civilisation since time immemorial. Flowing gracefully through the heart of our Himalayan homeland, these rivers remind us of the inseparable relationship between people and nature. Along with the Teesta and Rangeet, we honour every mountain, forest, lake, stream, and valley that makes Sikkim a land of extraordinary natural and spiritual beauty.
With profound devotion, I bow before Itbu-moo, the Divine Mother Creator, Fudongthing and Nazong Nyu, the revered ancestors of the Lepcha people; and all the sacred deities and guardian spirits who protect our land. I also offer my humble prayers to Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim, and seek the blessings of all the deities and protective spirits revered by the people of Sikkim across every faith and tradition. May their divine grace continue to safeguard our land, our rivers, our forests, our culture, and every family that calls Sikkim home.
Sikkim’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst diversity. Tendong Lho Rum Faat reminds us that while we belong to different communities, languages, and faiths, we are united by our love for this sacred Himalayan land and our shared responsibility to preserve its rich cultural heritage and fragile environment for generations to come.
As we celebrate this sacred festival, let us renew our commitment to protecting Tendong Hill, Mount Khangchendzonga, the sacred Teesta and Rangeet Rivers, our forests, wildlife, and the ecological treasures that define Sikkim. Let us embrace the values of harmony, compassion, respect, and collective responsibility, and work together to build a just, progressive, environmentally conscious, and united Sikkim.
On behalf of the Citizen Action Party – Sikkim, I once again extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to every family. May the blessings of Tendong Hill, Mount Khangchendzonga, the sacred Teesta and Rangeet Rivers, and all the revered deities of Sikkim bring peace, happiness, good health, prosperity, and harmony to every home.
Happy Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2026!
Achuley! Jai Sikkim.
Ganesh K. Rai.
