Sikkim Update

1st Sikkim Travel & Tourism Fair 2026

Sikkim is all set to host the 1st Sikkim Travel & Tourism Fair (STTF) 2026 at Ridge Park, Gangtok, on 21st & 22nd November 2026.

A platform bringing together the tourism, hospitality, travel, culture, adventure and business community under one roof to Connect, Explore & Grow.

📍 Venue: Ridge Park, Gangtok
📅 Date: 21st–22nd November 2026
🏢 Stall Bookings Now Open
📞 For Stall Booking & Details: +91 8944014912

Be part of Sikkim’s first Travel & Tourism Fair.

All Sikkim Government Drivers’ Association Extends Support to Rimbi Landslide-Affected Area

The All Sikkim Government Drivers’ Association, led by President Chopel Dorjee Bhutia, Vice President M.B. Gurung, Treasurer Santosh Chettri and team, visited the landslide-affected Rimbi area.

The association provided relief materials and manpower to support the construction of a new relief camp for the affected residents.

The initiative reflects the association’s support and solidarity with families affected by the landslide.

PRESS RELEASE

Grand Finale of 157th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2026 Held at Sudunglakha

The 10-day-long 157th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2026 concluded today at Government Secondary School, Sudunglakha, Chujachen Constituency, with enthusiasm, cultural vibrancy and a strong spirit of sportsmanship and community participation.

The grand finale featured the much-awaited Inter-GPU Under-20 Football Competition, organised under Chujachen Constituency. The final match witnessed an exciting contest between Kingstone Boys and SUFC, with SUFC emerging victorious as champions with a convincing 6–1 win over Kingstone Boys.

The celebration also featured the Inter-School Primary Level Dance Competition, where young students showcased their talent, creativity and cultural expressions. Bethel Academy secured the first position, followed by Lower Sudunglakha Primary School in second position and PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock in third position.

The grand finale was graced by Shri Bikram Pradhan, Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs, as the Chief Guest, along with special guests, parents, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) members and other distinguished dignitaries.

The presence and encouragement of the guests, parents, teachers and community members added significance to the celebration and motivated the participating students. The event reflected the values associated with the teachings and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, including unity, discipline, peace, dedication and community participation.

The 10-day celebration provided a platform for students and young participants to demonstrate their sporting abilities, cultural talent and teamwork. The concluding programme also acknowledged the collective efforts of students, teachers, parents, organisers and the wider community in making the celebration a success.

The grand finale concluded on a memorable note, serving as a fitting tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi while celebrating unity, teamwork, sportsmanship and togetherness within the community.

| The State Government is hereby pleased to allow Officers and Staff of the Government Offices to leave office at 1:30 P.M to witness the matches of 42nd All India Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament from 5th to 16th October 2026, being held at Palzor Stadium.

1st Sikkim Travel & Tourism Fair 2026

“Discover Sikkim. Connect with the World.”

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of travel, tourism, culture and opportunities at the 1st Sikkim Travel & Tourism Fair.

📍 Ridge Park, Gangtok
📅 21–22 November 2026

Presented by Panda Event Management, with the support of the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim.

📞 For details & participation: 89440 14912

Come, explore. Come, connect. Come, experience Sikkim!

PRESS RELEASE
Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF)
1 October 2026

SDF WELCOMES RISING SUPPORT FOR PARTY STAND ON SPECIAL SESSION OF SIKKIM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

The recent “Sikkim-Darjeeling merger” issue has generated considerable concern and unrest among the people of Sikkim. Since the four-point proposal, “Road Map for a Permanent Political Solution,” put forward by Shri Mahendra P. Lama, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, entered the public domain, a growing sense of insecurity and apprehension has emerged among the people.

Option 4 of the proposed roadmap envisages the inclusion of contiguous areas - which specially includes Sikkim - around the eight districts of North Bengal to create a separate state. The proposal has therefore raised legitimate questions about the future territorial and political identity of Sikkim.

The SDF’s position on this matter is clear. As stated by Shri Pawan Chamling, former Chief Minister and Hon’ble President of the Sikkim Democratic Front, on 25 September 2026, the immediate and appropriate course of action is for the SKM Government to convene a Special Session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and pass a resolution making it unequivocally clear that Sikkim shall not be merged with North Bengal.

It is also important to recall that the SDF Government, on 29 March 2011, passed a resolution supporting the demand for Gorkhaland. The SDF has consistently maintained its position on matters concerning the political and territorial identity of Sikkim. It is SDF’s core ideology and stand to maintain the special status and integrity of Sikkim as enshrined within the Constitution of India.

Given that the present proposal has been put forward, not by any individual but by the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, questions naturally arise as to whether the proposals have been put forth on the direction and knowledge of the Chief Minister of Sikkim. Whether or not the proposal reflects the Government’s official position, the responsibility lies with the SKM Government to provide the people of Sikkim with a clear answer.

A Special Session of the Legislative Assembly must be therefore convened immediately to address these concerns, clarify the SKM Government’s position, and reaffirm Sikkim’s distinct geographical and political identity.

The People’s Rally in Gangtok today has further echoed SDF’s position and demand for a Special Session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on the matter. There is a rising consensus amongst the people of Sikkim and civil society at large in line with the party stand that the way forward is to convene a Special Session and resolution which we welcome wholeheartedly.

In keeping with the party’s stated position, we again reiterate our demand for a Special Session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution and make clear the distinct and separate political and territorial identity of Sikkim.

Yojna Khaling Rai
Spokesperson
Sikkim Democratic Front

Sikkim Motorsports Secures Podium Glory at Asia’s Toughest Rally

Manali, Oct 1: Sikkim Motorsports has added another significant milestone to its growing legacy with an impressive performance at the 6th edition of the JK Tyre Rally of the Himalayas (ROH), widely regarded as one of Asia’s most demanding rally competitions, held across Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Representing Team Sikkim, driver Annapurna Alley and navigator Puran Tamang delivered a remarkable performance to secure the first runner-up position in the Pro category of the TSD four-wheeler rally, standing out in a field defined by endurance, precision and skill.

The rally commenced on 26 September in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, and concluded on 30 September 2026 at Padum in Zanskar, Ladakh. Traversing some of the most unforgiving landscapes in the region, the route cut through the rugged expanses of Spiti and Lahaul Valley before entering Zanskar district via the formidable Shinkhula Pass. Competitors were tested by an ever-changing surface of snow, mud and tarmac, making the event as unpredictable as it was punishing.

More than 144 cars and motorcycles from across the country participated in the rally, which featured Extreme, Moto and TSD categories. The scale of participation and the severity of the terrain once again underscored the stature of the Rally of the Himalayas as a premier motorsport event in the region.

The rally was organised by Himalayan X-Treme Motorsports.

Sikkim State Open Basketball Championship 2026 Begins Today in Gangtok

The Sikkim State Open Basketball Championship 2026 began today with a grand opening ceremony in Gangtok. The five-day championship, organised by the Basketball Association of Sikkim, will be held from October 1 to 5, 2026, at two venues — the Indoor Basketball Court, Paljor Stadium, and the Indoor Basketball Court, PNG, Gangtok.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by SIMFED Chairman Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia as the Chief Guest. Shri Bhutia is also serving as the Chief Patron of the championship.

Mrs. Hondala Gyaltsen, Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, is also serving as a Patron and has extended her support towards the promotion and development of sports in the state.

The tournament is being organised under the visionary leadership and direction of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), with the aim of promoting basketball and providing a competitive platform for players from Sikkim and beyond.

Men’s Category

The Men’s competition features teams from Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, Odisha and NF Railways, divided into two pools.

Pool A:

- NF Railways
- Yetis, Namchi
- Demi Monks
- Tashiling
- Druk Da, Bhutan
- ISA, Nepal

Pool B:

- KVC Hounds, Nepal
- Ravens, Gangtok
- Vikings, Gangtok
- M3 Panthers, Odisha

Women’s Category

The Women’s category will see participation from teams representing Sikkim, Nepal, Meghalaya and Kolkata:

- Meghalaya Basketball Association
- Ravens, Gangtok
- Loreto College, Kolkata
- Hawks, Gangtok
- ISA, Nepal
- S.B. Academy, Nepal

With teams from different states and neighbouring countries taking part, the championship is expected to provide an exciting platform for basketball talent while further strengthening the sporting culture in Sikkim.

The Basketball Association of Sikkim has invited basketball enthusiasts and sports lovers to attend the matches and support the participating teams throughout the five-day championship.