Rankey Mela Celebration, 2024 commences with great fervour in Namchi

Namchi, July 16(IPR): The two-day long Rakhey Mela Celebration 2024, organised by Rankey Mela Celebration Committee(RMCC) in collaboration with District Administrative Centre commenced with great zeal and enthusiasm at the Convention hall of Kishan Market, today.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mr Bhoj Raj Rai Minister for Urban Development Department as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia MLA Barfung, Mr Madan Cintury MLA Zoom-Salghari, Mr Ganesh Rai Chairman NMC, Ms Sabitri Tamang Vice Chairman NMC, Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, Mr Subash Ghimirey ADC Namchi, along with SDMs, HoOs, officers from various line departments, members of RMCC and public at large.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai extended his warm wishes to the public of Namchi on the auspicious occasion of Rankey Mela ,2024. He acknowledged the dedication of the committee in making this historic festival successful as it remarks triumph of good over evil ushering the prosperity of the district.
Further, he also informed that this festival is celebrated during culmination of the agricultural season to chase away the disease and bad luck by burning the effigy of Rankey Bhoot, which in earlier days were believed to threaten the crops and harvests.
In his concluding remarks, he stressed on the importance of safeguarding and preserving one’s culture and traditions and urged the people of Namchi to support the government in maintaining the town clean and safe for the public. He also applauded the state’s government unwavering commitment in enhancing the infrastructural development of the district.
Marking the significance of the occasion, Mr Tashi Dorjee Tamang Vice President RMCC gave an overview on the significance of the celebration and informed that the main highlight of Rankey Mela is the ceremonial burning of the effigy of Rankey Bhoot on the evening of 16 July that symbolises the exclusion of negativity and cleansing of the land for a fruitful future.
He informed that this celebration also provides a platform to showcase the rich culinary and artisanal heritage of Namchi. He also encouraged the young generation to participate in such events and preserve the cultural heritage for the future generations.
During the programme, the Chief guest was felicitated by the organising committee along with other special guests, which was followed by a release of brochure on the historical background of Rankey Mela Celebration in Namchi.
The celebration also witnessed series of activities including rural games, State Level Women Marathon and Women Senior Citizens Walkathon, cultural performances by various ethnic communities and displacement of on-going schemes of various departments. To mark the occassion with the touch of indigenous flavour, traditional food stalls have also been setup by different communities.
Earlier today, the welcome address was delivered by Ms Roma Tamang Patron RMCC. Similarly, the vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Nima Choden Lepcha Councillor NMC.
To generate the importance of sound health, Namchi Rankey Mela celebration conducted Open Womens Marathon and Open Women Senior Citizen Walkathon on the first day of the event.
Wherein, Ms Chandrakala Sharma from Gangtok bagged the first place followed by Ms Anjali Subba from Gangtok secured the second place and Ms Meena Kumari Subba from Mangan secured the third place in the Open Womens Marathon category.
Similarly, Mrs Sarmila Rai from Purano Namchi secured the first place followed by Mrs Rita Gurung from Singhithang in the second place and Mrs Pushpa Pradhan from Kazitar secured the third place in the Open Women Senior Citizen Walkathon category.