Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong, January 02:

Three-day long Kalimpong Tea and Tourism festival kick started today amid pomp and gaiety. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Deputy Chief Col Ramesh Allay inaugurated the festival. Different communities today showcased their diverse culture and lured thousands of people gathered for the occasion.

Similarly, Sabhasad Ramesh Lama inaugurated the Janmukti Park which had exquisite flower exhibition. There is also a telescope in the park for the tourists and the locals to have a glimpse of the stars. The main stalls of the festival have been set up at the Mela ground and in the Main road. The Main road has display of Cinchona, rubber and different medicinal plants. The handicrafts and the traditional cuisine are also exhibited.

On the other hand Mela ground has photo exhibition, military arms, paragliding and the main stage for the traditional programmes. The paintings are exhibited at the Town hall. The main attraction is the helicopter joy ride which is Rs 3000 per person.

Col Allay in his address said that Gorkhaland is the demand of the GJM after GTA. The infrastructure of the Hills will be totally changed with these kind of festivals in the Hills.

The evening was more glittering with several local bands mesmerizing the crowd.

The Working President of celebration committee Raju Pradhan, Tourism Department Sabhasad Dawa Lepcha, Cinchona Sabhasad Samuel Gurung, Higher Education and Library Department Sabhasad Dr RB Bhujel, members of 27 Mountain Division, Sabhasads Nima Tamang, Kazim Tshering Bhutia, Sunil Pradhan, Gopal Ruchal, Kalpana Tamang and CP Poudyal were also present.