Bethi celebration in Geyzing reconnects Sikkim with Its agrarian traditions

The Bethi Celebration was successfully organised at Geyzing Omchung under the Geyzing–Bermiok constituency. The event, held to mark the beginning of the paddy plantation season, was a poignant reminder of Sikkim’s rich agrarian heritage and the importance of preserving age-old farming practices.

Spearheaded by the Agriculture Department in coordination with the District Administration, Gyalshing, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local farmers, officials, and villagers. The event was graced by Hon’ble Area MLA Shri Loknath Sharma, who has long been a proponent of sustainable development rooted in tradition.

Speaking at the celebration, Shri Sharma lauded the efforts of the Agriculture Department and district authorities for their role in reviving and promoting traditional farming rituals. “Events like Bethi are not just about sowing seeds in the field, but about planting a deeper awareness of who we are as a people. These customs remind us of the harmony we once shared with nature, and they must be preserved for the generations to come,” he said.

The Bethi ceremony, an age-old practice marking the commencement of rice planting, has historically served as both a spiritual and social occasion. Farmers gather to offer prayers for a fruitful harvest, seeking blessings from local deities and the earth itself before engaging in the season’s first plantation activity. This year’s event stayed true to that spirit, with rituals, traditional songs, and community feasts enriching the celebration.

Participants, especially elderly villagers, expressed joy at witnessing younger generations engaging in practices they once feared might fade away. Women in traditional attire joined in preparing the fields, while schoolchildren observed the rituals, capturing the essence of Sikkim’s agrarian legacy.

Officials from the Agriculture Department highlighted the ecological benefits of traditional paddy cultivation methods. Unlike modern techniques that often depend on chemical inputs, Sikkim’s heritage practices emphasize organic, sustainable farming—values that align with the state’s status as India’s first organic state.

District officials also reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting local farmers, not just through subsidies and equipment, but by preserving intangible cultural elements like Bethi that form the soul of rural life.