Lepcha groups unite to plan grand Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025 celebration in Gangtok
Organizers also deliberated on increasing outreach through schools, cultural forums, and social media to ensure younger generations understand the historical and ecological relevance of the festival.
LOCAL
In a move to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the indigenous Lepcha community, three key organizations — the Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (RMRT), Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA), and the Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Kup (RMRK) — came together for a crucial meeting at Kurmom Lee, Gangtok, on Monday. The agenda: to lay the groundwork for the grand celebration of Tendong Lho Rum Faat 2025, one of the most sacred festivals of the Lepcha people.
The meeting was chaired by Hon’ble Minister Ren Samdup Lepcha, who is also known for his commitment to promoting indigenous traditions and spiritual values. Addressing the gathering, Minister Lepcha underlined the spiritual importance of the Tendong Hill and urged all stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the occasion while ensuring broad-based participation across generations.
“The Tendong Lho Rum Faat is not just a ritualistic festival, but a living testimony of our deep-rooted connection to the land and the divine. It is our duty to protect and nurture it for the future,” Minister Lepcha remarked during the discussion.
The meeting saw robust participation from cultural leaders, youth representatives, and community elders, all of whom emphasized the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach. Detailed planning was initiated regarding the ceremonial procession, traditional performances, inter-village participation, and eco-sensitive practices to be followed during the celebrations.
Organizers also deliberated on increasing outreach through schools, cultural forums, and social media to ensure younger generations understand the historical and ecological relevance of the festival. The community plans to host workshops and storytelling sessions in the lead-up to the event to educate and engage the youth.
“Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a celebration of survival, gratitude, and harmony with nature. As we prepare for the 2025 edition, we want it to resonate across Sikkim and beyond,” said one of the youth coordinators from SLYA.