Title: Hand Book on Nature Based Festivals of Sikkim
KeyWords: Hand Book on Nature Based Festivals of Sikkim,
Published by: SBFP, Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department
Author Name: SBFP, Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department
Printed Year: 2015
Editor:
Language: English
Pages: 28
Details:
FOREWORD
Sikkim is a state endowed with rich and unique biodiversity and distinct cultural values. Hence, it is of utmost importance to conserve and protect these valuable resources for the benefit of both the present and future generations. The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation & Forest Management Project (SBFP) was being conceptualised and implemented in the State to achieve this aim. The Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department (FEWMD) is the implementing agency for this project. SBFP focuses on 3 core areas of intervention namely; Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourism and Joint Forest Management.
Under the ecotourism component of SBFP, the project aims to improve the ecotourism profile of Sikkim through structured interventions. As the initial step in this direction, Government of Sikkim notified the SBFP Sikkim Ecotourism Policy, 2012 drafted by the SBFP team. Currently, the project is working in 11 notified ecotourism zones of the State in order to develop new and innovative ecotourism based products and services. While these products are evolved from the typical biodiversity and cultural features available for the local area, they are conceived to support the conservation efforts while creating more and more livelihood opportunities for the local people. Further these products and services are being marketed in the national and international ecotourism markets and thereby ensuring to position Sikkim as one of the most desired ecotourism destinations in the country.
This Handbook on Nature based Festivals of Sikkim is an attempt to facilitate ecotourism by show casing at a glance the diversity of Sikkimese culture as represented by an array of festivals. Festivals and fairs are popular tourism products which attract tourists from distant places. There are many nature-based festivals celebrated in the state. Capturing some of the important nature based festivals, this handbook is envisioned as an information source about the various festivals, their background, important festivities and rituals, festival venues, dates, etc. I hope that this handbook on nature based festivals of Sikkim will benefit tourists, tourism industry partners and all others concerned, as they explore this unique land and its people.
Dr. Thomas Chandy, IFS
PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary