September 28, 2025, Gangtok — Sikkim’s partnership with the celebrated Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh marks a bold step by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, making Sikkim the first state ever to be named State Partner for this nationally acclaimed cultural event.
The partnership goes beyond cultural exchange, focusing on opportunity and innovation for Sikkim’s youth. A 200-plus member delegation including stakeholders, adventure riders, media professionals, and officials from Information, Public Relations, Tourism, Commerce and Industries Departments traveled from the Himalayas to Ziro Valley.
This is not a leisure trip but a living classroom and marketplace of ideas, said Press Secretary to Chief Minister Yougan Tamang. The initiative creates opportunities for Sikkim’s people, expands cultural and economic horizons, and inspires the next generation.
The Chief Minister’s vision is clear: a generation cannot innovate if it never steps outside familiar boundaries. By enabling Sikkim’s people to experience one of India’s most sustainable and creative festivals, he encourages them to unlearn and learn what limits growth.
Training programs empower local youth to design, build, and host one of India’s most respected cultural events. For Sikkim, this partnership offers an opportunity to witness how culture and enterprise can drive local economies while preserving heritage and protecting the environment.
This year marks the 13th edition of the Ziro Festival, founded in 2012 and celebrated for its passion, sustainability, and strong community involvement. Local artisans construct bamboo stages and infrastructure; indigenous tribes and musicians share their rich heritage.
Already, Sikkim’s presence has become a talking point at Ziro. The state’s dedicated pavilion is drawing curiosity and admiration. Visitors are engaging with Sikkim’s ‘Make in Sikkim’ brands, tasting local delicacies prepared by SHGs, and discovering why a small Himalayan State is celebrating 50 years of Statehood while remaining deeply rooted and forward-looking.
Tourism stakeholders are building new networks, presenting Sikkim as an essential destination for adventure, culture, and organic living. Bikers from Sikkim have ridden across the Northeast to arrive here, symbolizing connection and exploration.
This is not an isolated initiative. Last year, Sikkim’s similar partnership at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland proved transformative for many young participants, opening doors to collaborations, market access, and innovative ideas.
These opportunities are shaping a generation that is both proud of its identity and prepared to engage with the wider world. At its heart, this effort reflects the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay in believing in empowerment through exposure, in equipping youth with skills and confidence.
The partnership demonstrates how protecting and celebrating tradition advances progress when the state opens doors to new experiences, learning, and creative collaboration.