Gangtok, Oct 29 The second edition of Blooming Yangang, a three-day flower exhibition-cum-sale, opened here on Thursday to showcase the region’s floriculture potential, local entrepreneurship and cultural heritage.
Inaugurating the event, Sikkim Roads and Bridges Minister N B Dahal said the initiative was encouraging local residents to take up agriculture and floriculture while promoting the area’s art and cultural traditions.
Organised by the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC) in collaboration with the state Agriculture and Horticulture Development Department and the Food Processing Department, the festival will continue till October 31.
This year’s edition has been expanded to the Namchi district level, bringing together flower growers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans and visitors on a common platform to showcase local products and explore opportunities in agriculture and tourism.
The exhibition aims to encourage commercial flower cultivation, strengthen local enterprise and position Yangang as an emerging destination for nature-based tourism.
Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and area MLA Raj Kumari Thapa said Blooming Yangang was conceived in line with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision of building a golden, prosperous and empowered Sikkim.
She urged residents of the Rangang-Yangang constituency to explore flower cultivation and small-scale enterprises as sustainable sources of livelihood, stressing the need to turn local resources into economic opportunities.
Thapa also highlighted the scope for value addition in floriculture, pointing out that flowers could be used in the preparation of beverages and teas. Such products could help local entrepreneurs diversify their offerings, develop new markets and generate additional income, she said.
The initiative provides an opportunity for farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about the commercial potential of floriculture and explore avenues beyond conventional agricultural activities.
The minister highlighted development initiatives undertaken in the Yangang area over the past seven years and stressed the importance of continued development and community participation. He said the festival was also helping promote the region’s cultural heritage alongside its agricultural potential, according to a press statement issued by the organisers.
Director of Sikkim INSPIRE Rohini Pradhan and Chairman of the Art, Culture and Heritage Development Board Sanjay Dilpali Rai also highlighted the importance of initiatives that support local development, preserve cultural traditions and expand economic opportunities.
Beyond the flower exhibition, Blooming Yangang seeks to bring tourism, agriculture and cultural promotion together, allowing local communities to showcase their skills, products and traditions to a wider audience. The organisers said the festival was intended to strengthen Yangang’s tourism profile while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through floriculture, entrepreneurship and community-led activities.
The event will conclude on October 31.
(PTI News)
