It is raining fests in the hills at a time when the Kanchenjungha is sparkling against clear blue skies after months of rain.
On Wednesday, a five-day Gorkha Mela was inaugurated at Kalimpong Mela Tar. The fair, organised by the Gorkha Gaurav Sanstan, aims at promoting local culture.
“The mela, from 3pm to 8pm, will go on till October 23,” said Narendra Tamang, one of the organisers.
Kalimpong will also host the Silk Route Festival from November 3 to 7. The event is being organised by Mani Trust Kalimpong. “Kalimpong was a key trading hub when India did business with Tibet via the Jelepa-la,” said Subash Mani Singh, chairman of the trust, adding they would highlight this aspect.
The pass was closed after the India-China war of 1962.
Last Sunday, Run with Roshni, a foundation started by Roshini Rai, a marathon runner from Kalimpong, held the 10km and 5km Kalimpong Run.
Darjeeling is not left behind.
Darjeeling Photographic Society held a photography exhibition in at the Capitol Hall premises after two years in Darjeeling over the weekend. Ashis Rai, its president, said: “Amid the pandemic, we had to organise the event online. Our sole aim is to give new photographers a platform.”
On Capitol Hall premises, Darjeeling Haat, a cultural food festival, will start from Thursday and go on till October 30. “It is a 10-day celebration of the best produce of Darjeeling,” said an organiser.
Mankind in Action for Rural Growth (MARG), a Darjeeling-based nonprofit known for its work on anti-human trafficking, will hold “Run for Fun, Run for a Cause” to create awareness against violence towards women and children on October 22.
A chess competition has been lined up by Darjeeling police on October 28 and 29.
Over the weekend, Kurseong saw the Pinetree Festival at Rohini where bands from Darjeeling and Sikkim performed before an enthusiastic crowd.
"Events promoting the region are always welcome for the tourism industry, which strengthens hill economy and generates local employment,” said Rajesh Rajak, general manager, the Pinetree Spa Resorts.
