Guwahati: Sikkim Ekta Diwas was held at MG Marg on Holi as requested by the Joint Action Council.
An “unequivocal” celebration of Holi took place at the occasion, in which Sikkimese people dressed traditionally. Idealistically, MG Marg is famed for hosting lavish celebrations there.
Construction for the G20 activities in mid-March interfered with the Holi and Ekta Diwas celebrations. Ekta Diwas began after 10 am with two hours spent debating with Sikkim Police about permission issues in the sight of a substantial police presence.
On celebrating in MG Marg, JAC President Shanta Pradhan asserted, “MG is the heart of Sikkim, unless and until we make our festival known to people that is why JAC decided to celebrate in MG Marg”.
Pradhan lamented at ‘miscommunication between JAC and Sikkim Police’ over permission to celebrate in MG Marg. Pradhan stated, “There was some form of miscommunication, our youth informed the administration and police, and we thought that was the permission. But later we learned it was not permitted. Unless and until we receive formal permission from the Police, we cannot celebrate any festival in MG Marg. We are celebrating without public oration and without any mic”.
However masses of people from various sections joining JAC carried out a rally, sloganeering calling for Bhutia Lepcha Nepali communities to unite to some cultural presentation as well. Pradhan justified, “Even the singing and dancing performances that were scheduled for the festival, will be done without the mic. It will not be done in a big way. Since we have already invited students and other performers, they have so much zeal and enthusiasm, it would be a great injustice to not allow them to perform. People from different nooks and corners, of different age groups from age 4 to senior citizens in traditional attires. We express our gratitude for uniting”.
Joint action council president Shanta Pradhan extended greetings for the Sikkim Ekta Diwas and the Holi Festival as well as for International Women’s Day.