Muk Jingding Asung Festival Celebrated in Rion, Tribute Paid to Padma Shri Sonam Chhiring Lepcha
Kalimpong, February 20 2026: The Lepcha community in Kalimpong district marked the sacred festival of Muk Jingding Asung on Thursday with traditional rituals, cultural observances, and a tribute ceremony honouring one of its most respected cultural figures. The celebration was held at Rion under the 41 No. constituency, drawing participation from community leaders, educators, and public representatives.
Muk Jingding Asung is regarded as one of the important spiritual festivals of the Lepcha people, symbolising harmony with nature, ancestral remembrance, and the preservation of indigenous traditions. The event this year carried added significance with the unveiling of a statue dedicated to the late cultural icon Sonam Chhiring Lepcha.
Unveiling of Statue Honours Cultural Legacy
A statue of Padma Shri awardee Sonam Chhiring Lepcha was formally unveiled during the ceremony. Sonam Chhiring Lepcha, who was conferred the Padma Shri for his contributions to preserving Lepcha music, language, and folklore, remains a revered figure within the community and across the Darjeeling hills.
The tribute was attended by his family members, including Professor Narbu Chhiring Lepcha, a Padma Shri awardee herself and his spouse. Academics and cultural scholars present at the event recalled his lifelong efforts to document and promote traditional Lepcha songs, instruments, and oral heritage.
Community leaders described the installation of the statue as a symbolic step toward ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots. “His work safeguarded our identity at a time when indigenous languages and traditions faced serious challenges,” one speaker noted during the event.
Festival Observed with Traditional Rituals
Muk Jingding Asung is deeply rooted in Lepcha spiritual belief systems, often involving prayers, offerings, and community gatherings. The festival reflects the community’s close relationship with nature, a defining aspect of Lepcha worldview.
Local elders explained that the observance emphasises gratitude for natural resources and seeks blessings for collective well-being. Cultural performances, including traditional songs and dances, were part of the programme, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of the Lepcha people.
The function was presided over by Dorji Lepcha, while Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha attended as chief guest. In his address, the MLA stressed the importance of protecting indigenous culture and language in the face of rapid modernisation.
“Cultural preservation is not only about remembering the past; it is about shaping a confident future,” he said, urging youth to actively participate in community initiatives.
Participation of Education and Community Leaders
The programme saw the presence of representatives from educational institutions and local committees. Mamata Gurung, Director of St. Stephen’s Academy, and Kafer Subba, Chairman of the Part 1 Committee, attended the event alongside Fr. Philix D’Souza.
Speakers emphasised the role of schools and universities in safeguarding local heritage. Faculty members from North Bengal University, including Dapchhiring Lepcha, were also present, reinforcing the academic community’s engagement in cultural research and documentation.
Experts at the gathering observed that structured documentation of indigenous traditions is essential for long-term preservation. They highlighted the need to integrate local history and language studies into formal education systems.
Cultural Identity in the Darjeeling Hills
The Lepcha community, considered one of the indigenous groups of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong region, has historically played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the eastern Himalayas. However, concerns about the gradual decline of traditional practices have prompted renewed efforts to celebrate and institutionalise cultural events.
Kalimpong district, which has a diverse ethnic composition, regularly hosts community festivals reflecting its multicultural identity. Observances like Muk Jingding Asung not only strengthen internal bonds within the Lepcha community but also promote inter-community understanding.
Local observers note that such festivals contribute to social cohesion by bringing together people across generations and backgrounds.
Balancing Modern Development and Tradition
In recent years, development initiatives in hill districts have accelerated, bringing infrastructural growth and economic opportunities. At the same time, community leaders stress that cultural preservation must accompany development.
The unveiling of the statue of Sonam Chhiring Lepcha symbolises this balance — acknowledging progress while honouring heritage. Participants expressed hope that similar commemorations would inspire youth to learn the Lepcha language, traditional music, and oral history.
Several speakers suggested that establishing cultural centres and archiving historical materials could further strengthen preservation efforts.
A Forward-Looking Celebration
As the Muk Jingding Asung festival concluded, organisers reiterated their commitment to continuing annual observances and expanding community participation. They called for collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and cultural organisations to safeguard indigenous traditions.
For the Lepcha community in Kalimpong, this year’s celebration served both as a spiritual observance and a reminder of the importance of cultural continuity. With renewed focus on heritage and education, leaders expressed optimism that future generations will carry forward the legacy of their ancestors while adapting to contemporary realities.
The event ended with prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity, reinforcing the festival’s core message of harmony between people and nature.
