I am happy to associate myself with Pang Lhabsol - a festival which is unique and indigenous to Sikkim.

Today is the day to remember that the most sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga, Protector of the consecrated land of Sikkim, was invoked as a divine witness to the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Thekong Thek and Prince Khye Bumsa of Kham Minyak at Kabi Lungchok in north Sikkim in the 13th century.

Pang Lhabsol is a solemn veneration to the guardian deities residing in the Holy Mountain to protect the people from all bad omens, natural disasters, illness and catastrophes.

Over the years, through the dedicated efforts of organizers like the Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee at the Statues of Unity at Gangtok and several others, the festival has grown as a Day of Unity.

I am delighted to learn that this festival is celebrated by all the communities – Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and Vyaparis living in the State under the benign presence of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

It is gratifying to see that the people of Sikkim are actuated by a desire to pay respect to culture, traditions and religions of each other and to joyously celebrate the spirit of the historic event of Kabi Lungchok which has enormously contributed to the emergence of our harmonious society.

 Let the present generation and generations to come in Sikkim continue to uphold, expand this spirit of unity, peace and harmony.

I also congratulate the Pang Lhabsol Committee at the Statues of Unity, Gangtok in successfully organizing the festival.

Thank you.