Sikkim's first organic festival

Sikkim has set for itself the goal of becoming an organic agricultural state by 2015.

The festival which began Wednesday in Nagi under Namthang-Rateypani constituency, in south Sikkim, is an initiative of Nagi Tourism Development Committee to bring the place - a scenic lake and adjoining villages - to the forefront for domestic and international travellers.

"This is probably the first of its kind in India... it is the first in Sikkim. The constituency tops in terms of producing most of organic produce of Sikkim. It will highlight the organic agriculture of the state as well as the potential of the area for tourism since Nagi Pokhari (lake) is an unexplored spot," Suresh Lama, media co-ordinator for the event told IANS over the phone.

According to Lama, traditional houses and stalls of each and every community of Sikkim nestled amid pine trees, will provide an authentic experience and knowledge on their food habits and culture.

Organic stalls will serve fresh produce of the south Sikkim constituency.

"Today (Thursday) the Bhutan Broadcasting Services (BBS TV) will film the organic villages. We appreciate what Bhutan is doing to enhance its organic farming sector and organic practices," said Lama.

According to reports, the Himalayan kingdom is keen to become the first country in the world to become wholly organic (food production) within a decade.

The festival will run till Jan 2 and is being widely promoted by personalities like former Indian soccer skipper Baichung Bhutia, Arjuna awardee Tarundeep Rai, Femina Miss India Kolkata 2014 1st runner up Zennlya Bhutia and others.

Apart from display of ethnic cuisines, cultural programs, trekking, bird watching, sports events, fashion shows are also part of the schedule.