Sakewa Yeledong 5086 Celebrated Grandly: A Powerful Expression of Culture, Identity, and Unity
Location: Beldangi, Jhapa | Date: May 9, 2026 (Baisakh 26, 2083 BS, Saturday)
The Sakewa Yeledong 5086 festival, organized by Kirat Rai Yayokkha Beldangi inside the Bhutanese refugee settlement of Beldangi, was successfully celebrated in a grand, disciplined, and emotionally uplifting atmosphere. The event aimed to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and identity of the Kirat Rai community.
More than just a festival, the program reflected a revival of a cultural soul that has been nurtured for generations. Despite living far from their homeland, the community’s strong commitment to preserving their language, traditions, and cultural values gave the event a deeper and more meaningful significance.
The program was chaired by Mr. Mongal Singh Rai, Chairperson of the Kirat Rai Yayokkha Management Committee. Mr. Sancha Hang Subba, Secretary of the Beldangi Bhutanese refugee settlement, attended as the Chief Guest, adding further dignity to the occasion.
The event was formally inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, symbolizing positivity, unity, and a bright cultural future.
The presence of social workers, representatives of community-based organizations (CBOs), and local leaders from the Beldangi Bhutanese refugee settlement significantly enhanced the importance and prestige of the program.
The main highlights of the celebration included traditional Sakewa dance performances, authentic cultural attire, and ritual practices that deeply connected participants and audiences alike. The rhythmic beats of traditional instruments and collective dances beautifully showcased the living heritage of the Kirat Rai community.
Speakers at the event described the Sakewa festival as a symbol of respect for nature, social harmony, and cultural identity. They emphasized that such celebrations play a vital role in instilling pride, awareness, and a sense of belonging among the younger generation.
Participants expressed that preserving their unique culture and identity while living away from their homeland is both a responsibility and a source of inspiration. The shared message—“Wherever we are, our culture is our identity”—gave the entire event a profound emotional depth.
Kirat Rai Yayokkha Beldangi has reaffirmed its commitment to continue organizing such programs in the future to protect and promote language, culture, and traditions.