Sikkim Hosts Inaugural Yak Festival Near Chinese Border

Gangtok: Sikkim launched its first Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang, sitting deep in East Sikkim near the border with China. Local officials gathered to highlight the animal's place in mountain life. Chief Guest and Legislative Assembly Speaker MN Sherpa joined Social Welfare Minister Samdup Lepcha, Agriculture Minister Puran Kumar Gurung, and MLA Pamin Lepcha for the event.

The Animal Husbandry and Livestock Services Department organized the festival. They want to protect yaks and help herders. These animals survive at 3,000 to 5,000 meters, providing milk, butter, cheese, wool, and transport for dokpas. Department Secretary Dr. Sandeep Gurung stated, "climate change is affecting yak populations," adding that the state wants to support herders and boost tourism in remote areas.

Vendors displayed products from across Sikkim and Ladakh. Organizers built traditional huts to show how high-altitude families live and work. Climate shifts and fewer people entering the trade have squeezed the industry. Dr. Pratik Sharma, CEO of the Sikkim Livestock Development Board, also used the event to display Siri cow butter.