Sikkim's Rare Rankey Bhoot Ritual Returns for Namchi Mela

Gangtok: Sikkim brings back a rare tradition this summer. The Namchi Rankey Mela starts July 16 and runs through July 17. The festival centers on the Rankey Bhoot, a towering effigy acting as a stand-in for forces that destroy crops.

This custom survives today only in Namsum. It is a dying art. Organizers hope to boost the event's profile by showing the effigy early, letting locals and tourists snap photos for social media. "The Rankey Bhoot is one of the most iconic traditional figures. You won't find this anywhere else in India. Nowadays, it is celebrated only in Namsum," an organizer said.

The festival carries the theme, Where Legacy Becomes Heritage, and Heritage Inspires the World. Thousands are expected to arrive from across Sikkim and neighboring states. Local shamans, known as Jhankris, will steer a grand procession through Namchi on the evening of July 16. The parade features music, rituals, and various performances before ending in a ceremonial fire.

Burning the effigy serves a clear purpose. It acts as a prayer for a prosperous farming season. "It is done as part of a ritual for a good harvest. According to local belief, this ghost represents the force that destroys and consumes crops. People burn the effigy with the hope that, from the next day onwards, the crops will grow well," the organizer explained.