Ranipool, Sikkim | February 14, 2025
Bollywood comedian Rajpal Yadav, celebrated for his iconic roles in Indian cinema, lauded Sikkim’s pristine landscapes and community spirit during his visit to the Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025. The three-day cultural event, held at Saramsa Park near Ranipool, aims to spotlight the state’s heritage while fostering youth participation and tourism growth.
Yadav, attending as a guest of honor, addressed media representatives at a press conference organized at the festival grounds. He commended Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s administration for curating a platform that merges tradition with modern engagement. “Sikkim’s beauty is unparalleled—its lush greenery, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people leave a lasting impression,” Yadav stated. “Events like these are vital to preserving identity while inspiring younger generations.”
The Blue Duke Festival, named after Sikkim’s state butterfly, features folk performances, handicraft exhibitions, adventure activities, and workshops on environmental conservation. This year’s edition has drawn over 15,000 attendees, including tourists, artists, and policymakers. Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba, part of the organizing committee, emphasized the festival’s role in empowering local artisans and performers.
Yadav’s involvement included a comedy set infused with regional humor, drawing cheers from the crowd. His presence underscores the festival’s expanding reach, blending Bollywood appeal with grassroots cultural advocacy. “Interacting with Sikkim’s youth has been invigorating,” Yadav remarked. “Their energy reflects the state’s dynamic future.”
State officials highlighted a 27% surge in tourist arrivals since the festival’s inception in 2022, attributing the growth to its unique focus on ecology and tradition. Saramsa Park, known for its orchid nurseries and subtropical forests, provides a scenic backdrop for the festivities, further elevating Sikkim’s profile as an eco-cultural hotspot.
The comedian’s endorsement adds momentum to Sikkim’s tourism campaigns, which prioritize sustainable travel. With over 300 stalls showcasing local cuisine and crafts, the event also drives economic opportunities for rural communities.
As the festival concludes on February 16, organizers plan to expand its scope in 2026, integrating digital platforms to globalize Sikkim’s cultural narrative. For now, Yadav’s enthusiastic participation—and his promise to return—signals a bridge between mainstream entertainment and regional heritage, reinforcing the festival’s mission to celebrate Sikkim’s past while scripting its future.