Home » India Travel News » Sikkim Showcases Indigenous Rice, Eco-Tourism, and Rural Innovation at DzoMaal’25 Festival in Dzongu as the State Celebrates 50 Years of Cultural and Agricultural Progress Tuesday, May 13, 2025The DzoMaal’25 Indigenous Rice Showing Festival, now taking place in Pentong, Dzongu, North Sikkim, is a vibrant celebration of the region’s cultural richness and agricultural traditions. Marking the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, this two-day event offers a unique platform to explore the state’s commitment to sustainability, eco-tourism, and the preservation of its indigenous farming practices. With the theme Sunaulo Ani Samridhi Sikkim (Golden and Prosperous Sikkim), the festival highlights the deep cultural connections of the local communities to the land and the essential role agriculture plays in the state’s heritage.The festival places a special emphasis on the cultivation of indigenous rice varieties, which have been an integral part of Sikkimese agriculture for generations. These rice varieties not only contribute to the local diet but are also tied to the region’s ecological balance and agricultural identity. As Sikkim continues to foster sustainable farming practices, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these traditional methods while promoting responsible tourism.Advertisement Organized by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in partnership with local communities, the event brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and local entrepreneurship. The festival also attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, offering them a chance to experience the diverse traditions, culture, and landscapes of Sikkim.At its core, DzoMaal’25 is an opportunity to celebrate local entrepreneurship and showcase the state’s eco-tourism potential. The event serves as a stage for local businesses, especially homestay owners and agricultural entrepreneurs, to promote their sustainable practices. By emphasizing indigenous farming, particularly the cultivation of rice, the festival highlights the intersection of agriculture and tourism, demonstrating how the two can work together to benefit the community and preserve Sikkim’s heritage.As part of the festival’s broader objective to promote sustainable tourism, it also features a series of interactive workshops designed to empower local entrepreneurs and enhance the tourism sector. These workshops focus on practical strategies to improve the tourism experience while staying true to Sikkim’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and community development. Topics covered in the workshops include:Eco-Tourism: Creating travel experiences that emphasize environmental sustainability and conservation.Community-Based Tourism: Encouraging tourism practices that directly support local communities and preserve cultural heritage.Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas: Fostering sustainable business practices t …
