Sikkim celebrates 50th Statehood Day: From Himalayan kingdom to India's 22nd state

Buddha Park - a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim. (Image: Canva)

Sikkim today marked its golden jubilee as the 22nd state of India with a day-long celebration steeped in pride, culture and a renewed commitment to sustainable progress. Sikkim Statehood Day commemorates the historic moment on May 16, 1975 when the former Kingdom of Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union.

A series of vibrant events unfolded across Gangtok, particularly at Paljor Stadium and Manan Kendra, drawing residents and dignitaries to honour the state’s remarkable journey over the past five decades, AIR reported.

The day began with a ceremonial parade and a tribute to former Chief Minister L.D. Kazi, as butter lamps were lit in his memory. The symbolic “Run for Unity,” led by marathoner Shanti Ram Nepal, concluded at Paljor Stadium, setting the tone for a day of unity and celebration.

A major highlight of the day is the launch of the “Festivals of Sikkim” magazine and the “Visit Sikkim” mobile app, alongside innovative AR games and the sealing of a time capsule containing messages from the Governor and Chief Minister for future generations. The government has also announced new initiatives in mental health, tourism, wildlife conservation and folk literature, underlining Sikkim’s commitment to holistic growth and preservation of its unique heritage, as per AIR report.

On social media, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings, saying on X: “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day… I extend my best wishes to all residents of Sikkim for a future full of prosperity and well-being.”

Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on Statehood Day. Sikkim is widely admired for its boundless natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warmth of its people. As one of India's most environmentally conscious states, Sikkim has set remarkable examples of sustainable
President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 16, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people of Sikkim on its statehood day, lauding its strides in diverse sectors.

Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkims statehood! Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions and industrious people. It has made strides in Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2025

The state government declared the day a public holiday, with all schools and government offices across East, West, North and South Sikkim closed to observe the historic occasion. Statehood Day commemorates Sikkim’s integration into the Indian Union on 16 May 1975, marking the transition from a Himalayan kingdom to the 22nd state of India.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, in his official message, reflected on the state’s political evolution: “We pay homage to the legacy of the Kingdom of Sikkim, whose leadership laid the foundations of our identity, institutions and social fabric. The enduring relevance of the Sikkim Subject status and the protections enshrined in Article 371F are testaments to our unique history and constitutional journey. These rights continue to safeguard our traditions, land and autonomy.”

On this historic day, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sikkims Statehood, I extend my warmest greetings and heartiest congratulations to every Sikkimese. May 16, 1975, marked a momentous turning point in our history. It was the day Sikkim formally joined the Indian pic.twitter.com/a8JCo5Dcrb Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) May 16, 2025

The government used the milestone to spotlight forward-looking programmes in areas like mental health, wildlife conservation, tourism and the preservation of folk literature. Awards and grants were also distributed to athletes and sports associations, celebrating the state's achievements in sports.

Later in the day, Manan Kendra hosted a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished citizens for their contributions to Sikkim’s development. Attendees were also treated to a documentary chronicling the state’s five-decade journey, culminating in a Broadway-style cultural showcase celebrating Sikkimese heritage.

The festivities are set to conclude with the final match of the Sikkim Premier League at Paljor Stadium this evening, wrapping up a momentous day that fused tradition, pride and aspiration for the future.