Samtse is all set to host the 111th National Day celebrations on December 17 with the final rehearsals done today. Among the cultural programmes, five different communities are coming together for the first time to stage a multi-community dance performance on the main day.
Dressed in full-fledged Limbu-costume, 56-year-old Phalgu Ram Limbu from Sang-Ngag-Chhoeling Gewog is one of the dancers.
Although excited, Phalgu Ram looked nervous during the final rehearsal as he had never performed in such an event before. It has been his long-awaited dream to perform in presence of Their Majesties.
“We get to show our best costume, our songs and our culture. We are happy since this is Limbu community’s first time performing in presence of The Royal Family.”
Apart from marriage ceremonies in their locality, this is the only occasion when Phalgu Ram will be wearing the cotton made Taparri hat and the costume.
Along with a bell, the drum is the only musical instrument which his community uses in every song and festive occasions.
Like Phalgu Ram, 58 other people from five different communities are all set to perform on the National Day. The communities include Lepcha, Lhop, Limbu, Adivasi, and Tamang.
With the 111th National Day celebrations, Samtse would be celebrating the event for the fourth time with Their Majesties. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo had graced the National Days in 1981, 1991, and 2002 in Samtse.
