Sidingba Rural Municipality is set to organize a three-day tourism festival from Jestha 15 to 17 with the aim of promoting and publicizing the religious and touristic destination Sidingba Dham. The event is part of the municipality’s broader effort to boost local tourism and highlight the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Situated at an altitude of 3,515 meters above sea level, Sidingba Dham is a serene location rich in biodiversity. Known for its religious significance and untapped tourism potential, the municipality believes this festival will help in the overall development of the area.
The festival will also focus on promoting other major tourist spots within the municipality, including Dhandhange Waterfall, Timbung Pokhari, Chamere Cave, Kalipokhari, and Hattidhunga. The event aims to support biodiversity conservation, develop rural and international tourism, and promote the cultural heritage of the region.
Municipality Chairperson Man Bahadur Rai emphasized that Sidingba Dham is not only a spiritual hub but is also recognized as part of an international biodiversity route. He expressed confidence that the festival will significantly contribute to the promotion of tourism in Eastern Nepal. According to him, increased tourism activities will also help boost the local economy.
Deputy Chairperson Krishna Kumari Kadariya noted that although Sidingba Dham serves as a key entry point to the Kanchenjunga trail, lack of publicity has prevented the area from gaining the attention it deserves. She believes the upcoming festival will attract both domestic and international tourists.
Chief Administrative Officer Bikash Bik informed that the festival will feature a variety of activities including a pilgrimage tour to Sidingba Dham, sports competitions, an exhibition of local products, and cultural performances.
Sidingba Dham
A key highlight of the festival will be a ward-level volleyball competition. The winning team will receive a cash prize of NPR 50,000 along with a trophy, medals, and certificates, while the runner-up will be awarded NPR 30,000. Additionally, a half-marathon will be organized, offering cash prizes of NPR 40,000, 30,000, and 20,000 to the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.
The cultural segment of the festival will feature traditional performances such as Naumati Baja, Chyabrung dance (Kelang), and displays of local ethnic rituals and customs, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
In recent years, Sidingba Dham has been gaining popularity among domestic tourists. Resident Kailash Rai noted a noticeable increase in the number of visitors, especially in comparison to earlier years when the site received limited attention. Located on the border of Ward 2 (Sadewa) and Ward 3 (Angkhop), the Dham has become more accessible following the extension of a road to Sikredanda. From Sikredanda, the journey to Sidingba Dham takes about two and a half hours on foot.
The area offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga the world’s third-highest peak as well as Pathibhara (Mukkumlung), Timbung Pokhari, and scenic spots across Sikkim and Darjeeling in India. According to religious beliefs, Sidingba Dham is the place where the sage Siddha meditated and had his wishes fulfilled. Devotees visit the site with the belief that their prayers will be answered. Special religious gatherings are held during Baishakh and Ashwin, especially during the time of Rishi Tarpani, drawing a significant number of pilgrims.
Deputy Chairperson Kadariya mentioned that while lack of proper promotion previously limited tourist numbers, recent exposure through social media and other platforms has led to increased interest. Infrastructure development including road tracks to Sikredanda, trekking routes, and entry gates has already begun. The municipality has also developed a long-term plan for the promotion and conservation of Sidingba Dham.
Currently, tourists from various parts of Taplejung, neighboring Panchthar, and other regions are visiting this sacred and picturesque destination, which is gradually emerging as a major hub for religious and eco-tourism in Eastern Nepal.
