Gangtok came alive on December 13 as Sikkim hosted its first-ever international concert. Sikkim hosted the Orchid Music Festival as part of its 50th statehood anniversary celebrations. The celebration witnessed a memorable night bringing together artists from India and around the world. The festival, held at Paljor Stadium, featured British boy band Blue as the headliner. Other performers included the K-pop group Everglow, singer Neetesh Jung Kunwar, artist Sonam Wangchen, and local band Sofiyum. Music lovers from across the country gathered to attend this one-of-a-kind music event. It also featured food corners and shopping stalls for the visitors to enjoy the event to the fullest.
From Blue to Everglow: Orchid Festival Lights Up Gangtok
The four-member British band Blue received an enthusiastic welcome from the audience in Gangtok. Indian fans had the opportunity to enjoy the magic of hits like ‘All Rise’ and ‘One Love’. These songs have shaped the band’s career for more than twenty years. The band has already performed in Imphal and Shillong as part of their 25th anniversary tour in India. They will perform in Bengaluru the following week.
The night also marked a big win for K-pop fans in India. Popular K-pop group Everglow took the stage in India for the first time. They are a four-member girl group under CHXXTA Company that debuted in 2019. They energized the audiences with their hit songs, which include ‘Dun Dun’, ‘Bon Bon Chocolat’, and ‘Adios’. It was a huge moment of recognition for northeastern India’s K-pop community.
Popular Nepalese singer Neetesh Jung Kunwar performed several of his well-known songs. His live presence connected effortlessly with the audience, creating a sing-along moment with the crowd. Bhutanese artist Sonam Wangchen also performed at the festival. Local folk fusion band Sofiyum also performed alongside stars, bringing a local flavour to the event.
A Milestone for Sikkim’s Cultural Scene
The event was organised by private groups with the support of the Sikkim government. As a result, the festival reached a wider audience. Furthermore, such events offer a new revenue stream to the state, whose tourism is driven only by scenic beauty. For example, hotels in Gangtok and surrounding areas reported a significant increase in reservations, with many visitors booking their stays months in advance. This shows that the festival can help Sikkim establish itself as a cultural hub and provide a boost to northeastern states, which are often overlooked.
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