Gangtok, April 18: Revelry will officially rule the roost in Ravangla for a full five days from tomorrow.

The festive spirit, though, has already set in, helped by streams of colourful flags and residences bedecked with impressive illuminations. Everybody is talking about Rabong Discovered, the carnival that promises to put this quaint subdivisional town in south Sikkim in the big league with top tourist draws like Gangtok.

A large number of visitors have already arrived to be part of the festivities.

Organised by Ravangla Tourism Development Committee and assisted by Sikkim Tourism, the theme of the fest is handicrafts.

All northeastern states, including Sikkim and the neighbouring kingdom of Bhutan will participate in the festival.

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling has been invited to be the chief guest at the inaugural day of the function tomorrow.

The venue of the festivity, Cho-Zo lake below Ralong lake and 1 km from the town?s bazaar, will also host a traditional food festival. Cultural programmes, music concerts and fashion shows have also been lined up.

The organisers have also drawn up a list of short treks to little-known areas near the town, including Ravangla?s very own Maenam hill, one of the highest hills in the state.

Mountain biking, boating and para gliding will also be on offer for adventure-freaks.

Area MLA and urban development minister D.D. Bhutia has been supervising the work at the venue.

The main stage of the festival has been built in the centre of the lake so spectators can get an unimpeded view of the events from all round.

While stalls dishing out traditional cuisine have been kept at one side of the venue, the handicraft stalls line the other, in a patch of forest that hems the lake in.

Ravangla has already grown as a tourist destination and organisers are certain that the fest will help woo more visitors.

The response, even in the run-up to the celebrations has set them thinking of making the event an annual affair.