The snow lion dance being performed at the fest. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

Kalimpong, Dec. 24: They usually do not see eye to eye, but the inaugural ceremony of Kalimpong Winter Fest brought political leaders of different parties together to light the lamp and share the joy of the town?s residents.

The eight-day annual festival began here on this symbolic note amid a host of cultural programmes and the collective hope of a better and brighter future for the people of Kalimpong.

As the temperature hovered around 12 degrees centigrade, people gathered to watch the second edition of the town?s premiere festival unfold.

Pioneered by a group of residents who described themselves as ?a bunch of truly optimistic people?, the festival is also supported by the government machinery, some corporate houses and media sponsor The Telegraph.

Fourteen-year-old Paril Lepcha, who did the town proud by winning a gold medal at the fifth sub-junior National Archery Championship, lit the first lamp followed by a host of dignitaries.

The fest opened at Town Hall with a host of cultural programmes in the presence of a packed audience, comprising people from all walks of life.

The list of VIP guests included GNLF leader and DGHC executive councillor Dawa Pakhrin, local GNLF MLA Gaulan Lepcha, GNLF (C) chief convener D.K. Pradhan, Citu leader Tara Sundas, CPRM leader J.B. Rai, CPM leader Aman Chisti, brigade commander brigadier H.P.S. Dhillon, postmaster-general John Samuel and additional superintendent of police S.K. Gazmer.

?Athiti swagatam, yehi ho Kalebong ko kartavya param,? (welcoming guests is the prime duty of Kalimpong), a song performed by the visually-challenged children of Mary Scott School for the Blind set the tone for the festival.

Powerful dance performances like Tashi Sholba by Kalimpong Tibetan Opera Association, jhakri dance by the DGHC cultural troupe and the snow lion dance, set the stage on fire.

An exhibition of photographs taken by local photographers, a philately exhibition showcasing rare stamps and an exhibition of local handicrafts were also on the event list.

In the evening, Mela ground came alive with Christmas-eve celebrations.

The defining moment of the first day, however, was the Christmas rally which was led by Santa Claus flanked by Pakhrin and Sundas, who hail from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

All the guests attending the event, lauded the spirit of the festival and congratulated the people for making it a success.

WHAT?S ON:

• Rafting on the Teesta: 10 am-4pm

• Christmas programmes: 4pm- 8.30 pm