The West Bengal State Akademi of Dance Drama Music and Visual Arts, Rabindra Bharati University celebrated the Lepcha New Year at the Jorasanko Thakurbari with artistes from Kalimpong presenting their music and colourful dances.

The Lepcha New Year celebrations were inaugurated by Prof. Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Rabindra Bharati University, and also Chairman of the West Bengal State Akademi of Dance Drama Music and Visual Arts.

According to the Lepcha folklore and myth, there was a devil called Laaso Mung Pono in Mayel Lyang. He always used to torture and kill the Lepchas. One day, the Lepchas called a meeting to seek permanent solution to this problem. They gathered and prayed to the Almighty God, Eetboo Deboo Rum for the protection from the devil Laaso Mung Pono. Almighty God listened to their prayers and sent one representative called Taom Sung Thing to protect the Lepchas in Mayel Lyang. Under his proper guidance and leadership, the Lepchas fought against the devil for twelve years. In the long run, they killed the devil. From that movement, the Lepchas began to celebrate the Lepcha New Year, Naam Aal, Naambun, Naamsung.