By Dr. Mingma Thundu Sherpa May 29, 2023
International Everest Day is indeed celebrated on May 29th every year to commemorate the historic achievement of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. On May 29th, 1953, they become the first climbers to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Since 2008, after the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, this day has been observed as International Everest Day to honor their accomplishment and recognize the effort of mountaineers from around the world. It is an occasion to celebrate the spirit of human adventure, mountaineering achievements, and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. In 2023, May 29th will mark the 16th Everest Day since its establishment in 2008. It’s a significant milestone and an opportunity for mountaineers, adventurers, and enthusiasts to remember and pay tribute to the extraordinary feat of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. This report delves into the history of International Everest Day and explores its significance in honouring these remarkable individuals and the Sherpa community. Furthermore, it highlights the efforts of the Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) and its initiatives to promote adventure tourism and recognize Tenzing Norgay Sherpa’s contributions.
1. Historical Background:
1.1 The Climbers: On May 29th, 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa made history by reaching the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth.
1.2 British expedition: Tenzing was part of the ninth British expedition to Everest. Sherpa was selected to make the final ascent after other team members were forced to turn back due to extreme weather conditions.
1.3 Challenging Journey: Facing extreme weather conditions, including snowstorms, icy terrain, and a treacherous vertical rocks face, Sherpa demonstrated tremendous courage and determination.
2. Significance of International Everest Day:
2.1 Commemorating Achievement: International Everest Day celebrates the exceptional achievement of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa as the first climbers to conquer Mount Everest, highlighting their bravery, skill, and indomitable spirit.
2.2 Sherpa Culture: Everest holds immense significance in Sherpa Buddhist culture, where it is revered as “Chomolungma,” meaning “Mother of the World”. Sherpa pays respects to the mountain through rituals and offers prayers before undertaking climbs.
2.3 Environmental Conservation: The Sherpa community has been actively involved in preserving the purity and beauty of the Mountain by participating in clean-up initiatives to address the environmental impact of climbing activities.
- Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, has received several awards and honors in recognition of his achievements. Some notable awards and honors received were;
- a). George Medal (1953): Tenzing Norgay was awarded the George Medal by the United Kingdom for his role in the successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. This medal is bestowed for acts of great bravery.
- b). Padma Bhushan (1959): Tenzing Norgay was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1959. It was in recognition of his exceptional contributions to mountaineering and his role as a cultural ambassador.
- c) Himalayan Tiger Award (1965): Tenzing Norgay received the Himalayan Tiger Award, presented by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, in 1965. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to mountaineering and the promotion of mountain tourism
- d) Honorary Citizenship (1999); Tenzing Norgay was granted honorary citizenship bu New Zealand in 1999. This recognition was a testament to his historic ascent of Mount Everest.
- e) Other recognition includes; Cullum Medal and Harvard Medal, Soviet Medal, Special Olympic Medal, Iran Shah Medal, Nepal Tara, India’s highest Adventure Sports Award is also named after Tenzing, etc.
3. Denzong Sherpa Association’s Role:
- 3.1 Initiatives and Celebrations: The Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) has been celebrating Everest Day for the past seven years, organizing events in different parts of Sikkim with a focus on the Ethnography of Sherpa, and adventure tourism.
- 3.2 Boosting Tourism: DSA’s efforts to establish Everest Day as a State festival contributes to promoting tourism, especially in Sikkim, known as the “abode of the Himalaya”. This celebration creates new opportunities for climbers and adventure enthusiasts from various communities.
- 3.3 Recognition for Tenzing Norgay Sherpa: The DSA advocates for awarding Tenzing Norgay Sherpa with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, to acknowledge his inspirational legacy and his representation of the entire Sherpa community and millions of Everesters.
As part of the efforts to promote International Everest Day and boost tourism in Sikkim, the Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) has submitted a request to the Tourism Department of the Government of Sikkim to designate Everest Day as a State Festival. This initiative aims to further elevate the significance of Everest Day and attract tourists to the region, considering Sikkim’s reputation as the abode of the Himalayas. By officially recognizing Everest Day as a State Festival, Sikkim can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development in the tourism sector. This designation will provide an opportunity to showcase the rich history of Everest climbers, celebrate the Sherpa community’s ethnicity, and highlights the potential for adventure tourism in the region. It is worth noting that May 29th is already regarded as a restricted holiday in Sikkim. By capitalizing on this existing recognition, the Denzong Sherpa Association is organizing a grand celebration for Everest Day in all six districts of Sikkim this year. These events will serve as platforms to showcase the remarkable achievements of Everest climbers, promote the Sherpa culture and heritage, and emphasize the potential for adventure tourism in the region. Under the great leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri P.S Tamang, this initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism development in Sikkim. The celebration of Everest Day as a State Festival will not only attract visitors but also create new opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, and infrastructure development. By embracing Everest Day and supporting the endeavors of the Denzong Sherpa Association, Sikkim has the potential to become a prominent destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty, promoting responsible tourism practices, and fostering a thriving tourism sector. The Denzong Sherpa Association’s request to designate Everest Day as a State Festival in Sikkim holds immense potential for sustainable development of the tourism sector. By showcasing the history of Everest climbers, highlighting the Sherpa community’s culture from around the world, and create a positive impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure.
This article is published in the local newspaper of Sikkim "Sikkim Express" and "Summittimes" on May 29, 2023, issue.
About Author: [Dr. Mingma Thundu Sherpa is the Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, Nar Bahadur Bhandari Degree College, Tadong and he is also a member of Literary Committee of Denzong Sherpa Association, Sikkim].