Gangtok, April 20: Sikkim Glamour World has issued a formal public apology to the Lepcha community following widespread criticism over the alleged misuse and misrepresentation of traditional Lepcha attire during the 61st Femina Miss India 2026 pageant.
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| Miss India Sikkim contestant Deekila Sherpa walks the ramp in an outfit inspired by Lepcha traditional fabric during the 61st Femina Miss India pageant, sparking controversy online. |
The controversy arose after Deekila Sherpa, representing Sikkim at the national beauty pageant, appeared in an outfit inspired by the Lepcha traditional dress, Thokro. While the ensemble was intended to highlight Sikkim's rich cultural heritage, several members of the Lepcha community and social media users expressed concern that the costume did not accurately reflect the traditional and cultural significance of the community's attire.
The issue quickly gained attention online, with many members of the community stating that the traditional dress carries deep historical, cultural, and spiritual value and should be represented with authenticity and sensitivity. They argued that any adaptation or reinterpretation of traditional attire should involve proper consultation with the community to preserve its identity and cultural significance.
Responding to the criticism, David Rai of Sikkim Glamour World issued a letter of apology dated April 20, expressing the organisation's "deepest and most humble apologies" to the Lepcha community for any hurt, misunderstanding, or disappointment caused by the outfit showcased during the competition.
In the statement, the organisation clarified that the intention behind the costume was never to disrespect or misrepresent the Lepcha community. Instead, it said the objective was to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Lepcha traditional fabric on a prestigious national platform while highlighting Sikkim's diverse cultural heritage before audiences across India and abroad.
However, Sikkim Glamour World acknowledged that despite its good intentions, the presentation may not have adequately reflected the cultural and traditional importance associated with the attire. The organisation admitted that the effort may have unintentionally overlooked the sentiments of the Lepcha community and recognised the need for greater cultural sensitivity in such representations.
The apology further explained that the costume formed part of a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Textiles and the Femina Miss India platform, which aims to promote India's traditional textiles and handloom heritage through the national pageant. Nevertheless, the organisation accepted responsibility for the concerns raised and stated that promotional objectives should always be balanced with respect for cultural authenticity.
Reaffirming its respect for the Lepcha community, Sikkim Glamour World said it deeply values the traditions, identity, and heritage of one of Sikkim's indigenous communities. The organisation sincerely sought forgiveness from anyone who felt hurt or offended by the representation.
It also assured the public that future cultural presentations would be undertaken with greater care, consultation, and respect for the customs and traditions of the communities being represented. The organisation pledged to engage more closely with cultural stakeholders to ensure that traditional attire and heritage are showcased in an accurate and respectful manner.
The apology has been viewed as an effort to address the concerns raised by the Lepcha community while reinforcing the importance of preserving and respectfully representing indigenous cultural heritage on national and international platforms.
