11/06/2026
Sikkim’s Dilu Tamang Selected for Prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
In a proud moment for Sikkim, renowned folk dancer, choreographer, and cultural practitioner Dilu Tamang (Dilkumari Tamang) of Tadong has been selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, one of India’s highest honours for young performing artists.
Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama, the award recognises exceptional young artists below the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions to music, dance, theatre, folk and traditional arts, and puppetry.
Born to Shri Dhan Bahadur Tamang and Smt. Maya Tamang, Dilu Tamang has devoted her life to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Sikkim’s rich folk traditions through dance, cultural education, and artistic innovation.
She is the founder and director of Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy, Ranipool, an institution that has been nurturing young talent and promoting cultural awareness for more than a decade. Through her academy and numerous performances, she has played a vital role in safeguarding and showcasing the unique cultural heritage of Sikkim.
Over the years, Dilu has represented both Sikkim and India on several national and international platforms. Most recently, she participated in World Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan, where she presented the vibrant folk traditions of Sikkim to a global audience. In 2022, her team achieved national acclaim by winning the National Tribal Dance Festival, bringing further recognition to the state's rich cultural legacy.
Her contributions to the performing arts have earned her several accolades, including the Nritya Seva Shri Samman 2023 for her outstanding service to dance and culture. She has also choreographed major cultural presentations, notably the cultural programme during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sikkim, where the performers received a standing ovation.
Dilu Tamang’s selection for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is being widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for Sikkim’s artistic community. The honour stands as a testament to her remarkable contribution to folk dance and her unwavering dedication to taking Sikkim’s cultural heritage to national and international stages.