The Official Slogan for the GHUM FESTIVAL 2026- Ghum ka Vibe, Salamander Tribe!
TTT NEWS NETWORK
KURSEONG | 9 NOVEMBER 2026
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is delighted to announce the nominations for the Ghum Winter Festival 2026
Spirit of the Hills Awards, an initiative celebrating individuals, organisations and institutions whose remarkable contributions promote heritage, tourism, culture, adventure and environmental conservation in the Darjeeling Himalayan region and beyond. The awards recognise outstanding achievements and dedicated efforts in preserving the unique identity, natural heritage and cultural richness of the hills. The nominees for the 2026 edition across various award categories are: Spirit of the Hills Awards
2026 Nominations Victor Award: Tannishtha – ACT Wanderer Award: Rabindra Rai
Kalimpong AJAX Award: Fazeel Abdul Aziz-Kerala Bronco Award: Mingma Girmi Sherpa
Dekho Darjeeling Hawkeye Award: Nirlipta Saha – Travelopia Soldat Award: Prajwal Pradjan
Assistant Professor( WBES), Department of Commerce, Darjeeling Government College Hill Bird Award: Akashvani
Kurseong Forest Whisperer Award: Dr. Barkha Subba – Conservation Scientist Special Recognition: Forest Whisperer Award A proud daughter of the Darjeeling hills, Dr. Barkha Subba is a distinguished Conservation Scientist, Executive Member of the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection (FOSEP), and a Ph.D. holder from ATREE, Bengaluru.
Her significant contributions towards safeguarding the endangered Himalayan salamander and restoring fragile mountain wetland ecosystems across the Darjeeling and Kurseong ranges have earned her the prestigious Whitley Award 2026, popularly known as the Green Oscar.
In recognition of her exemplary conservation work and grassroots leadership, the Himalayan salamander ( TYLO) has been selected as the official mascot of the Ghum Winter Festival 2026.
* This symbolic choice highlights the deep connection between the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s rich heritage and the region’s invaluable ecological treasures, reinforcing the importance of protecting both for future generations.
Nominations Still Open
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is pleased to announce that nominations for the Spirit of the Hills Awards 2026 remain open until 15 November 2026. Individuals, organisations and institutions are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates whose contributions reflect the spirit of excellence, dedication and service towards the hills and their heritage. The Ghum Winter Festival 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of the region’s cultural diversity, tourism potential, railway heritage, innovation and environmental stewardship. DHR cordially invites local communities, heritage enthusiasts, conservationists, tourism stakeholders, visitors and media representatives to join this celebration and be part of an initiative that honours the people and organisations making a meaningful difference. Together, let us celebrate the Spirit of the Hills and preserve its legacy for generations to come.
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