C.M. Paul

Rajahatta,June 27, 2025 – The serene village of Rajahatta Khasmahal in the Darjeeling hills is set to host its first-ever ‘Doko Trail Run’ on November 2, 2025, an event that blends sport, culture, and community spirit.

Fueled by the Voice of the Hills—Radio Salesian 90.8 FM – the local community radio, the event’s heartbeat, plans to broadcast runner stories, updates, and youth reflections across the airwaves from hilltop villages and valley hamlets to downtown bazaars.

Organized by the Rajahatta Explore Group, the trail run invites participants from across the region and neighboring countries, with registrations officially opening today, both online and offline. The registration fee is Rs. 1700 per runner. Interested participants may register online via the QR code and link on the Explore Group’s official Facebook page. Offline registrations are available at Anand Chettri’s shop in 8th Mile Bazaar or through Radio Salesian’s Program Coordinator RJ Samir.

The event pays tribute to the region’s cultural heritage through the symbolism of the ‘doko’—a traditional bamboo basket used widely in the Eastern Himalayas. Carried on the back with the help of a strap known as a namlo, the doko represents the resilience and hard work of the hill communities, especially the Gorkha, Lepcha, and other ethnic groups. The race’s title acknowledges this enduring legacy.

To promote wider participation and regional camaraderie, the organizers are offering a 50% discount on food and accommodation to runners from neighboring areas including Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Siliguri, and the Terai-Dooars belt.

RJ Samir assures, “Radio Salesian 90.8 FM, the official radio partner, will provide coverage, updates, and community-driven promotion in the lead-up to the event, underscoring the role of local media in supporting grassroots initiatives.”

“The Doko Trail Run is more than a race—it’s a celebration of our hill identity, our resilience, and the friendships that bind these hills and beyond,” says Mr. Pratap Rai, General Secretary of the Explore Group. “We hope young people will step up to carry forward the spirit of the doko—strong, grounded, and proud.”

For further details and updates, participants and well-wishers are encouraged to follow the Explore Group’s official social media pages.