Culture And Tradition Of Sikkim
The second smallest state Sikkim is located in the northeastern part of India. It is bordered by China to the north and east, Bhutan to the east, Nepal to the west and West Bengal to its south. Gangtok is the capital of this state. Kanchanjunga is also found here, the largest mountain in our country and the third-largest mountain in the world. You can view the Himalayas beauty at its peak here. About 30 percent of the state is surrounded by Kanchanjunga National Park. Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely h Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. The predominant communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. In urban areas, many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant laborers from the plains and Nepal.
- The Lepchas
The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains, rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This is the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu.
These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. In Northern Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is sikkimese. Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house called “Khin” is usually of rectangular shape.
The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80% of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an
important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis’. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis’ are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system.
Nepalese people (75%), Lepcha (20%) and Bhutias and Limbus religions are also found here in small numbers. The first people to enter this state were Lepchas. In the 13th century, Bhutia people from Kham region of Tibet brought together the Mahayana cult of Buddhism. The last to come in Sikkim was the Nepali people and they came in the 19th century. Combining the culture of the three people, we get to see the new culture of Sikkim today.
Nepali is also the language of this state and most people speak in this language. A word called Sukhim means ‘happy family, place of peace’ and this state has been named Sikkim with this Sukhim word. Despite the high number of people following Hinduism, the influence of Buddhism is also found here to a large extent.
Dance and Music
Dance and music are in the inveterate part of the Sikkimese culture. Their tribal dance depicts the harvest season which is accompanied by traditional musical instruments, chanting, and the dancers carry bright costumes and traditional masks. Rechungma, Gha To Kito, Chi Rmu, Be Yu Mista, Tashi Zaldha, Enchey Chaam, Lu Khangthamo, Gnungmala Gnunghey, and Kagyed Dance are some of the popular dance forms.
Food Of Sikkim
The food of the people of Sikkim indicates the culture of this state which is a mélange of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Sikkim food mainly comprises noodles, Gundruk and Sinki soups, thukpas, tomato achar pickle, traditional cottage cheese, fermented soybean, Bamboo shoot, fermented rice product and some other fermented dishes owing to its very cold climate. Rice is, however, the staple food of the state. Momos, also known as dumplings and wantons are favorites among the Sikkimese people as well as the tourists. When it comes to non-vegetarian food, they prefer fish, beef, and pork. People coming to explore Sikkim would never miss the great opportunity to taste the very famous and delicious momos here which have different fillings from beef to chicken to pork. Steamed and boiled food items are mainly found here with not so much utilization of masalas but other local spices and herbs. And the people of Sikkim mostly prefer some drinks along with the food such as local beer, whiskey, and rum.
The people of the state grow crops like wheat, barley, buckwheat, finger millet, potato, and soybeans etc. Through the fermentation process, the people are capable of preserving a lot of non-seasonal vegetables and this is quite a traditional thing.
Art & Crafts Of Sikkim
of Sikkim for handloom products and cottage industries.
The people of Sikkim are pro when it comes to craft making as they have very special skills in the same. The womenfolk of the state are amazing weavers and they attract the tourists by their excellent craft work. The handmade carpets and papers of the state are in huge demand in and outside of Sikkim,
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