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 Communities,
Culture, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle
freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend.
The "ruling" family is of Tibetan
origin. Sikkim was a dependency of Tibet until the British Government
in India established its protectorate in 1890. In 1974 Sikkim
was merged with India, and became India's 22d state.
Sikkim is statistically the safest state in India.
Lowest property crime rate, bodily harm rate. Due to China |
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 Border
proximity, there is a huge army presence which gives mixed benefits
of many non-native persons not respecting local traditions, but also
economic advantage to small shops and public projects especially roads.
The people of Sikkim are simple and
friendly with natural gaiety. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are
as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land. The predominant communities
are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and smaller proportions of LIMBUS.
All
communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other's culture,
ethos, and traditions with the result there is now a Sikkimese
culture, which is composite of all the three prominent communities.
Most of the people speak Nepali, which is also the state language.
It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to
the name of the state derived form "Sukhim", meaning
"happy home, a place of peace". |
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 The Sikkimese culture finds expression
in it's beautiful art and craft. Knotted woollen carpets with
the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood
carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours
for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and
handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll
paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating
collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture. |
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Those who have lived in Sikkim long
enough will testify that life here is, in a sense, an ongoing festival.
Life in Sikkim, like in the rest of India, is rooted firmly in religion.
Everything a person does is related to his faith. His daily life is
governed by the patterns and customs of his religion. The majestic
Mount Khangchendzonga- earth's third highest mountain range, plays
a dominant role in the Sikkimese life. For those visiting Sikkim,
the festivals of this place, offer a unique opportunity to participate
and sample the rich traditions of an ancient culture; as well as the
warmth and hospitality of a friendly people. |
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The people of Sikkim love to celebrate.
Be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations
on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimese do it all with
a gay abandon. And if you're fortunate you could persuade the
Sikkimese to offer you 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented
millet. The drink is served to you in hollow bamboo pipe.
There is an incessant row of festivities
in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism, are the main religions, as
is exhibited in many of the celebrations. The traditions of
the Lapchas display rich cultural heritage. Enchey, Phoodong,
Lachung, Pemayangtse, Tsuklakhang, and Rumtek are some of the
beautiful monasteries where festivals are held. Pang Lhabsol,
Drukpa Tseshi, Losoong, Saga Dawa and Dusain are the main festivals.
Buddhism has been practiced in true sense on Sikkim. People
visit the monastery to interact with the Buddhist monks to know
more about Buddhist cult. |
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