INTRODUCTION
One of the most enchanting states in India; the traveller’s
much-loved destination, this incredibly beautiful state has been given many
names to its inhabitants for all the right reasons. The Lepchas, the original
inhabitants called it Nye-mae-el or ‘paradise’. The Limbus named it Su Khyim or
‘new palace’ while to the Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong ‘the hidden valley of
rice’. Alsoin Hindu religious texts, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the garden of
the god of war, Indra.
Sikkim isa wonderland in the bosom of Eastern Himalayas with its
avant-garde surroundings and spectacular tableau of The Shangrila and Mt.
Kanchenjunga, making it a charming land representing a concoction of Buddhism
and Tibetology. Everywhere you look, you’ll find Buddhist monasteries and ruby
clad monks, whose smiles awaken the love for peace in your heart. For nature
lovers, the state has eminent orchid sanctuary where over 500 indigenous
species of orchids are found. Sikkim is also a popularbase for mountaineering
expeditions and, a perfect place for trekking to see many quaint dales and
mountain lakes.
THE LAND
Nestling as it does in the Himalayan mountains, the state of
Sikkim is characterised by mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is
hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres to 8,586 metres. The summit of
Kangchenjunga - the world's third-highest peak - is the state's highest point,
situated on the border between Sikkim and Nepal. Numerous snow-fed streams have
carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams
combine into the major Teesta River and its tributary, the Rangeet, which flow
through the state from north to south. About a third of the state is heavily
covered by forest.
The Himalayan mountain ranges surround the northern, eastern and
western borders of Sikkim. The state has 28 mountain peaks, more than 80
glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes (including the Tsongmo, Gurudongmar and
Khecheopalri Lakes), five major hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and
streams. Eight mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.
Sikkim's hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and
therapeutic values. Among the state's most notable hot springs are those at
Phurchachu, Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. The springs,
which have a high sulphur content, are located near river banks; some are known
to emit hydrogen. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is
50 °C.
THE PEOPLE
Sikkim is India's least populous state, with 607,688 inhabitants
according to the 2011 census. Sikkim is also one of the least densely populated
Indian states, with only 86 persons per square kilometre.There are three ethnic
groups in Sikkim- Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. The three ethnic groups of
people represent a synthesis of three diverse cultures, traditions and
religions in Sikkim.Due to a century-long population influx from Nepal, the
majority of Sikkim's residents are of Nepali ethnic origin. These communities
of Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese are an analogous interfusion with their
distinct identity. If there is a temple, there is also a mosque, if there is a
monastery there is also a church.
Lepchas are deemed as the primitive inhabitants of Sikkim much
before the settlement of Bhutias and Nepalese. The earlier Lepchas believed in
bone faith or mune faith based on good and bad spirits of mountains, rivers and
forests but later adopted Buddhism and Christianity.
Bhutias are the people originally from Kham area in the Eastern
Tibet who follow Lamanism and their lingua franca is Sikkimese language, a
dialect of the Tibetan Language. They are called Lachenpas and Lachungpas in
the North Sikkim.
Nepalese are the main residents of the state who migrated after
Lepchas and Bhutias. The terrace farming style of cultivation and production of
cardamom was introduced by these people. Except Sherpas and Tamangs who are
Buddhists, other people are basically Hindu.
THE CULTURE
The three ethnic groups of people represent a synthesis of three
diverse cultures, traditions, religions in Sikkim. These communities of
Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese are an analogous interfusion with their distinct
identity. If there is a temple, there is also a mosque, if there is a monastery
there is also a church. The communities have their own traditional folk dance
forms. The Nepalese, the Lepchas and the Sikkimese have unique folk dances,
each different and each amusingly groovy.
Sikkim's Nepalese majority celebrate all major Hindu festivals,
including Diwali and Dussera. Traditional local festivals, such as Maghe
Sankranti and Bhimsen Puja, are also popular. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab
Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are among the Buddhist festivals celebrated
in Sikkim. During the Losar (Tibetan New Year), most offices and educational
institutions are closed for a week. Sikkimese Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr and
Muharram.
Western rock music and Indian pop have gained a wide following
in Sikkim. Indigenous Nepali rock and Lepcha music are also popular. Sikkim's
most popular sports are football and cricket, although hang gliding and river
rafting have also grown popular as part of the tourism industry.
Sikkim has a rich cultural dance forms that include the folk dances of Lepcha like Zo-Mal-Lok, Chu Faat,Kar Gnok
Lok, Dharma Jo and Mon Dryak Loks; the folk
dances of Bhutia like
Talachi, Lu Khangthamo, Gha To Kito, Be Yu Mista, Chi Rimu, Rechungma,
Gnungmala Gnunghey, Tashi Zaldha and the
folk dances of Nepali like
Maruni, Tamang Selo, Dhaan Naach, Dau Ra JaneZo-Mal-Lok, Sebru Naach and many
more.
Sikkim is also known for its festivals like Flower Festival,
Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, Hee Bermiock Heritage & Tourism
Festival, Khangchendzonga Tourist festival, Lampokhari Tourism Festival, Mangan
Music Festival, Namchi Mahotsav, Ravangla Festival.
Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese and
Lepcha are spoken in certain areas. English and Hindi are also spoken and
understood in most of Sikkim.
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