Introducing SikkimIntroducing Sikkima presentation by

Bhim Thatal, SCS, Sikkim for the IAS (AGMUT and NE Cadre) Probationers for the IAS (AGMUT and NE Cadre) Probationers

September 30, 2015, AASC, Guwahati

May 2, 20231

Good morning………

2

Sikkim Insignia

May 2, 2023 3

History, People, Tourism Perspective and Socio Cultural Scenario of Sikkim

• Contents:• Brief Introduction• Geography and History of Sikkim, Culture • Ethnic Communities of Sikkim : Origin, Language, Tradition,

Food Habit, Marriage, Death• Customs and Festivals • Tourism Perspective• Laws and Rules• Sikkim Records

May 2, 2023 4

Sikkim: A brief profile Became a part of Indian Union in on May 16, 1975, as 22nd State

under 36th Amendment to the Constitution of India Special status under Article 371(F) Geographical location: In the Eastern Himalayan region extending

approximately 114 km from North to South and 64 km. from East to West, total geographical area 7096 sq. km.

Situated between 8800 00’ 58” and 880 0 55’ 25” East longitudes and 270 00’ 46" and 280 07’ 48” North latitudes. Population: 607,688 (6.1 Lakhs). 41 Administrative Departments 176 Gram Panchayat Units 07 Urban Local Bodies 04 Districts, 16 Sub Divisions 31 Gram Vikash Kendras (BDOs) 32 MLAs, I MP LS and RS each

May 2, 20235Mt

Kanchenjunga

• Sex ratio of over 980 females per 1000 males.• Demdrobium Nobile aka ground orchid-State flower

Rhododendron (rhododendron nevium)-State tree. Red Panda (arilus fulgens)- State animal.550 +orchids, 35+ rhododendron, fauna of Himalayan, Tibetan, Indian and alpine habitat. Second hottest biodiversity spot

• Languages Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo, Magar, Rai, Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Newari, Sunuwar, English, Nepali

• Hindi, Bhojpuri, Bangali in business and labour classes.• Nepali- lingua franca of Sikkim. • Main religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam• Major occupation: Govt. employment 51%, agriculture, tourism• Blooming sectors: agriculture, horticulture floriculture cardamom,

ginger, orange, apple, vegetables, orchid, gerbera, gladiolus

May 2, 20236

History of Sikkim

May 2, 20237

Limboo, Lepcha, and Bhutia – and their closerelatives – Kiranti and Tibetans –live in NepalTibet, Bhutan, and neighboring States of India The Lepchas earliest ethnic group settled in

Sikkim by 13th century from before Tibetan Bhutias arrived

The Bhutias, immigrants to Sikkim claimed descent from a common ancestor, a Khampa chief named Khye-bum-sar, and were divided into fourteen main families

Lepcha- Tibetan relationship begins in 13th century with the signing of a blood brotherhood by the Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek and the Tibetan Prince Khye Bumsa at Kabi Lungchok.

The Bhutias introduced Buddhism in Sikkim

1641AD, Chogylal Coronation Throne1641AD, Chogylal Coronation Throne

May 2, 2023 8

In 1642, the Bhutia established a monarchy headed by

the Chogyal (meaning the divine king) and opened relations with Tibet

Kirati and indigenous, the Limboo people (also known as Tshong, Subba, and Yakthungba) are populate Sikkim

In 1819, the Lepchas were about half the population, followed by Bhutias (30%) and Limbus (20%)

Limboos often intermarried with the Lepcha Nomenclature of Sikkim: Denzong, Renzong, Su-him Immigration of Nepalis in 1890’s and the early 1900’s,

encouraged by colonial landlords to raise rents in densely forested Sikkim

May 2, 2023 9

• Indigenous groups pressed the British Empire to stop such settlement on Lepcha and Bhutia lands

• Nepalese population constituted a majority, and indigenous populations amalgamated into a composite Lepcha-Bhutia socio-ethnic group.

• Discrimination between the heterogeneous Nepalese and other groups became social issue

• The Chogyal strove to treat all subjects equally as citizens, and allowed democratic changes to move forward

• These democratic and demographic changes culminated in a plebiscite in 1974, resulting in union with India as a State

May 2, 2023 10

• History and Origin of Sikkim - the earliest

inhabitants originating from Mayel, a legendary kingdom on the slopes of Khangchendzonga, better known as Rong Pa or Mutanchi, the most beloved children of Mother Earth.

• Legend to the rule of Lepchas in Sikkim. Khey Bumsa couple of Minyak

• Lepchas called Sikkim as Nelyang or 'The place of caves'. Sometimes as Myel Lyang, meaning "The Land of Hidden Paradise”

• The Bhutias called it Beyul Demazong or "The Hidden Valley of Rice.”

May 2, 2023 11

• Folklore:• Tensung Namgyal married three wives, Tibetan, Bhutanese

and Limbu. Third wife -daughter of Limbu Chief. • She brought seven maidens with her who were married into

leading families of Sikkim. • They called their homes as 'Su-him' or "bride's new house."

Later on, the Nepalis coming to Sikkim corrupted as Sukkhim• British rule and became Sikkim.• The Namgyal dynasty ruled over Sikkim for about 333 years.

It was only after the Treaty of Sigoli, that Sikkim acquired the status of an independent province.

• It was added to India as an associate State in 1975 and gradually attained full Statehood.

May 2, 2023 12

Land• Once Sikkim extended fromTegon pass in the east to Arun

River in the west, Tibet in the north to Kishenganj in Purnea in the south.

• Bhutan and Nepal in the 18th and 19th centuries, fickleness of Tibet and covetous eyes of the British reduced Sikkim to 114 km north-south and 64 km east-west.

• Rising Singalila range to the west, lofty Chola range to the north-east and south-east, and the Pangola range to the east. Passes or la viz; the Chola range, Nathula or the pass of the listening ear, Jelepla or the smooth beautiful pass and Chola or the principal pass, the main pass between Chumbi and Sikkim

May 2, 2023 13

• Leading passes to :• China: Chorten Nyimala, Nakula, Thankala,• Nepal: Singalila/Chiwabhanjyang, Kangla-Nangmala, Gochala • Bhutan: Richila and Pangola• Above Singalila range rise Mount Khangchendzonga at 28,156

ft. Khangchendzonga meaning the five treasures of the great snow for its five peaks as repository gold, silver, gems, grains and holy books, residence of the deity Dzonga bound by oath to look over and protect the land from evil for which he was to be propitiated every year.

• Glaciers :Zemu, Rathong, Lhonak • Rivers: Teesta (Rongyu; the straight one) , Lhonak Chhu,

Zemu Chhu, Lachung Chhu, Tholung Chhu, Bakcha Chhu, Rong-ni Chhu (also called Rani Khola), Rangpo Chhu, River Rangit also called Rongnyit

May 2, 2023 14

• Lakes: Tsolhamu, Gurudongmar, Mementso, Tsomgo, Khoechoepalri, Laxmipokhari, Ometso, Mulathinkhatso (Green Lake) and Dalapchen Lake, scenic and sacred

• Guru Dongmar & Khoechoepalri said to have been visited and blessed by Guru Padma Sambhava.

• Birds to keep lake clean leaves falling into the water are carried. Tsomgo, most visited and snapped lake.

• Caves or Phu, now meditation places for the ascetics. 27 caves blessed by Guru Padma Sambhava where he hid sacred relics, texts and treasures.

• Lharinyingphu, Khandrusangphu, Sharchokpephu and Dechenphu sacred, four cardinal points of Sikkim

May 2, 2023 15

• Hot Springs called Tshachhu• Therapeutic and medicinal values of the hot springs• Contains Sulphur• About 9 hot springs in Sikkim considered sacred. • Phurtshachhu at Reshi and Ranglop Tshachhu at Borong

are the hot springs in South Sikkim. • West Sikkim - Gangyap Tshachhu• North Sikkim -Yumasamdong Tshachhu, Yumthang

Tshachhu, Tarum Tshachhu, Zee Tshachhu, Shagyon Phedok Tshachhu and Tholung Tshachhu

May 2, 2023 16

Cultural Evolution:• Three ethnic communities convergence• Lepchas: shifting cultivation with hunting, fishing,

extensive knowledge of forest, mountains, nature and exploited it well. Animist by faith, afraid of calamities, worshipped malignant spirits

• Managed society with local chieftians until Tibetans came into the scene in 15th century

• Bhutias: Historical descendants of the Yello Hat and Red Hat war in Tibet. Red Hat migrated to Sikkim from Tibet bringing Tibetan culture, language, lamaist Buddhism, pastoral and semi-settled agriculture, especially in the far north of Sikkim: came to be known as Bhutias.

May 2, 2023 17

Establishment of Chogyal Dynasty

• Mid 17th century : Namgyal Dynasty established. 1642• Chogyal: Tibetan by stock, consecrated king with the

consent of Lepchas. Centralised feudal bureaucracy on Tibetan lines. Though Ministers from chieftians and immigrant Bhutias were nominated, system was centralised.

• Other ethnic community to join the history was the Nepalese.

• Nepalese consist of the Bahuns, Chhetris, Rai-Kirat, Limboo, Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Mukhia and others

May 2, 2023 18

British did not rule Sikkim practically, but made it as their hill resort: influenced society with links with the Chogyal, influenced politics and planted western culture & practices

• Darjeeling gifted to British EIC by the Chogyal in 1835.• Registration of Sikkim Subject Certificate started 1961.• Documentation language mostly Nepali• Democratic dissent started in early 70’s• 1973 public uprising against Kazi’s atrocity and in favour of

democratic rule• Referendum in 1974• Merger in 1975• Article 371(F) May 2, 2023

19

Sikkim and its Merger with India

Historical Development and Merger

May 2, 2023 20

Protectorate Status• Indo Sikkim Treaty, 1950 between the Maharaja of Sikkim

Tashi Namgyal and Politcal Officer Harishwar Dayal• Sikkim shall continue to be a protectorate of India• The Government of India responsible for the defence and

territorial integrity of Sikkim. • Government of India shall have the right to station troops

anywhere within Sikkim in consultation with the Government of Sikkim.

• Sikkim shall not import any arms ammunitions, military stores or store other warlike materials without the previous consent of the Government of India.

May 2, 2023 21

• Sikkim Subjects shall have the right of entry and free

movement within India, and Indian nationals shall have the right of entry into and free movement within Sikkim.

• Indian nationals shall have: a. The right to carry on trade and commerce in Sikkimb. When established in any trade in Sikkim, the right to

acquire, hold and dispose of any property, movable or immovable, for the purposes of their trade or residence in Sikkim

• Subjects of Sikkim shall have the same right; (i) to carry on trade and commerce in India, employment(ii)of acquiring, holding and disposing of property,

movable & immovable as Indian nationals. May 2, 2023 22

• Palden Thondup Namgyal became the twelfth and the last

Chogyal in 1963• General elections held in 1967, 1970 and 1973• 1973 elections saw widespread protests as political parties

accused the govt of poll rigging • To resolve the issue, Indian government intervened and a

Tripartite agreement was signed on May 08, 1973 between the political parties, the Chogyal and the Govt of India

• It devolved ensuring greater legislative and executive powers

• Fallout of Tripartite: Country divided into 31 constituencies, with 1 seat for the Sangha

• In 1974 General elections Sikkim Janata Congress swept the polls with Kazi Lhendup Dorjee as the CMMay 2, 2023 23

• The Indian Parliament passed the 35th Amendment, Sikkim

became an Associate State on September 05, 1974.• Sikkim was merged with India by the 36th Constitutional

Amendment on May 16, 1975, becoming its 22nd state• Kazi Lhendup Dorjee became the state’s first Chief Minister.• Post 1975, nine general elections in the state• NB Bhandari Sikkim, Janata Party and Sikkim Sangram

Parishad (1979-1994) ruled for 14 years.• BB Gooroong 17 days, and Sanchaman Limbu 6 months• The present Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with his regional

Sikkim Democratic Party completed his four consecutive lustrums (since 1994) and is in the first year of the fifth term.

• Rest is the present, and you all know it all.

May 2, 2023 24

Ethnic Communities of Sikkim:

Origin, Language, Traditions, Food Habits, Cultural Rites

May 2, 2023 25

The Lepchas: Meaning and Scope• Lepcha: nomenclature by Nepalese; Lep: speech;

cha: unintelligible; unintelligible speaker• Rongpa: Ravine dweller• Also, as per Dr Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Lepchas

are Kirati (Nepali sub tribe); Parrungo-Sumenima had three sons, Lepcha, Jimdar and Meche

• Like to be called Mutanchi Rong Kun Rong kup: meaning beloved sons of beloved Mother of Creation and Almighty God

• Sikkim they called was Rong Lyang (waiting place while going to Tibet for salt)

May 2, 2023 26

The Lepchas• Original inhabitants of Sikkim, existed much before the Bhutias and

the Nepalese migrated here• Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, they

practised bon faith or mun faith based on spirits, good and bad• Worshipped spirits of mountains, rivers and forests and lived in lush

nature• Lepchas concentrated in North and the central part of Sikkim• Dzongu is main area at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers

at Dickchu• Monpa and Thenpa concept of evolution resemble the Eve and

Adam concept of Christianity• Ritually very close to Christianity • Rapid conversion among the elite Lepchas into Christianity

May 2, 2023 27

May 2, 2023 28

The Lepcha People

• Simple, gentle, shy, they call themselves Rongpa (dwellers in

the steep country) or Mutanchi (the mother’s loved ones)• Mongolian featured, rich folklore drawing parallels with

western world, The Great Deluge and The Tower of Babel resemble some of the Lepcha folklores cause to doubt they have been living in isolation for a very long time

• They believe the world was created by Itbu-moo aka It-moo or the Great Mother Creator. She fashioned Kongchen Konghlo (Khangchendzonga) and other mountains, ordained them with divinity, and ordered them to look after welfare of country for which they would be worshipped by the mortals.

• The first man and woman Phudong-thing (aka Tukbo-thing) and Nazong Nyu lived in Mayel Lyang, Lepcha paradise, in the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga.

May 2, 2023 29

• Once animistic in faith, the Lepchas later converted to

Buddhism and Christianity• Follow old customs where male and female Bongthing,

Padim and Mun respectively are used in their everyday life along with the monks during marriage, averting sickness, propitiating deities, exorcism and divining the future

• Lepcha kings like Tur-ve, Tur-ayek, Tur-sang-pono and Tur-sung ruled before the Bhutias, more like local chieftains

• The Lepcha patriarch Thekung Tek, granted boon of issue to Khye Bhumsa, the ancestor of the later Chogyals and a prince of the Minyak dynasty, and signed the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepchas and the Bhutias

• Thekung Mensalong, a Lepcha Bongthing, is also revered for having guided Lhatsun Chenpo to the sacred sites in Sikkim

May 2, 2023 30

Society and Caste System• Socially limited to Dzongu (isolated)• House: Single storey with place for domestic

animals in lower deck and upper deck as residential with centrally heating hearth. Like lake dwellers’ houses in Switzerland

• Caste: Four castes: Damsang, Illam, Protestant Christian and Catholic Lepchas

• Food: Roots, pork, beef, other wild animal flesh, forest products like surong vee (nettle) and (tungtok vee) ferns

• CHI like Bhutia Chhang is a locally made millet alcoholic drink, arok and chibub

May 2, 2023 31

Lepcha language: ‘Rong-aring’ or ‘Rongring’ , Tibeto-Burman family. Very interesting, scientific and structured language Animal’s name and matters of nature start with the letter

‘Sa’, (Surya, Suthong, su-chyak, suna, suko, sangi, sattim, suhu and suchuk, sungdul, are the names of tiger, leopard, bear, dear, lion, porcupine, monkey, and sun, tree)

Snakes (Panu-bu, Pamol-bu, Panul-bu, Palong-bu) Bamboo products Ta-zyang, Tangar, Tyanjyang, Tafu, Takchim, Talyung are the names of different bamboo products

Have own script but most of their ancient literary works, called namthars, are recorded in Tibetan script.

Third Chogyal, Chador Namgyal invented the Lepcha script Lepchas believe script existed before him and was created by Thikung Men Salong

May 2, 2023 32

• Lepchas skilled in bamboo crafts• Phenomenal knowledge of poisonous and non-

poisonous plants, snakes, other flora and fauna. • Traditional cloths are woven in exquisite colour

combinations. Men’s dress is called Thokro-Dum and the female’s dress is called Dumdyam or Dumvum

• Man’s Thokro-Dum is completed by a white three-quarter pyjama. Woman’s Dumvum is a an ankle length flowing dress suggesting dry land inhabitants. The male dress is almost always coarse, sturdy and durable while female dress is made of softer material

• Also known as Gada for women and Tharu for men

May 2, 2023 33

Lepcha Religion, Marriage and Death Rites

• Bon Religion: Bon –the medicine manConcept of Ruum, the God and Muung, the Demon• Thekyong- Tek and Nyekong-Tek• Marriage: Polygamy to Monogamy, groom to

prove worth by labour, stays at bride’s house for a year before solemnising marriage

• Female progeny favoured, • Earlier, number of fields number of wives• Death: Earlier burial, later cremation because of

cultural encroachmentMay 2, 2023 34

The Bhutia People

May 2, 2023 35

THE BHUTIAS

• Bhutias are the people of Tibetan origin, farmers, herders. • They migrated to Sikkim sometimes after fifteenth century. • Known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas in North Sikkim• Language, Sikkimese Bhutia, a language of Tibetan origin. • Bhutia villages are larger than those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house,

called "Khim“, is usually of rectangular shape.• Tibetan Buddhism ingrained in their culture, monks are integral

part in their marriages, births, deaths and beginning of a new venture

• The third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal had decreed that one son of every family, including the royal family, has to join the lamasery

May 2, 202336

• 13th century, Khye Bhumsa, a Minyak dynasty prince

settled in the Chumbi valley, blessed by Thekung Tek• Khye Bhumsa’s 3 sons – Kyabo Rab, Langmo Rab and

Mipon Rab left Chumbi, settled in Phodong, Gangtok and around.

• Thus began the migrations of Tibetans into Sikkim and later called Bhutias.

• Bhutias: farmers and herders. Those lying in the lowlands practice farming and rear livestock while at the higher altitudes they are herders of yaks.

May 2, 2023 37

Bhutias speak Sikkimese Bhutia, 85% intelligible with either

Tibetan or Dzongkha of Bhutan, although Nepali is more widely spoken. Spread over Nepal, Bhutan, and in the northern West Bengal, especially in Kalimpong and Darjeeling

Clothing: The traditional outfit: bakhu, a loose cloak type garment,

fastened at neck and waist with a silk/cotton belt Males wear bakhu with a loose trouser Women wear the bakhu with silken full sleeve blouse honju.

Loose sheet of multi-coloured woollen cloth with exotic geometric designs is tied called the pangden by married women. Embroidered leather boots by both men and women.

House of Bhutia:"khim" and is usually rectangular. A stone structure outside the house for burning incense called

"sangbum." "Sang" means incense and "bum" means vase

May 2, 2023 38

Bhutia Religion, Marriage and Death Rites• Class: Bhutias had three social classes; aristocracy,

quasi-aristocracy, the leading Bhutia families called Kazis and common. Monarchy was abolished, social distinction also lost

• Religion: Lamaism and Lamaist Buddhism• Marriage: Khachang-settling of marriage and fixing an

auspicious date for betrothal of ceremony, to be done by the Lama, both side invited to bride’s house and expenses borne by the groom side.

• Death: blowing of counch to announce death, body embalmed with preservatives, kept for three to seven days, cremated on the uphill

May 2, 2023 39

The Nepali People

May 2, 2023 40

Nepalis in Sikkim• Migrants from Nepal:• Introduced joom cultivation and settled farming

by clearing forests and rearing cattle• Industrious, multi-racial, multi-cultural, fusion• Class based and differently dressed; Hinduism • Difference not to be taken as social discord• Multi-lingual: Kirat, Gurung, Mukhia, Limboo,

Tamang, Magar, Newari,• Nepali: lingua franca and medium of education

until English was introduced after mergerMay 2, 2023 41

The Nepalis

• Appeared much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. Migrated in large numbers and became the dominant community. Constitute more than 70 % of population.

• Introduced terraced cultivation–introduced Cardamom an important cash crop. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, they are Hindus with usual caste system.

• Largest population in Sikkim consisting of Bahuns, Chhetris, Newars, Rais, Limboos, Magars, Murmis, Tamangs, Gurungs, Kamis, Damais and Sherpas altogether called Nepalese.

• Rai, Limboo and Yakka form the ancient Kirat tribe of eastern Nepal. Rais -east of the Kathmandu valley between Dudh Kosi and Arun rivers, Limboos-from the Arun River eastwards into Sikkim called Limbuana.

May 2, 2023 42

Besides Limboos, all the others came into Sikkim in the later part of 19th century. With the leasing of Darjeeling to the British in 1835, the Nepalese were brought in great numbers by the British for development purposes.

Tshupud Namgyal granted mining lease to Laxmidas Pradhan Large numbers as manpower was required for mining,

farming and other activities. As J. C. White appointed as the Political Officer of Sikkim,

floodgates opened as British interested in tilting politics of Sikkim towards India instead of Tibet

The Nepalese contribution to Sikkim is a rich and a vibrant culture which has made the state more colourful.

May 2, 2023 43

• Till the 1870 Gorkha conquest, lands up to River Arun belonged to Sikkim. Followed Hinduism due to dominance of the Hindu Kings of Nepal.

• Animistic traditions still strong prevalant: Nakchung, Mangpas, Bijuwas and Phedangmas esteemed and involved in all the sacred and day to day ceremonies

• Magars, Murmis, Tamangs, Gurungs and Sherpas also Kiratis Tibeto-Burman origin-settled in middle and western Nepal. Animistic but have adopted the Hinduism or the Buddhism.

• Rest, Aryan in origin who pushed into the Kathmandu valley during early times from India. The religion they chiefly pursue is Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Nepali House: Two-storey with courtyard and pali a store-house, angena, chula, juthelno

May 2, 2023 44

Limbus in Sikkim and their nexus with the Lepchas The Limbu people (also known as Tsong, Tshong, Subba, and Yakthungba) are a Kiranti people, and are also an indigenous group of Sikkim. Around 1819, the Lepchas were still

the most numerous population, comprising roughly half of all Sikkimese, followed by Bhutias (30%) and Limbus (20%)

Limbus frequently intermarried with Lepchas. At this time there was no appreciable Nepali population present.

Nomenclature of Sikkim originally in Limbu dialect as “Su-him” meaning ‘beautiful house’. Similar story goes with Lepcha Mayal lyang and Bhutia Denzong

May 2, 2023 45

The Plainsmen

• Marwaris, Biharis and Bengalis in Sikkim are collectively termed as the plainsmen, referring to their place of origin. They too form a sizeable population in the state and contribute to the economy.

• Like in Nepal, the nomenclature ‘Madesi’ is very common for the business community in the rural Sikkim.

• Amongst them the first to arrive were the trading community of Marwaris attracted by the trade with Tibet. With the new state requiring a lot of workforce the other communities followed and brought along with them their rich cultures.

May 2, 2023 46

Nepali Religion, Marriage and Death Rites• Class: As that of Hindus. Castes and sub-castes• Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism in certain Castes• Marriage: Mangani, arranged marriage, astrologers

consulted,star signs are matched, middle person (lami) acts as the messenger for both the families, courting to bride by groom’s side, auspicious day fixed and marriage solemnized generally in December or March- April

• Marriage function marks Naumati Baaja and Janti • Death: body cremated in the downstream, river. 13 day

ritual performed by the sons or brothers.

May 2, 2023 47

Festivals of Sikkim Although Buddhism appears to be the predominant religion

in Sikkim ,the real side of religion in the state is Hinduism. Buddhism is followed by mostly the Tibetans and the Bhutias. Hinduism is followed by the Nepalese. Other religions too, like Christianity, Sikhism etc. flourish because of the tolerant mindset of the Sikkimese

The Buddhist Festivals: Saga Dawa: The holiest Festivals. Lord Buddha’s birth, Enlightenment, passing away & attaining Nirvana. This Three-Fold-Auspicious-Day on full moon day, 4th month of Buddhist lunar calendar last May and early June. Marks carrying the Holy Books of the teachings of the Buddha from Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery in the Palace around the town.

May 2, 2023 48

• Lhabab Dhuechen: symbolises the Descent of Buddha from

the heaven of the thirty three gods after visiting his mother. Dhuechen (festivals) Lha (heaven) Bab (descent). Although the gods did not want Lord Buddha to go back to earth, he, being an earthly being, he could not be in heaven. Lord Buddha finally descended to the earth at a place called Sankasya along a triple ladder that was prepared especially for the occasion by Viswakarma, the God of Machines.

• Drukpa Tsheshi: observed to mark the event when Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma (His first sermon to five disciples at Sarnath). This festival celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four Noble Truths to his first five disciples in a deer park at Sarnath. The first is the Noble Truth of suffering.

• May 2, 2023 49

• The Second Noble Truth of the origin of suffering

Karma and Delusion and their causes. The Third Noble Truth is the cessation of the suffering or the attainment of Nirvana. The fourth Noble Truth is the truth of the Eight Fold Path leading to Nirvana. The day falls on the fourth day (Teshi) of the sixth Tibetan month (Drukpa).

• Held on the 4th day(Tsheshi) of the 6th month(Drukpa) of the Tibetan Calendar around July or August every year. Marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place called Muguthang in extreme North Sikkim. The festival is celebrated by holding a Yak race.

• Phang Lhabsol: unique to Sikkim. It was popularised by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal.

May 2, 2023 50

• Khangchendzonga is worshipped for its unifying powers.

This festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by Khye Bumsa and Tekong Tek when the local deities were invoked to witness the occasion.

• Losoong: marks the end of the harvest season and also the tenth month of the Tibetan Year. Celebrating good harvest and praying for even better crop, Chaam performed at monasteries at Palace (Tsu-La-Khang), Phodong and Rumtek. The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits of the year and the welcoming of the good spirit of the new year. It is best observed in rural Sikkim. Archery competitions and festivities mark the event.

May 2, 2023 51

Losar: Tibetan New Year with gaiety and festivity in the month of February. Yak dance and greetings with shouts of "Tashi Delek“ welcome the new year.

Bumchu: Bum means "pot or vase" and chu means "water". It is celebrated at Tashiding in the month of January or February. The pot containing the holy water is opened by the lamas of the monastery. The level of water in the pot foretells the future for the forthcoming year. Water is to the brim signifies peace and prosperity will prevail. Water is over the brim and spilling signifies natural disaster and flood , bloodshed and disturbances. If the water lever is low or almost dry it signifies famine.Some holy water distributed to the devotes and the pot is replenished with river water and sealed at the end of the festival to be opened only in the next Bumchu.

May 2, 2023 52

• Guru Rimpoche's Trungkar Tshechu: Sikkimese Buddhist pay homage to the master who first blessed Sikkim as holy land, Guru Rimpoche who established Buddhism in Sikkim and introduce Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas. Commemorates his victory over demons and the devout believe that virtues accrued by recitation of mantras on this day are two-fold. Kagyed Dance: 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, around December. Symbolises destruction of the evil forces and hoping for peace and prosperity to flourish. The dancers of this is extremely popular Chaam are always monks who are accompanied liturgical music and chanting.

May 2, 2023 53

• The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters. Kagyed dances enact various themes from the Buddhist mythology and culminate with the burning of effigies made of flour, wood and paper.

• Kalchakra Puja: A mention of the two bodies of Buddhism, Hinayana and Mahayana has been made at the beginning of this chapter. To attain Nirvana or Enlightenment and freedom from suffering one of the paths offered is Tantrayana which emphasizes the Tantric or mystic aspect of Buddhism involving complex and esoteric rituals.

May 2, 2023 54

• HINDU FESTIVALS:

Dasain / Dusshera/ Durga Puja: One of the most important festivals for the Nepalese Hindus. While Hindus around the world celebrate Durga Puja, the Nepalese observe the days as Dasain or Bijaya Dashmi. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is widely believed that on this day the evil Mahisura was slain by Goddess Durga who is the embodiment of Goodness and Shakti, in a fierce duel fight.On the first day barley seeds are sown in the soil and their growth a few inches foretells a good harvest. The next important day, a week later is Fulpati meaning the "day of flowers". Maha Astami and Kala Ratri follow Fulpati. The next day is Navami.

May 2, 2023 55

• The 10th day is known as Vijay Dashmi and also marks

the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. During this day people smear their foreheads with coloured rice and the barley sprouts which were sown on the first day of Dasain are picked and place over ears.

• Tihar or Tyohar/ Diwali: festival of lights. Celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama, his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, to their kingdom after 14 years of exile. To celebrate their return, the people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit up their houses and streets with lamps and the tradition is followed till date. People also conduct Lakshmi Puja to please the Goddess of Wealth. It falls on the last two days of dark half of Kartik (October-November). For some it is a three-day festival. May 2, 2023 56

• In Sikkim the festival honours certain animals on each day.

Day 1, "Kaag Tihar" is dedicated to crows and they are offered rice and some, if caught, are even garlanded. Day 2, "Kukkur Tihar", dogs are fed and garlanded. Day 3 “Gaai Tihar” to honour the cow with garlands and prayers. Day 4 “Goru Tihar” on which day the bullocks are honoured.

• Day 5, known as Bhai Tika, marks brothers visiting their sisters to receive ‘tika’ a way of applying marks on the forehead and garlanding the brothers with marigold (saypatri in Nepali meaning hundred petals) It is also an occasion for exchanging gifts. During Tihar, traditional carols called Bhailo and Deusi are sung.

• Saraswati Puja: This festival falls in the month of January and honors the Hindu Goddess of knowledge "Saraswati". May 2, 2023 57

• Janmastami: aka Krishnastami or Gokulastami,

dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and commemorates his birth. Eighth day (Astami) of a lunar fortnight hence the name (Krishna+astami), associated with Lord Krishna’s birthday and is a combination of religion and celebration together, celebrated during the month of August or September.

• Maghe Sankranti : Important festivals of Hindus, aka Makar sankranti in other parts of India is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh (of the Vikram Sambhat calendar), believed by the Nepalese as the day that marks the division of the Winter and Summer solstices. It marks the lengthening of days. Bathing in rivers, especially in the confluence of rivers, is prescribed for this day followed by feasting. May 2, 2023 58

Fairs organized along the river banks and confluence of

rivers. Prayers begin with dawn, fairs draw people from surrounding areas in thousands.

Occasion for villagers to gather, meet and buy. The most colourful introduction to the Sikkimese milieu as people from all communities patronize these fairs. Jorethang (South Sikkim) and Saramsa (East Sikkim).

Holi: This Hindu festival of colours takes on a new meaning in the colder times of Sikkim. All night revelry, songs and dances brings the business community (which is largely Hindu) to the streets and also observed is the (Matki) competition in the heart of the town. A good example of communal harmony prevalent in Sikkim as the ethnic Bhutias and Lepchas seen with their Hindu friends also take a crack at the pot hung high in the air.

May 2, 2023 59

• Other Festivals:• Namsoong: Indigenous festival of Lepchas. Marks new

year which begins from the first day of first month (Kurnyit Lavo) of the year which continues for seven days.

• Sakewa: Festivals of the Rai community. The day is observed with offerings of a variety of sweets and food grains to the deity of food and wealth, Kubera.

• Bhanu Jayanti: The Nepalese poet, Adhikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (origin: Nepal), enjoys a demi-God status here. His birth anniversary is marked with processions, poetry recitations, and seminars. Bhanu Bhakta was the first Nepalese to translate the Hindu holy book, Ramayana, into a Nepali version.

May 2, 2023 60

• Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat: Lepchas pay obeisance to the

Tendong Hill for saving their tribe from the great flood. • Nyempa Guzom: Common people visit and offer fruits,

sweets & even donations and pray for the good will in monasteries for their family and beloved ones. It falls during December-January

• Tamu Lochar: Gurung New Year. 15th day of Nepali Calendar’s ninth month during December. 3-day Celebration after a year's hard-work. Field works barred.

• Legend: ancestors of Tamus known as Khemas did a long meditation and Lord Buddha himself appeared to and enlightened them. Started the Tamu Buddhism. On this day the Lo (birth sign) changes. Decisions taken and debts repaid on this date.

May 2, 2023 61

Basic Information

• Connectivity : Nearest Airport – Bagdogra (123 kms)Nearest Railway Station – NJP (114 kms)

• Climate : Tropical to Alpine

May 2, 2023 62

ENTRY FORMALITIES• Restricted Area Permit (RAP)required for foreigner visitors which can be obtained from all Indian Missions abroad and Tourist Information Centres at New Delhi,

Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, Rangpo and MelliMay 2, 2023 63

May 2, 2023 64

AttractionsNature

One of the bio-diversity hot spots Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, Abundant flora & fauna

CultureRich culture Warm & hospitable people

Adventure- Tourist hotspot, rafting, climbing,

mountaineering

Infrastructure & Destination Development

Hotels from Budget to Star category

Home stay facilitiesWayside AmenitiesBeautification of

destinations

May 2, 2023 65

Connectivity & Communication

• Good network of roads and transportation

• Excellent network of communication - internet, telephone etc.

• Helicopter service: Daily scheduled flight from Gangtok-Bagdogra-Gangtok

• Airport under construction• Widening of existing NH-10

up to the double lane category and construction of alternate National High Way

May 2, 2023 66

Sikkimese Cuisine• Momo :Hot steamed flour dumplings filled with

minced meat, cheese or vegetable, local chilly sauce and hot soup, the most commonly available food in Sikkim. Found from the roadside to the most expensive restaurants. Rides on every menu. Now available across the country. Fried form also common in the plainsides.

• Thukpa or Gya-thuk : Another popular and easily available item , a typical Tibetan style noodles in soup, based with vegetables or meat.

• Saelroti :The Nepalese prepare a special kind of assorted bread, spiral in shape, mostly during the festivals and especially Tihaar. Prepared from fermented rice batter which is deep fried and eaten with potato curry or meat or simply by itself.

May 2, 202367

• Fermented food is an important element of many

Sikkimese dishes. • Chhurpi, a fermented dairy product prepared by boiling

the water separated after churning the curd. It has a mild sour taste is used for making soups and chutney. It is often used with Ningro, a wild fern resulting in an exotic combination. (A hardened form of chhurpi, eaten as nut is also availble in the highlands of Sikkim.)

• Kinema fermented soyabean food, rich in protein, with a unique flavour is eaten with rice as chutney or curry.

• Gundruk and Sinki are two traditional fermented vegetable products which are sun dried after fermentation and stored for consumption. These are later used for soups, curries and pickles.May 2, 2023 68

Bamboo shoot used ingredient in local food. Fresh bamboo

shoot called Tama is used to prepare pork delicacy. Meso, a traditional fermented bamboo shoot product used

to make pickles. Sishnu Soup : the most exotic local dish , prepared from

leaves of edible wild varieties of nettle. Chaang: a fermented cereal-based

alcoholic beverage sipped from a bamboo receptacle using a thin bamboo pipe. The receptacle which has millet in itis topped with warm water a few times until the millet loses its toxic flavour.

May 2, 202369

Sikkim is famous for its brand name 'Temi Tea'. Temi tea estate is located in Temi, South Sikkim and is one of the

best tea producing estates in India. Established in 1969 over 437 acres and 406 workers and 43 staff members, produces about 100 MT tea annually. In 1997-98 it produced 1,16,000 Kgs, the highest record ever achieved with a Rs. 2.18 crores credit to the State exchequer. The garden received All India Quality Award from Tea Board of India in 1994 and 1995.

Temi, the only tea garden in Sikkim, is a fully organic tea estate.

May 2, 202370

May 2, 2023 71

Adv

entu

re T

ouris

m

Sikkim: A photo travel

May 2, 2023 72Chorten or the Stupa

May 2, 202373

May 2, 2023 74

Terra

ins o

f Sikk

im

May 2, 2023 75

Gangtok; the Capital Town

Palden Thendup Namgyal and Queen Hopecooke The Last Chogyal of Sikkim

May 2, 202376

PilgrimagePilgrimage

May 2, 2023 77

CULTURECULTURE

May 2, 2023 78

Village TourismVillage Tourism

May 2, 2023 79

May 2, 2023 80

State Bird Blood Pheasant

State Animal Red Panda

State Tree Rhododendron

The Lakes and the RiversThe Lakes and the Rivers

May 2, 2023 81

May 2, 2023 82

Dances of SikkimDances of Sikkim

May 2, 2023 83

Traditional HousesTraditional Houses

Capital Town Gangtok: Then and NowCapital Town Gangtok: Then and Now

May 2, 2023 84

Mahatma Gandhi Road, Gangtok

May 2, 2023 85

A view of Sikkimese terrainA view of Sikkimese terrain

May 2, 2023 86

River Teesta

Sikkim at 500 ft

May 2, 2023 87

Lake TsomgoSikkim at 14000 ft.

Discussion Before Closing• Lonely Planet Report 2014:Best Tourist Destination-Sikkim• Ten Minutes to Earth• Sikkim Land Laws and Revenue Order Number One• SSC Regulation Act and Certificate of Identification• Sikkim Married Women’s Property Regulation Act and

marriage rules• Sikkim Income Tax Manual and Central Direct Tax Law• Old Laws of Sikkim

May 2, 2023 88

Do Visit SikkimDo Visit Sikkim

May 2, 2023 89

Mt. Kanchenjungha (28189 ft)

Reference:• History, Cultures and Customs of Sikkim: JB Subba• Sikhim and Bhutan: Twenty-One Years on the North –

East Frontier 1887-1908 J Claude White (Low Price Publications New Delhi-52, 1999)

• Sikkim: The Himalayan Requiem by Andrew Duff• Sikkim Saga: BS Das• Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim by Sunanda K

Dutta-Ray• Compilation of Sikkim Service Rules compiled by Dilu

Kumar Pradhan

May 2, 2023 90

May 2, 2023 91