The document provides an introduction to Sikkim, including its: - History as an independent kingdom ruled by the Namgyal dynasty until merging with India in 1975. - Geography and location in the Himalayas. - Demographics and major ethnic groups - Lepchas, Bhutias, Limboos, and Nepalis. - Culture, traditions, languages, and religions of its ethnic communities. - Tourism industry and biodiversity in its mountains, lakes, forests and hot springs.

1. Introducing SikkimIntroducing Sikkim
a presentation by
Bhim Thatal, SCS,
Sikkim
for the IAS (AGMUT and NE Cadre) Probationersfor the IAS (AGMUT and NE Cadre) Probationers
September 30, 2015, AASC, Guwahati
October 2, 2015
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2. Good morning………
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3. Sikkim Insignia
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4. 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
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5. 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 8800 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
October 2, 2015
5Mt Kanchenjunga

6. • 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
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7. History of Sikkim
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 Limboo, Lepcha, and Bhutia – and their close
relatives – Kiranti and Tibetans –live in Nepal
Tibet, 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

8. 1641AD, Chogylal Coronation Throne1641AD, Chogylal Coronation Throne
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9.  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
October 2, 2015 9

10. • 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
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11. • 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.”
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12. • 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.
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13. 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
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14. • 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
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15. • 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
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16. • 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
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17. 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.
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18. 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
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19. 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) October 2, 2015
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Sikkim and its Merger with India

20. Historical Development and Merger
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21. 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.
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22. • 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 Sikkim
b. 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.
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23. • 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 CM
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24. • 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.
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25. Ethnic Communities of Sikkim:
Origin, Language, Traditions,
Food Habits, Cultural Rites
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26. 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)
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27. 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 ChristianityOctober 2, 2015 27

28. October 2, 2015 28
The Lepcha People

29. • 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.
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30. • 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
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31. 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
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32.  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
October 2, 2015 32

33. • 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
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34. Lepcha Religion, Marriage and Death Rites
• Bon Religion: Bon –the medicine man
Concept 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 encroachment
October 2, 2015 34

35. The Bhutia People
October 2, 2015 35

36. 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
October 2, 2015
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37. • 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.
October 2, 2015 37

38.  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
October 2, 2015 38

39. 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
October 2, 2015 39

40. The Nepali People
October 2, 2015 40

41. 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 mergerOctober 2, 2015 41

42. 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.
October 2, 2015 42

43.  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.
October 2, 2015 43

44. • 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
October 2, 2015 44

45. 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 DenzongOctober 2, 2015 45

46. 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.
October 2, 2015 46

47. 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.
October 2, 2015 47

48. 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.
October 2, 2015 48

49. • 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.October 2, 2015 49

50. • 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.
October 2, 2015 50

51. • 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.
October 2, 2015 51

52. 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.
October 2, 2015 52

53. • 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.
October 2, 2015 53

54. • 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.
October 2, 2015 54

55. • 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.
October 2, 2015 55

56. • 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.
October 2, 2015 56

57. • 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".
October 2, 2015 57

58. • 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.October 2, 2015 58

59.  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.October 2, 2015 59

60. • 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.October 2, 2015 60

61. • 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.
October 2, 2015 61

62. Basic Information
• Connectivity :
Nearest Airport – Bagdogra
(123 kms)
Nearest Railway Station – NJP
(114 kms)
• Climate : Tropical to Alpine
October 2, 2015 62

63. 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 MelliOctober 2, 2015 63

64. October 2, 2015 64
Attractions
Nature
One of the bio-diversity hot spots Mountains,
Rivers, Lakes, Abundant flora & fauna
Culture
Rich culture Warm & hospitable people
Adventure-
Tourist hotspot, rafting, climbing, mountaineering

65. Infrastructure &
Destination Development
Hotels from Budget to
Star category
Home stay facilities
Wayside Amenities
Beautification of
destinations
October 2, 2015 65

66. 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
October 2, 2015 66

67. 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.
October 2, 2015
67

68. • 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.
October 2, 2015 68

69.  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 it
is topped with warm water a few times
until the millet loses its toxic flavour.
October 2, 2015
69

70.  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.
October 2, 2015
70

71. October 2, 2015 71
AdventureTourism

72. Sikkim: A photo travel
October 2, 2015 72
Chorten or the Stupa

73. October 2, 2015
73

74. October 2, 2015 74
TerrainsofSikkim

75. October 2, 2015 75
Gangtok; the Capital Town

76. Palden Thendup Namgyal and Queen Hopecooke
The Last Chogyal of Sikkim
October 2, 2015
76

77. PilgrimagePilgrimage
October 2, 2015 77

78. CULTURECULTURE
October 2, 2015 78

79. Village TourismVillage Tourism
October 2, 2015 79

80. October 2, 2015 80
State Bird
Blood Pheasant
State Animal
Red Panda
State Tree Rhododendron

81. The Lakes and the RiversThe Lakes and the Rivers
October 2, 2015 81

82. October 2, 2015 82
Dances of SikkimDances of Sikkim

83. October 2, 2015 83
Traditional HousesTraditional Houses

84. Capital Town Gangtok: Then and NowCapital Town Gangtok: Then and Now
October 2, 2015 84

85. Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Gangtok
October 2, 2015 85

86. A view of Sikkimese terrainA view of Sikkimese terrain
October 2, 2015 86
River Teesta
Sikkim at 500 ft

87. October 2, 2015 87
Lake Tsomgo
Sikkim at 14000 ft.

88. 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
October 2, 2015 88

89. Do Visit SikkimDo Visit Sikkim
October 2, 2015 89
Mt. Kanchenjungha (28189 ft)

90. 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
October 2, 2015 90

91. October 2, 2015 91