About Sikkim

 Sikkim People | Sikkim Flora & Fauna | Sikkim Art & Craft | Sikkim Lakes | Sikkim Cuisine |Sikkim Festival

Sikkim is the 22nd state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April, 1975. Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district has further been bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative purpose. Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 8540 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20% of the total area of the state. The highest portion of sikkim lies in its north west direction. A large number of mountains having altitudes of about seven thousand meters stands here with - Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), The third highest peak in the world. The high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga look attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna (7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825 m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc. A number of glaciers descends from eastern slopes of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim where snow clad line is found above 5300 mtrs. The biggest of them is Zemu, from whose snout above Lachen monastery rises the river Teesta. Teesta is the main river and its main tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli, Rangpo and Rangit which form the main channel of drainage from the north to the south. It boasts of the great mount Kanchendzonga as its crown. Ethically Sikkim has mainly three groups of people viz. Nepalis, Bhutias, Lepchas. The local language is Nepali. English is the official language. This jewel- like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 sq. kms , nestles in the heart of Himalayas. Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature deep within the snow clad Himalayas is Sikkim's capital Gangtok. Wrapped in mists and clouds, a garden state with an incredible variety of rhododendrons & a host of other flowers

Sikkim People

Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in 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 labourers 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 i s the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu.

Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas.

THE BHUTIAS
These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. In Northen 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 traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold.

THE NEPALESE
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.

The Nepali language is spoken and understood all over the state. This language is similar to Hindi and uses the Devangri script . The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as "Daura Suruwal". The female dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as "Chow Bandi Choli". They also wear a shawl known as "Majetro". The "Khukri" which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as "Daab".

Sikkim Flora & Fauna
Sikkim, in addition with its mountains and lakes, has acquired its maximum splendor owing to its loaded flora and fauna. Located in a natural spot of the lower Himalayas, Sikkim is one amongst the three eco-regions of India. Sikkim has acquired a small portion in the domain of India, yet the state boasts of a rich variety of plants and animals. Perhaps, the main reason could be the weather that remains favorable for the vegetation. Due to the altitudinal shift, Sikkim possesses an extensive range of plants and foliage, providing a great place to explore for a naturalist. Read further to know about flora & fauna of Sikkim.

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Sikkim has approximately 5,000 blossoming plants, 515 extraordinary orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns & ferns' allies, 8 tree ferns and more than 424 medicinal plants. The Rhododendron is acclaimed to be the state tree. Sikkim boasts of a wide range of the species that grows in sub-tropical to alpine regions. In the lower altitudes, orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and bamboo are traceable enjoying the subtropical climate. Above 1,500 meters (in temperate regions), oaks, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders and magnolias are found in large numbers. Under alpine-affected regions, juniper, pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons are quite common that happen to come across between the altitudes of 3,500 to 5 000 m. The official flower of Sikkim is Orchid Dendrobium Nobile.

Fauna
The woods provide a favorable abode to the wide-ranging fauna of Sikkim. The animal kingdom comprises Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Bhoral, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Himalayan Marmot, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Wild Dog, Tibetan Wolf, Hog Badger, Binturong, Jungle Cat and Civet Cat. In the alpine zone, one can easily find yaks that are generally nurtured for their milk, meat and as a beast to carry burden. The state treasures a large variety of arthropods too.

Sikkim boasts of not less than 550 species of birds and out of them, some are recognized to be rare and endangered. Impeyan Pheasant, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Snow Cock, Lammergeyer, Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles, Quail, Plovers, Woodcock, Sandpipers, Pigeons, Old World Flycatchers, Babblers and Robins formulate the avifauna of Sikkim. Yet another group of fauna is that of butterflies. In Sikkim, 695 species of butterflies have been recorded, while Indian subcontinent has 1438 species on the whole. Kaiser-i-hind, Yellow Gorgon and Bhutan Glory are some of the endangered species of butterflies that are found in Sikkim.

In the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is a lovely state located in the unfathomable mountains and abrupt valleys. Sikkim is placed between latitudes of 27° 5' N to 20° 9' N and longitudes of 87° 59' E to 88° 56' E. Positioned in north-east, Sikkim is the second smallest state of India. Sikkim is sandwiched between Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, China in the north and West Bengal in the south. The Indian Border of Sikkim is shared only with the state of West Bengal. Oblong in its shape, Sikkim lengthens 100 kms approx. from north to south and broadens 60 kms approx from east to west. Sikkim covers an area of 7,096 km². Highly dominated by mountainous terrain, Sikkim gets water from rivers like Teesta and Rangeet. Roughly three-quarters of its perimeter, enfolds the east and the west, incorporating the complete northern borderline. The southern fringe of Sikkim is the only liberated edge that is open to West Bengal.

The whole setting makes a horseshoe corral, which acts as a trap for moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. Consequently, Sikkim receives plenty of rain showers round the year. With the elevation ranging from 280 m (920 feet) to 8,585 m (28,000 feet), Sikkim has diverse climate ranging from tropical to tundra. The geographical statistics of Sikkim is probably the reason for the rich collection of flora and fauna in this smallest state.

Kanchenjunga peak makes the crown of this state. Being rocky, the area is not adequate for farming and agriculture. Several snow-fed streams have resulted into river valleys in the west and south of Sikkim. One-third land of Sikkim is covered with forests. Sikkim boasts of 28 mountain peaks, 21 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, 5 hot springs and more than 100 streams. In the lower Himalayas, Inhabitants have occupied the southern part of Sikkim.

Sikkim is renowned for its dazzling and appealing beauty. The charm of this state is ever enticing and no one can abstain from its allure. In fact, Sikkim is resplendent with not only its natural beauty but with its art and craft too. The cultural richness of Sikkim is visible in its quality handicrafts. The Government of Sikkim is making constant efforts to keep the arts & crafts alive. Keeping the idea in mind, the Govt. has established Handicraft and Handloom Institute, to preserve and promote traditional cottage art and craft of genuine Sikkimese design.
The institution is a reservoir of eye-catching handicraft and handlooms like carpets, wood carved furniture, thankas and canvas wall hangings. Sikkimese carpets are especially known for being hand knotted with artistic designs. The handicrafts of Sikkim have a kind of appeal in them, whether it is fantastic woven carpet or amazing 'choktse' table, everything is just wonderful. People from India as well as abroad, stroll the markets to grab hold of the crafts of Sikkim. In the following lines, we have tried to give a glimpse of Sikkimese handicrafts.

Carpet Weaving
Sikkimese' practice of weaving is probably the oldest form of carpet weaving in the world. The women of the Bhutia community are said to be expert carpet weavers. The traditional pattern of weaving requires a frame loom. The exclusive manner of weaving, by the hard-working artisans of Sikkim, appears in the designs of striking carpets.

Wood Carving
The wood carving in Sikkim is symbolic of true art of India. Throughout Sikkim, one can trace monasteries and buildings, festooned with symbols and icons carved in wood. The mask dance of Sikkim is also portrayed in wood carvings. You can find superb masks made out of wood and papier-mâché. Pemayangtse Monastery is a fine specimen of carved wooden sculptures and wood carvings.

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Thangka Paintings
Thangka Paintings are unique to the state of Sikkim. Initially, these paintings were the only medium to preach the highest ideals of Buddhism. 'Thangkas' are usually made on cotton canvas with a frame of silk. These paintings portray images of different Gods, Goddesses and philosophies related to Buddhism. Originally, paintings were made by priests and monks, later the skills got passed from generation to generation. Today, commercialization of this art is helping monasteries and practitioners to earn a living.

The native Sikkimese weaves various striking designs and patterns. They weave woolen blankets, bags, shawls and jackets with the reflection of their mastery over the art. The 'thankas' (traditional tapestry), leather works, dolls, multicolored applique work, batiks, a fine collection of dolls and a range of fashionable garments are the additional specialties of Sikkim. To develop and promote such industries, the government has established an institute of cottage industries. The local handicrafts are available here on sale.

Choktse Tables
Choktse is a kind of foldable table and has become a special product of Sikkim. Choktse Tables are renowned here as well as outside India. These tables are made in different designs and dimensions.

Sikkim Lakes
Sikkim is distinguished for its natural scenery, which gets further enhanced by the picturesque lakes of the state. Actually, one could not think of locating lakes in a craggy terrain like that of Sikkim in India. However, Sikkim has many lakes even though they are not very big in volume. The alluring glacial valleys along with austere mountain peaks provide the perfect setting to the eye-tempting lakes of Sikkim.
Perhaps, Sikkim boasts of the most beautiful natural lakes in the world. The Lakes in Sikkim are spring fed as well as river fed. In fact, Sikkim lakes can provide some of the transcendent places, where you can spend a quality time in solitude. Tsomgo Lake, Menmecho Lake, Khecheoprai Lake, Green Lake, Samiti Lake, Cholamu Lake, Lakshmi Pokhari and Bidan Chu Lake are the graceful lakes of Sikkim. In this article,we will discuss the major ones in brief.

Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake is a tranquil lagoon amidst the dense forests in West Sikkim. Located at a distance of 30kms, Khecheopalri Lake can be easily reached from Geyzing via Pemayangtse. The significance of Khecheopalri Lake lies in the fact that it is worshipped both by the Buddhists as well as the Hindus. The serene waters of this lake appear to comprise a celestial charisma. Pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the world come to visit this placid lake.

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Sikkim Cuisine
Sikkim has a blend of cultures and traditions of Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet. So, does the cuisine of this state. The bizarre combination of various cuisines has resulted into one specific cuisine, which is now called as cuisine of Sikkim. Today, Sikkim boasts of its own dietary culture that comprises of different food habits and some special recipes. These recipes and habits have emerged with the traditional wisdom and experiments of generations. The traditional food of Sikkim, is gaining popularity among the masses. In the present day, Sikkimese cuisine has entered the kitchens of the world.

In Sikkim, Himalaya's traditional foods form an essential part of dietary culture. Rice is the chief food of the Sikkimese. Depending on availability, meat and dairy products are consumed as well. Apart from these foods, a range of traditional fermented foods and beverages, make the basic diet for centuries. The pattern of food production also reveals the gastronomy of Sikkim. With high altitudinal variation, crops like finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley, vegetable, potato, soybeans etc. are grown.

The cuisine is also incorporated with Dals (lentils), fresh vegetables, bamboo shoots, wild flowers, mushrooms and nettle leaves. Talking about non-vegetarian food, beef, pork and fish are relishing items. The main thing about the cuisine of Sikkim is that it materialized under the changing needs, geographical compulsions and cultural contact of the adjoining countries. Sikkim cuisine demonstrates the good sense of the residents, who took only those styles and methods from other cultures, which helped their mode of life, maintaining their own distinctive Momo (steamed dumpling), Tomato Achar (Pickle), Thukpa /Gya-Thuk (Noodle soup), Kinema curry (Fermented soybean), Gundruk and Sinki Soup (Fermented vegetable soup), Gundruk ko Achar (Pickle), Chhurpi Soup (Traditional cottage cheese), Chhurpi ka Achar (Pickle), Chhurpi-Ningro Curry (Chhurpi with wild fern), Sel Roti (Fermented rice product), Shimi ka Achar (String bean pickle), Pakku (Mutton curry) and Mesu Pickle (Fermented bamboo shoot) are some of the local dishes that are enjoyed by all the communities in Sikkim.

Fermented vegetables and beverages are very common in the Sikkimese tradition. Owing to this, people can preserve vegetables, when they befall out of season. To cope up with the chilly weather, the residents of Sikkim rely on alcoholic drinks that are popular amongst both men and women. An assortment of soups, pickles and beverages make the Sikkim cuisine more flavorsome and delicious. Slowly and steadily, the cuisine of Sikkim is getting more and more popularity due to its rich taste and enticing flavor.

Festivals
In a place where people are still preoccupied with the many mysteries of their religion, it is but natural that the important festivals are as splendid as they are colourful. The Hindu Nepalese observe their great festival Dasain with dance and revelry.
After ‘Dasain’ begins ‘Tyehar’. In the evening of this day, groups go around houses singing ‘Bhailo songs.’Two days later is another important festival ‘Bhai Tikka’ when sister puts ‘Tikka’ on brothers and pray for their welfare. For the Buddhists there are two religious festivals of special significance. The ‘Pang-Lhabsol’ and ‘Kagyat Chaams’. Dancing is the centre of all religious festivals. Tales and legends of Buddhist history and mythology are depicted vividly. Warriors vanquish the demons and believers drive out the non-believers all done in dramatic, colourful dances with splendid masks and costumes.

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