Sikkim People & Lifestyle
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".
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