Sikkim history &culture

Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

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Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

The Anti-dam Movement in Sikkim: Resurgence of Lepcha and Bhutia Identity at Helm

  • Sikkim is a small Himalayan State which is located in India’s north -east region.
  • Prior to its merger with India in 1975, Sikkim was under the Chogyal Dynasty formed in 1642 under the influence of Tibetan theocracy.
  • Today, it is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
  • It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
  • In recent years Sikkim has witnessed a boom in terms of number of hydel power projects being build here to an extent that it is almost close in acquiring the title for having highest dam density in the world.
  • This was part of the 50,000 MW Hydroelectric initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in May, 2003.
  • But, the construction of power projects did not go all without opposition.
  • The resistance has come primarily from the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim in three distinct phases.
  • Though initially legitimized basing religion and culture, the movement as it progressed has been successful in revealing information and realities which may well serve in understanding and furthering the studies in development communication.

Resurgence of Bhutia and Lepcha Identity

  • One of the notable consequences of the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim over the years is it has bestowed the reassertion of Lepcha and Bhutia identity in Sikkim.
  • One peculiar character of all the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim is that all are primarily led and supported by the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim, thought there are some exceptions in the ongoing protest.
  • Sikkim is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
  • It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
  • Historically, the degree of social distance and discrimination among diverse ethnic groups was very strong, particularly between the Lepcha- Bhutia and Nepali community.
  • Ethnicity played a vital role during the formation of political parties in Sikkim, beginning from 1940’s. Political parties were chiefly constituted on ethnic lines.
  • They were many reasons contributing to these social gaps.
  • Initially, when the Chogyal regime recognised the status of the Subjects of Sikkim under Sikkim Subject Regulation 1961, the Nepalese who formed about 70 per cent of population in Sikkim and the plainsmen were excluded.
  • Earliest Nepalese settlers were later recognized and granted Sikkimese status, though the plainsmen had always been excluded.
  • For such reasons, there has always been hostility and differences among these ethnic groups. This hostility is primarily over the limited resource management in Sikkim.
  • The case of anti-hydel protest in Sikkim is an overt signal of such hostility.
  • However, over the years, particularly after the joining of Sikkim with the Indian Union in 1975, the antagonism between these ethnic groups to an extent was abbreviating, through various cross-cultural interactions, until the abrupt and haphazard endorsement of manifold hydro power plants in recent years.
  • This has propelled the Lepchas and the Bhutias to protest the construction of dams under various banners simultaneously is once again resuscitating and widening the waning differences between these ethnic groups.

Helen Lepcha Alias Sabitri Devi: Lone Freedom Fighter from the Lepcha Tribe

  • Helen Lepcha alias Sabitri Devi was one of the most famous Freedom fighters from the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
  • Originally a resident of Kurseong town she traces her lineage to a small hamlet in the village of Sangmoo near Namchi in South Sikkim.
  • She is the only woman freedom fighter born in the state of Sikkim and even though she spent most of her life in hills of Darjeeling; Sikkim has come forward to name her as the daughter of their soil.
  • In the event of Major Durga Malla and Captain Ram Singh Thakuri taking precedence among the freedom fighters from Darjeeling hills, Smt. Sabitri Devi has been given due recognition in her birth state of Sikkim.
  • Born into a Lepcha family of Achung Lepcha, she was the third daughter among seven.
  • It is said she was born around 1902 and soon after her family moved from Sangmoo village to Kurseong.
  • Even today stand the Chorten she paid maintenance for annually and the pear tree she fondly remembered from her childhood in her homestead.

Sikkim: Ethnic struggle

  • Almost all issues in Sikkim originate from and end in its ethnic diversity.
  • Lepchas, the original inhabitants are today facing extinction; the Bhutias who ruled after them are also in a minority.
  • Nepalis, who immigrated in large numbers in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, are now in an overwhelming majority and are clamouring for their right to rule.
  • Adding to the confusion is a large number of plainsmen, identified as “of Indian origin”. The tension and bitterness created by the ethnic struggle have cut across party lines.
  • The Central and state governments are committed to the abolition of the present “parity system” under which Lepchas and Bhutias who constitute only 20 per cent of the population have 15 seats reserved in the 32-member Assembly.
  • Nepalis – in 1975, of 133,000 voters 98,000 were Nepalis – also have a similar number of seats. This was done under a formula devised by the Chogyal to keep Nepali power in check. Nepalis find this regulation stifling under it since they cannot hope to dominate Sikkim’s politics.
  • Citizenship Problems: Sikkim will probably be the first region in the recent past, where the most debated issues in the elections will pertain to those of the elections itself.
  • After the merger of Sikkim with India, the Indian Government granted citizenship to all Sikkimese subjects listed by the former Chogyal’s administration.
  • But Nepalis who came to Sikkim after 1961 -when the Sikkim Subject Regulation came into force-were not made Sikkim subjects and hence were missed out in the Indian list as well. Ironically, the political movement of 1973 which had dethroned the Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, had the active backing of thousands of such Nepalis.
  • They are said to number about 50,000 and Nepali politicians are working hard for their inclusion on the election rolls.
  • Incongruity: An equally unfortunate case is that of people of Indian origin in Sikkim, who are estimated to number about 60,000. In the normal course, when a person changes his place of residence from one state to another no restriction is placed on his right to contest an election from his new state.
  • But in Sikkim, people of Indian origin-some have been staying since very long-who form over 20 per cent of the population are foreigners in their own country and do not retain the right to contest elections

Languages and Literature of Sikkim

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Languages and Literature of Sikkim

  • Today, all the main languages spoken in Sikkim have been given the status of a “State language”.
  • Notably, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo languages have been included in college curricula, while other languages, such as Rai, Gurung, Pradhan (Newar), Mangar and Tamang, are taught till the secondary school level.
  • Financial help is directly given to different communities to promote research in their respective languages
  • Sikkim is inhabited by over twenty ethnic communities, each unique in their tradition, customary practices, language and attire.
  • The outstanding beauty of these people living in harmony and sharing in amity each other’s cultures, ethos and traditions is a colourful mosaic of Sikkimese society

Bhutia People Language of Sikkim

  • Bhutias are divided into two groups – Tongdu-ruzhi with four clans and Bebtsengyed with eight clans, though there are a number of other sub castes.
  • They speak and write in the Bhutia language which is also called Lhokey although their script, language, religion, dress and ornaments have semblance with the Tibetans.
  • The Bhutia language, a long with the Lepcha and Limboo languages are taught in Sikkim till t he univer ity level.

Lepcha People Language of Sikkim

  • They have their own language, known as ‘Rongring’, with its script, ‘Mutanchi Rong Aming’.
  • The State Government has accorded official status to the language, along with the Bhutia and Limboo languages.
  • Since the year 2000 it has been taught in schools and colleges in Sikkim and from 2016 it has been taught at the university level.

Bhujels People Language of Sikkim

  • They have their own language, called Puhgal Gnur which is a part of the Tibeto-Burman sub-family and Sino Tibetan family of languages.
  • Some o f them converse in their own language .

Gurungs People Language of Sikkim

  • Gurungs have their own language, Tamu Kye and script, Khema.
  • The Gurung language (along with six others) was given official status in 1995 by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, and is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
  • Text books, magazines and dictionaries have also been published in Tamu Kye.
  • Since 2001, the Gurung edition of the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, the Sikkim Herald, is also being taken out.

Jirels People Language of Sikkim

  • Jirels are known to have an ethnic and linguistic semblance with the Sherpas and Central Tibetan tribes.
  • Their language, like the Sunuwar language, is also a part of the Kanauri branch of Tibeto-Burman.

Kagatey People Language of Sikkim

  • The community is divided into several sub-groups like Dongba, Sarpa, Shyangba, Lama and Chyaba.
  • They speak in Kagate, a language of the Kyirong-Kagate language sub-group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has similarities with languages of Yolmo, Sherpa and Bhutia

Majhis People Language of Sikkim

  • Majhis converse in their own language but have no script of their own.
  • They are dark brown in complexion, medium in height and well built, and have classic Mongoloid features

Mangar People Language of Sikkim

  • They have their own language, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, and also have their own script, ‘Akkharika’.
  • In 1995, the State Government recognized this language as one of the State languages of Sikkim along with the Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, Newar and Sunuwar languages.
  • The teaching of the Mangar language is being introduced in schools that have the greatest number of Mangar students

Newars People Language of Sikkim

  • The Newars have their own language.
  • They used to have a number of scripts as well but in Sikkim the “Prachalit” script is the one in use.
  • The “Ranjana” script is used in Buddhist Monasteries and the Tantric Kutaktshar Mantra of Buddhists consists of seven letters of Ranjana script.
  • The Newar language has been declared an Official Language of Sikkim in 1995 and has been introduced in selected Government schools’ curricula from the year 2002.

Rai People Language of Sikkim

  • The Rai or Kirat Khambu Rai community is one of Sikkim’s major indigenous ethnic communities and has been living in Sikkim from ages past.
  • Their language and script, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages, was recognised as one of the official languages of Sikkim with effect from 31 March, 1995 vide the Languages (Amendment) Act, 1995, and published in the Sikkim Government Extraordinar y Gazette No. 76 dated 21 April, 1995.
  • This language has, since the year 2002, been taught in various Government schools in Sikkim.

Sherpas People Language of Sikkim

  • They have their own dialect, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman languages, and they use the Sambhota script as a medium of writing books in their language.
  • The Government of Sikkim granted official status to the Sherpa language in 1995 along with other languages and the language is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
  • The Sikkim Herald – the official newspaper of the Sikkim Government – Sherpa edition started publication in the year 2001 and has since been in print on a weekly basis

Sunuwar People Language of Sikkim

  • Mongoloid in appearance, they speak both in Nepali and Koinchlo, which originates from the Sino-Tibeto-Burman family of languages.
  • Their script is believed to be of ancient origin and possesses only six vowels and twentyfour consonants.
  • Koinchlo was recognised by the Sikkim Government under the Sikkim Official Languages Act, 1977, and is being taught in Government schools till Class V.
  • Since 2001, the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, Sikkim Herald (Sukhim Neskutek) is also being produced in the Koinch language.

Yolomo People Language of Sikkim

  • Theys peak the Yolmo language o f the Kyiron g-Ka gate branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has a similarity to the Kagatey, Sherpa and Tibetan languages.
  • They use the Sambhoti (Tibetan) script, though modern academics pre fer to use the Devana gari scri pt as well.

Thakuri People Language of Sikkim

  • They speak and write Nepali, using the Devanagari script.
  • But their spoken language is markedly different from that of common Nepali.
  • For instance, Thakuris use the word ‘darshan’, instead of ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
  • Claiming to have belonged to Rajgharana, they also use a respectable dialect of Nepali like “maiya sahiba”, “babu sahib,” “yuraj,” dulahi rani,” “muma hajur,” “buba hajur”, “khaisyo”, “laisyo” etc.

Handicrafts of Sikkim

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Handicrafts of Sikkim

  • Traditional arts and handicrafts have been the very breath of Indian Civilization visa-vis Sikkim too.
  • Significantly, Sikkim is also known for its traditional handicrafts, paintings, motifs, carpet, traditional tribal shoes, dresses, ornaments, weaving, and so on.
  • The traditional handicrafts in Sikkim had has enormous cultural significance.
  • Many of the Bhutia and Lepcha as well as Nepalese are engaged in traditional handicrafts production of Sikkim.

Handloom Weaving of Sikkim

  • In ancient times, the Lepcha’s of Sikkim were said to use yarn spun out of stinging nettle (sisnu) plant to weave clothes.
  • Today cotton and woollen yarn are used together with vegetable dyes and synthetic colours.
  • Lepcha weaves or ‘thara’ is woven in vertical looms with a backstrap. Such looms are of small width.
  • Traditional design with different colours are used to make tharas which are used for making bedspreads, bags, belts, curtains, cushion covers, table mats, tray cloths etc, apart from their traditional dress.

Woodcarving of Sikkim

  • It is one of the most important crafts of Sikkim.
  • Traditionally, only the Buddhists Bhutias and Lepchas used to practise wood carving. Indeed, wood carving is an ancient art form of both the Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim.
  • The items of woodcraft having wide range of variety can be found from household items to partitions to eight Buddhists lucky signs.
  • Woodcrafts are available in the following shapes choktse or table, almirah, sofa-sets, drawers or bhodin , screens, lamp stands, cheosum or altars, wall decorations, etc.

Wooden mask of Sikkim

  • One of the most important materials items of Buddhists’ traditional culture that has special socio-religious significance is wooden mask of various types being used during their religious dances by the Lamas.
  • The masks are carved out of the tough light wood of the giant climber called Zaru-shing, mostly found in the high altitude areas of Sikkim.
  • While in Tibet they were composed of mashed paper and cloth.
  • In all cases they are beautifully painted and varnished, and are provided with yak tail wig.
  • Each mask has a specific meaning and a story with certain religious connotation associated Various Wooden Masks with it.
  • Traditionally the mask dances are staged by the Lamas or monks in the Gonpas or Monasteries.
  • Such dances are normally performed only by men in the monasteries.
  • There are different types of mask normally made by Bhutias and Lepchas like mask of Khangchendzonga, mask of Garura, mask of Mahakal, etc.

Thangka Painting of Sikkim

  • The important Thangka is a paintings of divinities or group of divinities on silk clothes which depicts different incarnations and life of Lord Buddha, Goddess Doma (Tara), Guru Padmasambhav or God Chana Dorji or for that matter, any Tibetan saint, wheel of life (one of the purest Buddhists emblems) or some other deity, surrounded by deities of lesser significance etc.
  • Thangkas are the religious scrolls found hung in monasteries and houses of Buddhists.
  • It has an excellent tradition in Sikkim.
  • Such paintings are considered very auspicious and are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
  • Thangka painting is a renowned art of Sikkim.
  • “The Thangka works of master craftsmen sell for thousands of rupees abroad. They work in seclusion in remote villages” as cited by exgovernor of Sikkim namely Taleyarkhan (1981)

Cane and bamboo work of Sikkim

  • It is also the traditional handicraft Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese of Sikkim.
  • Cane and bamboo pieces are first of all split by using simple tools like Khukri or knife to make thin strips.
  • Thereafter the strips are sized as per requirement and are then intricately woven and modified and improved upon as per the graphical design.
  • There are varieties of cane and bamboo-craft products like, fruit, baskets, bamboo flower sticks bear mugs, hair clips, tea-trays, tea strainers, spoons, flower vases, piras, mats, hats and tumblers.
  • In Sikkim bamboo grows in abundance. But the cane is grown only in limited areas; thereby bulk of it comes from neighboring Siliguri or other parts of the North East.

Preparation of Lucky signs of Sikkim

  • Another important handicraft is the ‘Lucky signs’ mostly made by women in Sikkim.
  • The lucky signs are made by adopting two types of methods
  1. one type of embroidery work done by using needle on silk or ‘sharteen’ clothes
  2. Another is the paintwork (fabric) on silkl’shirteen’ clothes.
  • Such lucky signs are presented either in the form of words or symbol. It is used as wall hanging and means the ‘symbol of peace’.

Hand-made paper making of Sikkim

  • It is another important handicraft item.
  • Apart from other units, there is another important section namely Handmade – paper unit in the Government Institute of Cottage Industry at Gangtok, Unit was opened in the year of 1962.
  • Handmade paper, namely ,
  1. Rayon paper (used for rapping);
  2. Rags paper (used for making files);
  3. Card sheet (used for making greeting cards and paper bag).
  • Raw materials are used to be brought from Kolkata.

Carpet Weaving of Sikkim

  • Traditionally, carpet (locally known as Den) weaving is a symbol of cultural expression in the state of Sikkim.
  • Besides, Carpet is very important export oriented handicraft industry in Sikkim.
  • The carpets are of with various exquisite and intricate designs, motifs and colours which are typical of Sikkimese type and made of various sizes.
  • The price ranges vary according to size and quality of the particular carpet. Carpet weaving is dominated Carpet product by women.
  • Though it is a traditional activity, very few families follow it as apart of family tradition.

Blanket Weaving of Sikkim

  • It is also one of the traditional handicrafts of Sikkim
  • It is normally done by women particularly in North Sikkim.
  • The blankets are woven on loom, and the raw materials are available in local market.
  • There are mainly two sizes of blanket available i.e. 4 ft. by 6ft. and 4 ft. by 7 ft.

Soft Toys of Sikkim Supported by Sikkim Government and GoI

  • The Soft Toys Production unit of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Zero Point, Gangtok is one of the prominent sectors for support and creation of self employment in Sikkim.
  • This sector is being re-energized into a home to home industry through a project initiative namely “Production and Training for Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim “funded by the North Eastern Council, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and also Government of Sikkim.
  • The toy making craft is an activity that can supplement and contribute to the family income and also create self employment.
  • The focus of the department is therefore to facilitate continuous capacity building and skill upgradation in this sector and thereby create a resource base of trained manpower.
  • Quality standardization and product diversification are two important areas of focus and therefore the best raw materials for creation of quality products are being used in the training centres.
  • The training module has been oriented in such a manner so as to emphasis and promote products that are closely connected with the environment and also identify with the local ethos.
  • Our main motto is to offer quality products to our valued customers at competitive prices.
  • The Soft Toys Sector provides self employment and income to the large number of artisan in terms of quality and cost comparativeness of the soft toys products of DHH are compared to the best of the world.
  • Presently, one project on “Production and Training on Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim” funded by North East Council is underway and 225 numbers of trainees are being trained all over the state.
  • The department is required to ensure placement and create self employment for the trainees within and outside the state.

Folk Songs of Sikkim

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Folk Songs of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.
  • Folk songs and folk dances occupy a prominent place in the culture of Sikkim.
  • Men and womenfolk fully participate in dances to mark such important occasion like birth, weddings rituals or any other festivals
  • For those belonging to the peasant & labour class the melodious folk songs and dances arc indeed life giving ambrosia whose lifting tones & rhythmic pattern wipes away their fatigue hunger & worries.

Music cum Dance of Bhutias of Sikkim

  • Bhutias have a rich folk culture. Men and women sing folk songs and perform folk dances.
  • ‘Denjong Chha-Lu’ is one of the popular national songs of an older Sikkim, Beyul Demojong – a hidden land endowed not only with natural beauty but also with spiritual contentment.
  • Bhutias are devotedly Buddhist and the Denjong Chha-Lu highlights the significance of the secret land of plenty i.e. Sikkim.
  • Through this song-cum-dance marked with foot-tapping and graceful hand movements, the Bhutias also express their reverence of great teachers and sacred places by whose grace Sikkim has become a beatific land.
  • The dancers don traditional attire (see above) to perform. Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like the dranyen (a six stringed instrument producing melodious notes), gyumang (many stringed instrument, usually 74-stringed), piwang (two stringed instrument), flute, cymbals and drums. Bhutias are intrinsically nature-lovers.
  • Their country songs, called zhunglu, mostly contain descriptions of the landscape and its animals.
  • The song, ‘Zigmo Zeepa Jhoen’ means to greet animals and witness their merrymaking.
  • With rhythmic foottapping matched by the music of the dranyen, gyumang, piwang, flute, cymbals and drums, the dancers first greet the sun, and then form a circle to greet the snow lion of the mighty mountain, the vulture, the king of the birds, the ten-horned stag of the flat land, the striped tiger of the jungle, the golden fish of the sacred lake, the singing birds of the pleasant grove and the sturdy horses of the tamed stables.
  • As they tap out their rhythms, the dancers greet young lads of this ‘arcane’ land to showcase their skills at arrow-shooting, and to ask the young lasses as well to exhibit their talent at singing.
  • Through the medium of song, the Bhutias convey their conviction in the belief of peace and merrymaking.

Music cum Dance of Bhujels of Sikkim

  • Bhujels are fond of folk songs and dance, which are mostly seasonal, though some are used at any time.
  • Some of their popular dances are the Ghatu, Chutka, Jahmre (Folk Duet) and Nachan (Padurya).
  • Chutka’s various enactments begin from Maghe Sankranti (mid-January) and continue through till Asar Purne (midJuly).
  • Usually performed at night, it involves a group of boys going to the houses of unmarried girls in the evening, sitting outside their houses and singing the ‘Chutka’ which is laced with love and promises.
  • After the boys sing three or four rhymes, the girls come out from inside the house, and the entire neighbourhood begins to dance to the beat of the drums (Takyu) played by the boys.
  • Interestingly, the girls do not sing. Before leaving the next morning, the boys pay for the feast organized by the dancing girls’ parents.

Music cum Dance of Chettris of Sikkim

  • Chettris have a tradition of folk songs, lores and music, and use of stringed musical instruments.
  • One of the oldest and most popular group dances in which the Chettri community rejoices is the Maruni Naach.
  • The dance form traces its origin to Tihar, a period that marks the return of the Hindu god, Rama, from exile.
  • During the festival, which runs for 15 days, richly dressed Maruni dancers go on a house-to-house visit, performing in their courtyards.
  • Curiously, the dancers are usually accompanied by a clown, called dhatuwaray, whose job it is to protect the Maruni from rowdy elements and to keep alive the general performance with his gestures and humour.
  • In the good old days, the role of Maruni, surprisingly a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, the dance has evolved and female dancers are now performing that central role.
  • The dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the madal – also adorned with marigold flowers. With flute and cymbals, the intricate patterns of their dance blend into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and celebration.
  • Before the dance performance, the dancers assemble at the house of the teacher and offer prayers to the madal.
  • The teacher plays the madal in a slow, grand tempo, and then starts the decoration of the maruni.
  • Maruni is not only confined to singing and dancing; it also is comprised of dance dramas, conforming to different aspects – emotions and feelings; gestures; songs and clothes – as laid down in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music

Music cum Dance of Damai of Sikkim

  • The Damai people are very good folk musicians.
  • Both men and women take part in dance and music.
  • Some men are professionals in that they are known for using nine types of musical instruments, called naumati baja.
  • This is a traditional profession inherited from their ancestors which is why they still serve as folk musicians for all the Nepali communities of Sikkim, especially during marriages.
  • Naumati baja is an ensemble of nine traditional musical instruments, which lends an auspicious aura to ritual functions and auspicious occasions such as weddings.
  • The naumati baja repertoire consists of context-specific traditional tunes such as seasonal rice-planting tunes (asare), music for the Hindu month of Phalgun (phagu), the seasonal tune of the October Dasain festival (malasri); songs performed for the bride’s departure at weddings (beuli magne); music accompanying ceremonial rites (astute); popular folk dances, modern folk songs, etc.
  • Typical features of current naumati music are small intervals, stepwise melodic movements and short repetitive phrases, among others.

Music cum Dance of Kamis of Sikkim

  • Kamis are joyous people who spend their pastime in music and dance.
  • They are also expert performers of the traditional folk dance, Maruni Nritya.
  • They have folk songs related to marriage, juari is held after the harvest, and they perform Maruni Naach and Madale Naach at the time of Tihar and Dasain, their biggest festivals.
  • The theme and origin of this dance form may be similar to the Maruni Naach performed by the Chettri community and Mangar Maruni staged by the Mangar community, but this performing art, performed by Kamis depicts Maruni as a male character garbed in female costumes and ornaments.
  • Even the dhatuwaray or phursungay, who acts as the court jester wearing funny masks and clumsy clothes in order to make people–especially children–laugh, is traditionally typical.
  • The dance begins with sakhi or sasi songs, sung to pay obeisance to all the gods and goddesses of the earth, sky, the underworld and all the four directions of the earth.
  • As the Maruni dances to the tune of the naumati baja, the jester keeps alive the dance with his gestures and humour.
  • Although this dance is associated with the festival of Tihar, because of its popularity, it is performed even on occasions like marriages.

Folk Dances of Sikkim

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Folk Dances of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

Various Lepcha Folk Dances

Lepcha Folk Dances

  • Through this romantic dance, story of a young boy and a girl in love is conveyed.
  • A group of boys ask a group of girls for their hands for the purpose of marriage and in turn promise them with rich gifts and ornaments.
  • The girls, however, turn down the offer and ask them to approach their parents, instead.
  • This colourful dance is performed with the support of melodious Lepcha songs and musical instruments such as Sanga (drum), Yangjey (string instrument), Cymbal, Yarka, Flute and Tungbuk.

Zo-Mal-Lok Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This famous folk dance of Lepcha community shows normal activities such as sowing, reaping and harvesting of paddy.
  • The old people and young folk alike join hands to sing, dance and indulge in merry making.
  • The graceful movements of male and female dancers become more noticeable with the background of pleasant sounds of seasonal birds.
  • Musical instruments used to support the dance are Tungbuk, Flute, Cymbal, Drum, etc.

Chu-Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Literal meaning of Chu is Snowy Range, while that of Faat is Worship.
  • This group folk dance is performed in the honour of Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of the Sikkimese people.
  • The dancers while carrying butter lamps and green bamboo leaves perform a ritualistic dance by singing devotional songs.

Tendong Lo Rum Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • It is based on a famous Lepcha folk lore often retold to the new generation of Lepchas in the form of lyrical poetry.
  • According to the legend, this group dance is performed to save people from the onslaught of mighty, mountainous rivers, First, the Lepchas living on the Tendong Hill in South Sikkim are reported to have offered prayers to the God through this dance.
  • They desired the almighty to save them from the disaster of rising water.
  • As per folklore, God came as a bird and began sprinkling sacred millet beer on water.
  • Soon, the level of water subsided and people heaved a sigh of relief.

 

Kinchum-Chu-Bomsa Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This famous folk dance vividly describes the natural beauty of Sikkim, or Ney-Mayel-Lyang (a heavenly, hidden paradise) called so, by the Lepchas.
  • The snow covered mountain peaks, green captivating meadows, enchanting valleys, thick vegetation, rivers and water falls, holy lakes and serene monasteries sanctify this land.
  • The young Lepcha boys and girls show their attachment with the land by performing the dance in their colourful attire.

Bhutia Folk Dances of Sikkim

Denzong-Neh-Na Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance comprising of boys and girls is performed to pay homage to the past saints such as Guru Rimpoche and present saints in order to get their blessings.
  • The musical instruments which support the graceful steps of the dancers are: Flute, Yangjey, Drum and Yarka.

Ta-Shi-Yang-Ku Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • A group of boys and girls through this dance try to invoke benign deities to shower fortunes on their home.
  • They remember some animal deities also to bring good fortune and prosperity to the people.
  • It is also performed during the consecration of a new house and to bless a newly married couple.

Tashi Shabdo Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This age old group dance beautifully and gracefully shows the custom of offering Khadas (scarf) on auspicious occasion.
  • The white scarf exchanged by the members of the group during the course of dance is basically a symbol of peace, purity and prosperity.
  • The dancers dance to the melodious tunes duly supported by musical instruments such as Yarka, Drum, Flute and Yangjey.

Guru-Chinlap Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this particular group dance performed by boys and girls, due respect is shown to the various Buddhist Gurus and Saints of Sikkim and their blessing is requested for overall peace, prosperity and happiness.
  • Exchange of Khadas also takes place between the dancers during the course of the dance.

Singhi Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • In this group dance five boys led by a herdsman dance like legendary Snowlion.
  • The snowlion is a significant cultural symbol of the state.
  • The presence of two snowlions dancing under the guidance of a herdsman looks extremely attractive and enchanting to the viewers.
  • Musical instruments (without any songs) used are Drum, Cymbal, Yarka and Yangjey.

Yak Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this group dance performed by four male dancers under the command of a herdsman, utility of Yak for a common man living in high altitude areas is shown.
  • The dance begins in slow and measured steps to the clash of cymbals and the sound of the trumpets.
  • The group dance always makes a powerful impact on the audience and appears very attractive to the children.
  • Though Chhams are performed in all the monasteries of Sikkim, the ones performed at Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Enchey being more impressive draw large audience.

Nepali Folk Dances of Sikkim

Maruni Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • It is one of the oldest and popular group dance forms of the Nepali community, usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
  • In good old days, the role of Maruni, essentially a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, female dancers are now performing such a central role.
  • It is performed during the festival of Tihar in the courtyard of each house.
  • The steps of the dancers look very graceful in the background of soothing songs ably supported by musical instruments such as Harmonium, Madal, Flute and Ghoongur.

Chutkay Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this romantic group dance, performed by a group of male and female dancers, joys of life and feeling of happiness is shared during the harvesting season and on some other happy occasions.

Dohori Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance of Gurung community is usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
  • In a traditional setting, after a hard days work, the dancers would assemble at ‘RodiGhar’ (a sort of entertainment centre) and exchange their views through songs and dance.
  • The musical instruments used are Madat Flute and Ghoongur.

Jeurum Silly Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • By means of this group dance of Rai community, performed by one man and four women, feelings of family members and friends is expressed on the occasion of a girl’s marriage.
  • The dancers aim to protect the Lakshmi (prosperity) of the house. Youth and old alike also join the dancers.
  • Dhol and Jhamta are the two musical instruments used.

Tamang Selo Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance of Tamang community with robust foot tapping and elaborate sound and display of Damphu instrument is performed on all happy occasions.
  • It highlights vigour and vitality of the community.
  • Tamang songs known as ‘ Hwai’ are full of human emotions.
  • These are so popular that no Nepali merrymaking is considered complete without singing a Tamang song.

Lakhey (Mask) Dance Folk Dances of Sikkim

  • This group mask dance of Newar (Pradhan) community is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring peace and prosperity.
  • The musical instruments which support the dance form are Khe( Dhol), Jhali and Dhimay.

Naumati Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • In this beautiful group dance of Damai community nine kinds of musical instruments are used to perfection.
  • These are two types of Senai ( Shehnai), Turhi, small and big, Damaha (Nagara) of two types, Tuyamko (Small Dhol) of two types, Dholki and Jhyamta (cymbal).
  • The Naumati Baja is a regular feature during the wedding and other auspicious occasions.

Chyap-Brung Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Chyap-Brung is the traditional musical instrument of the Limboo community.
  • It is like a Dholak in shape but much bigger in size.
  • During the course of group dance, male dancers hang the instrument around their necks with the help of a rope and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and a stick on the other.
  • Such a manoeuvre produces two different sounds which echo boldly in valleys and mountains.

Dhaan Nach Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance performed by four men and four women with the backing of harmonium, madal, flute and ghoongur shows the symbol of good and firm spirit of farmers against rain and scorching heat.
  • In order to break the monotony of routine field work, men and women attempt merrymaking through song and dance.
  • It is a ritualistic dance performed by the youth and old alike in traditional costumes, since time immemorial.

 

Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim

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Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

List of major Fairs and Festivals

Loosong/Namsoong

  • Lossong celebrated all over Sikkim marks the end of the harvest season at the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year.
  • Taking cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by religious masked dances in Enchey Monastery.
  • The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits for the new year.
  • Lossong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, climbing of greased pole.
  • Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.
  • The festival is organized by Tribal Youth Association of Gangtok.

Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav, Aritar

  • Located at a height of 5100 ft, Aritar is surrounded by lush green forest, lakes and paddy fields.
  • The entire Khanchendzonga range can be viewed from this place. Aritar offers adventure sports, nature trails.
  • Lampokhari is one of the serene lakes where one can enjoy boating.
  • Added attractions are Aritar Monastery, Mankhim Dara, Phusray Lake, Pango Lakha and Rachela

Baisakhi Festival, Makha Tumin –Lingee

  • Organised to herald the spring season and the Nepali New Year.
  • Cultural programme, traditional customs, local cusinies and other local activities can be experienced

Sakewa

  • Sakewa is celebrated with great fervor by all the Kirat Khambu Rai community.
  • Also known as Bhumi/ Chandi Puja or land worshipping ceremony it is celebrated all over the State.
  • It is celebrated at that time of the year when cranes migrate to the Northern Hemisphere this indicates sowing season of cucumber, pumpkin and other kharif crops.
  • The festival begins with Shakti Puja at Mangkhim (temple) performed by a Chief Priest (Mangpa) for good harvest followed by the Shova Yatra.
  • Various traditional dishes like Wachipa, Bongchipa, Arakha Hengmawa, Baksa and Okrukma are served.

Saga Dawa

  • Full moon day of the 4th month in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, around end of May and early June.
  • Saga Dawa is a very important festival for the Buddhists.
  • This day is considered to be the holiest of the holy Buddhist Festival.
  • On this day Lord Buddha took birth, achieved Enlightenment and passed away attaining Nirvana.

Bhanu Jayanti

  • A cultural festival organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Nepali poet, Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.
  • Competitions for school children are organised in various field such as poetry, drama etc.
  • Other programmes include cultural parade and culture programmes.

Drukpa Tshechi

  • This festival celebrates Lord Buddha’s first preaching of the Four Noble Truths to his first five disciples at Saranath.
  • The festival is held on the 4th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
  • Prayers are conducted in the major monasteries all over the State.

Namprikdang Namsoong , Dzongu, North Sikkim

  • Namsoong is celebrated to welcome the good spirits for the New Year.
  • Namsoong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, pole climbing etc Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.

Cherry Tea Festival Temi South Sikkim

  • Tea plantation at Temi, South Sikkim was commenced in the year 1969.
  • The plantation ranges between the elevation range from 1460 to 1890 msl.
  • Temi being agro- climatically suitable for cultivation of China variety of tea plants initially procured from Darjeeling Tea Gardens.
  • The tea factory with orthodox type of manufacture was established in 1977.
  • The garden is consistently producing superior quality tea acceptable to wide markets both international and domestic segments.
  • The festival is organised with objectives as under:
  1. To promote Sikkim (Temi) Tea globally.
  2. To promote new destinations in and around South District.
  3. To promote home stays and village tourism in order to enhance and generate income of the local community.

Lhabab Duechen

  • This festival epitomizes in a significant manner the descent of Buddha from the heaven of the thirtythree Gods after visiting his mother.
  • It is universally believed that Lord Buddha through his spiritual powers came to know about the whereabouts of his mother who did not live for a long time after his birth.
  • After gaining the necessary information about his mother he ascended to Heaven where he delivered sermons to his mother and other celestial beings.
  • During this period the disciples of the lord could not bear his long separation and longed to hear his preaching.
  • Buddha finally relented and descended on earth along a triple ladder that was prepared especially for the occasion by Viswakarma

Barahimizong

  • The festival of Barahimizong is celebrated by the Mangar community living in Sikkim.
  • The celebration reflects the faith in almighty as the bestower and protector of mankind.
  • Through this festival, the gratitude to God is expressed by offering fresh harvest and seek good fortune for the coming days.

 

Dasain ( Durga Puja)

  • Also known as Durga Puja, this fortnight long Hindu festival usually falls in the month of October.
  • The festival symbolizes the victory of the Hindu Goddess Durga over evil.
  • Barley seeds are sown in the soil on the first day of this festival and their growth foretells good harvest.
  • A week later is “Phulpati “meaning the day of flowers, followed by Maha Astami and Kala Ratri and Navami.
  • The 10th day of the festival is known as Vijay Dashmi and also marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
  • During this day people smear their foreheads with colored rice and the barley sprouts, which was sown on the first day of Dasain, are picked and placed over the ears.

Indrajatra

  • Indrajatra is an important religious festival celebrated with pomp and fanfare by the Newar community in Sikkim.
  • It is belived that many centuries ago, Indra (king of Heaven)’s mother needed specially scented flowers (Parijat).
  • Indra looked for them but could not find them in heaven.
  • Indra discovered Parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by people in the Valley.
  • Indra’s mother came searching for him and people were shocked to know what they had done.
  • They released Indra and dedicated one of the most colourful festivals of Nepal to him to calm down his anger.

Pang Lhabsol

  • Pang Lhabsol, a festival unique to Sikkim is celebrated to offer gratitude to Mt Khanchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the Supreme Commander.
  • Rabong is now emerging as one of the important Buddhist Pilgrimage Destinations. Situated at the base of Maenam Hill, a sub-divisional headquarter and transit point for beautiful spots such as Chozo Lake, Ralong Monastery, Manilakhang Sakyamuni Cultural and Pilgrimage Centre and various tourist destinations of South Sikkim, Base Camp for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong Hot Spring.
  • A trek down to the sacred lake “Shar Chok Bhepu”, one of the four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.

Namchi Mahotsav Namchi ,South Sikkim

  • Namchi – “Top of the Sky”, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 4,400 feet.
  • The town commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and snow capped mountains and stretches of the valleys below.
  • It is an excellent place for short stay and village excursions.
  • Samdruptse “The Wish Fulfilling Hill” has 135 ft high statue of Guru Padmasambhava which is the highest in the world.
  • Siddheshvara Dham (Char Dham) is another state of the art pilgrimage centre wherein replica of all four Dham has been built around an eighty seven feet high statue of Lord Shiva.
  • All 12 jyotirlingaas are also built around the temple complex.
  • With so much to offer to the visitors the Toursim Committees are actively involved in promotion and publicity of Namchi, South Sikkim.
  • Every year Namchi Mahaotsav is celebrated in the month of October.
  • There are activities like traditional sports, sale and exhibition of local arts and handicrafts, cuisine, flower show and sale etc.

Kagyed Dance

  • Kagyed dance, a customary dance festival, celebrated annually in Sikkim falls on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month according to Tibetan calendar, which according to English calendar falls in the month of December.
  • In the name of eight tantrik Gods and Goddesses commonly called Kagyed, lamas on these days perform dances and sing songs in different monasteries and offer prayers to them requesting these deities to save human beings from the tormenting evil spirits and to bless them for good health and fortune.

Red Panda Winter Festival, Gangtok

  • The winter season in Sikkim draws a spectacular image of Mt. Khangchendzonga in its ivory grandeur, providing an alluring background while corpuscular rays pierce through the scudding clouds over the skies, adorning Sikkim perfectly for the cold season.
  • Red Panda Winter Festival previously known as Sikkim Winter Carnival is organized in the cold months of December/ January annually.
  • Like most festivals, the Red Panda Winter Festival showcased the traditions and culture of the Sikkimese people.
  • The festival integrates the locals as well as the tourists with events and activities themed on a typical Himalayan winter.
  • From food stalls that serves exquisite and delicious cuisines of various ethnic tribes and communities, to cultural carnival showcasing diverse culture and traditions of Sikkimese people, flower shows, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, adventure sports, photography contests, rock –shows, karaoke and dancing and many more other interactions forms the affair of the festival.

Pelling Tourism Festival

  • Pelling is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
  • Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains including Mt. Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
  • There are numerous tourist spots in and around Pelling.
  • A weeklong festival includes cultural extravaganza, sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and local cuisine

Loosong/Namsoong

  • Lossong celebrated all over Sikkim marks the end of the harvest season at the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year.
  • Taking cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by religious masked dances in Enchey Monastery.
  • The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits for the new year.
  • Lossong has now become an important festival where visitors from all over the world can get to see the local sporting events like archery, climbing of greased pole.
  • Local cuisine, handicrafts, floriculture and cultural programmes are some of the added attractions during the festival.
  • The festival is organized by Tribal Youth Association of Gangtok.

Guru Rinpoche’s Thrunkar Tshechu

  • “Guru Thrunkar Tshechu is celebrated as the birth day of Guru Padmasambhava, reverentially referred as ‘Guru Rinpoche’ in Eastern Himalayan region and Sikkim in particular.
  • Guru Rinpoche is revered and worshipped as guardian saint in Sikkim who blessed this land as ‘Bayul Demojong’ (hidden valley of rice) and transmitted tantric Buddhism in the region adjoined by Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th Century AD.
  • Among the galaxy of Buddhist monks, Arahats and Rinpoches, the prominence of Guru Padmasambhava as the principal associate and disciple of Lord Buddha stands out.
  • It was his prominence that transformed this land into predominantly a Buddhist land.
  • Guru Padmasambhava is not only revered by Buddhist but is held in high regard by the Sikkimese across all faiths.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat

  • Tendong Lho Rum Faat is the oldest festival of indigenous Lepcha community of Sikkim.
  • The festival is related to with a legend of deluge.
  • The indigenous Lepchas residing in the Himalayan belt had earlier named each and every mountain, hills, rivers, valleys and ravines which was known as Nye-Mayel-Lang.
  • Some of these mountains and rivers, hills and ravines have not only carried beautiful and romantic folk lore but historical significance as well.
  • These mountains and valleys figure prominently in their local myths and folklores.
  • Tendong Lho Rum Faat is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur in Sikkim on 7th and 8th August every year.
  • It is a unique ritual maintained by our fore-fathers since time immemorial which is a matter of great pride for all of us.
  • Realizing its importance and need to preserve this age old tradition and culture of the indigenous Lepchas, the Tourism Department has included this festival in the tourism calendar of events.
  • The festival is organised annually by the Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebration committee.

Dentam Rhododendron Festival

  • The three day long Dentam Rhododendron Festival is celebrated under Maneybong – Dentam Constituency in West Sikkim.
  • The festival will be staged in popular tourist destinations viz. Uttarey, Dentam, Hee Bermoik, Chyataal, Gurasaydara, Changay Village with host of activities ranging from nature to adventure based.

Ram Nawami (Chaitey Dasain)

  • This is one of the most auspicious festivals of Sikkim and is observed in the honor of Lord Rama.
  • The grand celebrations commemorate the birth of the virtuous king Rama who is universally adored for his flourishing and righteous sovereignty.
  • People from all over the state gather together to celebrate this festival with much excitement and vigor.
  • Also known as Chaitey Dasain it is also celebrated as tourist festival. Devotees hikes towards Tendong Hill, South Sikkim for offering prayers.

Sonam Lochhar

  • Lho means year or age and Sar means new or fresh.
  • The word Lhosar means New Year or beginning of new era.
  • Tamang community in Sikkim celebrates their new year on the first day of new moon or in other words the very next day after the no-moon day of month of Magh.
  • The Tibetan calendar is made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins on the first day of the first month.

Losar

  • It is the Tibetan New year and is marked with a lot of gaiety and festivity across the State

Jorethang Maghey Mela, Jorethang, South Sikkim

  • Maghey Sankrati is celebrated all over Sikkim as one of the major festivals of the Hindu community.
  • However, it is not confined to only one religious group.
  • People of different religions come together to take part in this festival.
  • There are fairs in almost all parts of Sikkim.
  • People gather to take a holy dip in the rivers of Teesta and Rangit.
  • One of the biggest celebration of this festival is in Jorethang, South Sikkim, which lies on the banks of river Rangit.
  • The main activities during this fair are sale and exhibition of local handicrafts and handlooms, floriculture and horticulture products, cultural programme and competitions in local dance and music.
  • The festival carries on for almost a week. People from neighboring State as well as tourists from all over the country as well as abroad visits Jorethang during this festival.
  • Some of the adventure activities which are popular in this area are paragliding and angling