Profile

The state of Sikkim is surrounded by three nations. On the west lies Nepal, on the east Bhutan and on the north Tibet. The southern border of Sikkim is shared with West Bengal. The total area of this state is around 7,096 square kilometers (2,740 sq mi) which is quite small. Sikkim's climate is varied. It is subtropical as well as alpine. The most prominent attraction of Sikkim's landscape is Mt. Kanchendzonga which is the third highest peak in the world. It is the guardian deity of this state. The culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity of Sikkim attract tourists from far flung places.

Glaciers are abundant here like Zemu, Rathong, and Lona that are in North Sikkim. Teesta River flows across Sikkim along with its tributaries Rangeet, Ramam and Rangpo. There are lots of things that tourists can buy in Sikkim like hand woven carpets, thankas, paintings, large cardamoms, Lepcha weave bags, purses, jewellery and liquors etc. Sikkim is mostly inhabited by tribes like Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.

The 9th century Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism as well as monarchy in Sikkim. The most prominent dynasty was the Namgyal dynasty which was established in 1642. Sikkim was constantly at war with Nepalese invaders till it was annexed by the British who ruled over India at that time. Years later Sikkim became a part of India through a referendum in 1975.

English is the official language of Sikkim while Nepali is its lingua franca since ethnic Nepalese are a majority here. Other languages are Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu. Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism are the two main religions. The capital is Gangtok which is also the largest town of Sikkim. Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of this Himalayan kingdom.

Origin

The first ruler of Sikkim was Phuntsog Namgyal. The state has many names. Tibetans call it 'Denjong' (valley of rice). The Lepchas call it 'Nye-mae-el' (paradise), Bhutias call it 'Beymul Demazong' (the hidden valley of rice), and Hindu religious texts refer to it as 'Indrakil' (the garden of Indra). However it is the combination of two words 'Limbu Su' meaning "new" and 'Khyim' meaning "palace" or house, which is widely accepted.

The 9th century Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche brought in Buddhism in Sikkim and few centuries' later monarchy prevailed in the state. A Tibetan prince named Khye Bumsa came to Sikkim in the 14th century and his descendants formed the royal family of Sikkim. The first king or Chogyal was Phuntsog Namgyal who was the fifth descendant of Khye Bumsa, and he became the king in 1642 marking the beginning of monarchy.

In 1670 his son, Tensung Namgyal became the next king and he moved the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse. From 1700 to 1791 Sikkim was at war with invading Bhutanese and the Nepalese. Finally in 1791 with China's help Sikkim defeated Nepal and after that the Qing Dynasty took over control of Sikkim.

In the later years Sikkim allied with the British against their common enemy, Nepal. When Nepal attacked Sikkim in 1814 it prompted the British to attack Nepal, which led to the Gurkha War of 1814. However the rulers of Sikkim fell out with the British due to their taxation policies and in 1890 the state became a British protectorate with the Chogyal becoming a titular head under the British governor.

When India became independent in 1947, Sikkim's populace refused to join the Indian Union. However in 1973 riots broke out in Sikkim forcing it to seek protection from India. Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975 and monarchy was abolished.

People and Culture

Sikkim's population mainly consists of ethnic Nepalese who came to the state during the 19th century. Other than Nepalese there are Bhutias (migrated in the 14th century from Kham district of Tibet), Lepchas (migrated from the Far East), Tibetans residing in north and east Sikkim and immigrants like Biharis, Bengalis and Marwaris.

The population of Sikkim stands at 540,493 inhabitants which makes it the least populous state of the country. Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim is its main town with a population of 50,000 people. Only 11.06% of the total population lives in urban areas.

The major religions here are Hinduism and Buddhism. There are 75 monasteries in Sikkim and some of them are very old dating back to the 1700s. Lepchas are mostly Christians and they were converted by British missionaries during the last part of 19th century. Minorities include Bihari Muslims and Jains.

The most common language of Sikkim is Nepali followed by Bhutia and Lepcha. Apart from these English and Hindi are also widely spoken in Sikkim. There are also many other local languages like Dzongkha, Groma, Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar etc.

Some of the major Hindu festivals like Diwali, Dussera etc are celebrated in the state. There are also local Nepali festivals like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja. Buddhist festivals like Losar, Loosong, and Saga Dawa etc are also celebrated with lot of fanfare. Losar is the Tibetan New Year festival which is celebrated for a week. Similarly Id-ul-fitr and Muharram are celebrated by Muslims with equal fanfare.

Winters is considered as off-season in Sikkim due to heavy snow but nowadays Christmas is being promoted here to attract tourists during this season.

Sikkimese people prefer Western rock music and Hindi songs apart from indigenous Nepali rock and Lepcha music. Football and cricket are very popular in Sikkim. To attract tourists other sports like hang gliding and river rafting have been introduced in the state.

Sikkimese cuisine mainly consists of noodle-based dishes like thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton along with momos (steamed dumplings filled with vegetable or meat and served with a soup).

Fairs and Festivals

Maghe Sangkranti Mela- This mela or fair which is held in January every year is a holy festival of the Hindus and is celebrated for three days at the confluence of Jorethang, Saramsa, Rorathang and Triveni rivers.

Bumchu- This Buddhist festival is celebrated at the monastery of Tashiding during January/February. The highlight of the festival is that upon unveiling of the holy water pot by the abbot of the monastery he can foretell the state's future.

Losar- This is a Tibetan New Year festival of feasting and merrymaking and is celebrated in the first week of February.

Saga Dawa- Mahayana Buddhists celebrate Saga Dawa in the month of May. It is held in all the important monasteries of Sikkim. The highlight of this festival is the famous Lama dance.

Pang Lhabsol- During this festival, held in the month of August, people offer prayers to Mount Kanchendzonga. The famous warrior dance is the highlight of this festival.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat- Celebrated in the month of August this is an important festival of the Lepchas.

Dasain- Dasain is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese and is held during the month of October.

Tihaar- Held during the month of November this is a festival of lights and apart from lighting of lamps traditional carols like Deusi and Bhakti are sung.

Loosong Festival- The Loosong festival is held during December or at the end of the harvest season and is celebrated by the Bhutia community. It can be witnessed at the famous Rumtek monastery. The highlight of this festival is Chaams dance which is followed by feasting and archery contests.