info@sikkimtourism.org| +91 98110 66496 , +91 98100 66496
The cultural heritage of Sikkim is very interesting because it includes several native tribes, each with their own special customs, languages and ways of life. The Sikkim tribe have lived in this mountainous area for a long time. They adjust to the hard land and create unique traditions that demonstrate their deep connection with it.
Now, we will learn about the various tribes of Sikkim. We get knowledge of their starting point, where they stay, how they work and cultural abilities. From Lepchas who are seen as the original people in Sikkim to Bhutias coming from Tibet and Limbus having a strong fighting tradition; all these tribes create a vibrant blend in the cultural landscape of Sikkim. Let us travel through this varied world of tribal communities in Sikkim together now.
Suggested Read : Cultural trip to Sikkim & Hidden gems of Sikkim
The Lepchas, also known as the Rong, are generally accepted as the earliest settlers in Sikkim. They constitute one of the major tribes in this area and exhibit a deep connection to their native land.
Location: Lepchas mainly reside in North and East Sikkim, particularly areas like Dzongu that are considered their holy grounds. They also have significant groups in some parts of West Bengal, Nepal and Bhutan.
Livelihood: In the past, Lepchas were hunters and gatherers. They also did shifting cultivation. But these days many of them are involved in sedentary agriculture where they grow cardamom, ginger and oranges along with other crops. Certain Lepchas are engaged in crafts, such as constructing intricate bamboo items or crafting traditional textiles that demand delicate skill.
Cultural Specialties: The Lepcha culture is deeply tied to nature. They possess a rich tradition in folklore, narrating tales of how the world was created and their people’s origins. They have their script for the language, which they call Rongring. Their regular religion, Mun is similar to a shamanistic belief. It focuses on nature worship and showing respect to ancestors.
Bhutias, who had arrived from Tibet many centuries before, are also a significant Sikkim tribe. They have majorly shaped the history and culture of this region.
Location: Bhutias are spread throughout Sikkim, but their larger population resides in the north and east regions of this state. They typically live in areas like Lachen and Lachung.
Livelihood: Earlier, Bhutias were wandering shepherds who used to nurture yaks and sheep. These days, many Bhutias get occupied with cultivating, mainly growing crops that can prosper at high altitudes. They are also known for their skills in weaving and making carpets; this involves producing things such as the famous Tibetan carpets.
Cultural Specialties: The culture of Bhutia people is strongly connected to Tibetan Buddhism. For this reason, their religious traditions, celebrations and art styles all have influence from this faith. The language spoken by Bhutias called Sikkimese, it’s a type of Tibetan dialect and functions as one among official languages within Sikkim state.
The tribes in Sikkim, such as the Bhutias, also have vibrant celebrations. The Losar festival is a notable occasion for them since it signifies Tibetan New Year. The conventional clothing of Bhutia people is different: men typically wear ‘bakhu’, similar to a loose cloak; women often dress in ‘kho’ which means long dress and they frequently decorate with intricate jewelry.
Limbus, who are also called Yakthungs, form another important Sikkim tribe. They have a reputation for their martial skills and cultural wealth.
Limbus mostly live in places such as West and South Sikkim, they also have considerable numbers in east Nepal and some regions of Bhutan.
Livelihood: Limbus were skilled in hunting and they used to do shifting cultivation. At present, many Limbus are involved in farming. They grow a variety of crops such as cardamom, ginger and tea. They have expertise in animal husbandry too.
Cultural Specialties: The culture of Limbu people is distinct because it combines animistic faiths with Hindu impacts. They possess a language named Limbu, which falls into the Tibeto-Burman group and has its script called Sirijonga.
The tribes in Sikkim possess a vibrant music culture, and the Limbus are no different. They have many traditional musical instruments like ‘chyabrung’, which is a drum used for playing in their cultural performances. The dance of Limbu people that is called ‘Kelang’ shows off its lively cultural heritage.
Though Sherpas are usually linked with Nepal, they also play a significant role in the tribal mosaic of Sikkim.
Location: Sherpas are mostly found in the northern and eastern parts of Sikkim, especially in places with high altitude.
Sherpas are famous for their climbing abilities and typically work as guides and carriers on Himalayan expeditions. In Sikkim, Sherpas participate in activities related to tourism, along with high-altitude agriculture and looking after yaks.
Cultural Specialties: Sherpa culture, similar to Bhutias, is strongly impacted by Tibetan Buddhism. They possess their unique language named Sherpa that’s significantly similar to the Tibetan language.
In Sikkim, every tribe bears its own festivals. For the Sherpas, one of the most significant events is Losar which signifies Tibetan New Year. They are also recognized for their vibrant prayer flags and complicated Buddhist art.
The tribes of Sikkim are like an interesting mix of cultures, having different traditions, languages and living styles. There’s the Lepchas tribe who are first settlers on this land with their unique customs; then Bhutias – they brought influences from Tibet; finally there is a martial tribe called Limbus among others that have added to the colorful cultural heritage of Sikkim.
