The spectacular hues of Sikkim
Sikkim’s popularity as a tourist destination is constantly
on the rise. Whoever has been here, either does not want to go back or loves to
come back again and again. It is sheer word of mouth publicity that this picturesque land has
become a holiday destination of choice for many. Not just amongst Indians, even
many foreign tourists love to explore the beauty of this landlocked state ofIndia.
But apart from sightseeing and adventure sports, I suggest you do
explore the cultural heritage of Sikkim once you are here. Just so you know, Sikkim has three ethnic groups living here.
Nepalese, Lepcha and Bhutia. Most Lepcha and Bhutia today practice Buddhism, incorporating the aspects of Bön religion and animism, in contrast to the Hindu Nepalese majority. Followers of Buddhism in Sikkim are largely either Kagyudpa or Nyingma, though a small section of Bhutias too claim to adhere to Bön in particular. Since the arrival of the Nepalese and Western missionaries, few Lepchas have converted to Christianity. Although each community beautifully intermingles
with each other, their traditional attires give away the tribe they come from.
Let us first take a sneak peek into the Lepcha community.
This community of people claim to be the indigenous tribe of Sikkim and
speak Himalayish language. Dressed in a Dumbun (a kind of sheet worn sari
style), a Tago (loose blouse), a Nyamrek (belt) and a Taro (cap), the women of
the lepcha community adorn themselves with a pair of Namchok (earrings), a Lyak
(necklace), a Gyar (bracelet), etc., too. On the other hand, the men of this tribe wear a
Thakro (a colourful sheet), a Yenthatse (shirt) and a Shambo (cap). Together, they spell out the distinct culture of this community.
However, the Bhutia community is believed to have a Tibetan
origin and converses in Lhopo or Sikkimese language. The women of this community
wear a Kho (Bakhu), a Hanju (loose blouse), a Kushen (jacket), a Shambo (a cap
different in design than used by men) and a pair of Shabcha (shoe). As a symbol
of a married women, they also sport a Pangden - a striped apron. When it comes
jewellery, they adorn themselves with a pair of Yencho (earrings), a Khao
(necklace), a Phiru (pearl ornament), a set of Diu (gold bangles) and a Joko
(ring). As far as men’s attire goes, a Bhutian man’s ensemble consists of a Kho
(Bakhu), a Jya Jya (waist coat), a Yenthatse (shirt), a Kera (cloth belt) and a
Shambo (cap).
Coming to the Nepali community. The Limbus, the Gurungs and
the Magars were living in Sikkim even before the
foundation of the monarch in 1642. But due to conquest and immigration, many other nepali communities settled here in the 17th and 18th century. About their culture, the colourful
sari worn by a Nepali woman is known as Pharia. To go with it, they wear a long
loose blouse tied from four sides called Chaubandi Cholo, while another style
of popular blouse worn by women here is known as Tharo Cholo. That's not all. A piece of printed
cloth worn on the upper portion of the body is known as Hembari, whereas a
colourful piece hanging from the head to waist during a dance performance is
known as Pachauri.
The ornaments sported by the women of this community are
Sir-bandi (tiara), Kantha (necklace), Naugeri (necklace of pearl), Charanihari
(another type of necklace), Tilhari (a green beaded string with a long gold
pendant worn normally by married women), Bulaki (nose-ring), Dungri (nose-pin),
Tik-mala, Chandrahar, Chepti son (earring), Gadwari (earring), Chura of Silver
(bracelet) and Kalli (a thick heavy payal made of silver). But the Nepalese men
wear a shirt known as Daura, while their Churidar Pajama is called Shurval, the
waist coat is known as Aaaskot and their belt is known as Patuki.
The rich culture of this state is truly enchanting. No
wonder be it tourists, or wanderers in general, love to get lost in the beauty
of this place and its culture.
Author: Deepa Mishra
I am very fond of collectible jewellery items and this traditional jewellery from Sikkim is too adorable.
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The hues of sikkim are very unique, especially the silver bracelet for women
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