The spectacular hues of Sikkim


Sikkim jewellery

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. 

lepcha jewellery

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.      

Bhutia jewellery

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).

Nepali jewellery

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

Disclaimer: All images used in the blog have been sourced from Google purely for the purpose of informative reference. The models, celebrities or products showcased in these pictures are not to promote any brand in any manner.  


Comments

  1. Naksh Kaloo17 July 2019 at 02:11

    I am very fond of collectible jewellery items and this traditional jewellery from Sikkim is too adorable.


    Designer Pendants
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    ReplyDelete
  2. Akshay Mehta9 November 2021 at 23:02

    The hues of sikkim are very unique, especially the silver bracelet for women
    !!

    ReplyDelete
  3. necklessss11 June 2024 at 02:05

    Cake pearls, also known as sugar pearls or edible pearls, are small, round edible decorations typically used in cake decorating. They can be made from sugar
    , fondant, or other edible materials and are often used to add a touch of elegance to cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods

    ReplyDelete

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