Chettris

In Sikkim, Chettris occupy the second strata of the society. The Chettris are socially superior people, who have their own distinct cultural pattern.

The society of Sikkim shows a hierarchical structure: the prevalence of the different groups among the tribes of Sikkim is an example of hierarchy in the social strata of Sikkim. The Chettris of Sikkim are among the higher classes of Sikkim. In Sikkim, Chettris are said to wear a sacred thread around their neck: wearing the sacred around their neck is a part of the Brahmanical prejudices of the Chettris.

It is noteworthy that although inter-marriage is permissible among the Chettris of Sikkim; yet there are certain reservations. The Chettris at Sikkim are allowed to marry only among their own class: inter-caste marriage is not permissible among the Chettris.

The men among the Chettris are allowed to marry more than one wife. The wife wedded through formal ceremony is known as 'Behaite', and wife had through other ways are called 'Lihaites'. But, with the growth of civilization, this practice is on its wane.

Moreover, divorce is permissible among the Chettris in Sikkim. There is no discrimination as far as the divorce laws are concerned. In fact, both man and his wife can ask for a divorce; but, it is the head of the village or the elders of the village, who decide about the case.