Culture

Culture in Sikkim boasts a rich cultural heritage housed within the territory. In Sikkim, culture is a homogeneous blend of the different elements from the different ethnic groups within the territory.

To begin with, it can be said that Sikkim houses a wide range of ethic groups or races, as we call it, within the territory. In fact, these ethnic groups play an important role in the socio-cultural pattern of Sikkim. Among the important races that have left an indelible mark in the culture at Sikkim are:

Bhutias

Chattris

Gurkhas

Gruangs

Lepchas

Magars

Nepalis

Newars

Rais

Tamangs

Thakurs, etc.

It can be said that the culture of Sikkim largely owe to these races because each of the races at Sikkim has a distinct way of sustenance, religious practices and living pattern: Sikkim presents a smooth blend of all these cultures in one territory.

A study on the culture of Sikkim seems to be incomplete without a reference to the different fairs and festivals of Sikkim. Some of the distinct fairs and festivals that deserve a special mention in this context are:

• Lossoong,
• Kanchendzunga, etc.

In Sikkim, dance and crafts also form an integral part of the culture of the territory. Among the important dance of Sikkim are:

• Dances:
  • Kali Topi Dance
  • Khang-chen-dzod-nga Dance
  • Kankal Dance
  • Bara Singha Dance, etc.
• Crafts:
  • Hand woven woollen carpets
  • Choktse
  • Applique work
  • Sikkimese thankas, etc.

This was a brief estimate of the rich culture in Sikkim: a rich blend of the various ethnic groups.