Talking about Sikkim matrimony, it can be said that matrimony of Sikkim restricts the Sikkimese to marry outside their community. Most of the races in Sikkim maintains restrictions about matrimony: it is noteworthy that marriage outside the community is a social taboo and calls for various social hassles.
About Sikkim Matrimony
An estimate of the matrimony at Sikkim according to the different ethnic groups in Sikkim is as follows:- Bhutias - Bhutias possesses a patriarchal society, where the laws of the land largely support the menfolks. Talking about matrimony in Sikkim among the Bhutia clan, it can be said that the inter-marriage between the Bhutias and Lepchas is permissible in Sikkim. Moreover, the matrimonial relation between the Lepcha chiefs and the Tibetan nobles has led to the rise of a new class namely the Kazis.
- Lepchas - Marriage among the Lepchas are generally initiated by the head of the family. Lepchas are socially liberal people; therefore, they do not have any reservations regarding matrimony in Sikkim.
- Limbu - The Limbus belong to the Kirati tribe. There is no restrictions among the Limbus regarding marriage; Limbus are known to have matrimonial relations with the other sects of Kirati tribe, as well as with the Rais and Khambas.
- Gurkhas - Gurkhas have strict rules about marriages in Sikkim. The Gurkhas are socially superior; therefore, they are not allowed to marry outside their community. Marrying outside the Gurkha community is considered a taboo among the Gurkhas.
- Chettris - Chettris, like the Gurkhas, also belong to the higher strata of the society. Although, inter-marriage is allowed among the Chettris; yet, marriage outside their social class is prohibited.
- Newar
- Tamang
- Nepali
- Thakurs
- Rai
- Magar, etc.
