Famous State of Sikkim in india

  By Dhananjai | September 4, 2012 | INDIAN CULTURE

History The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas. In the 13th century, their chief, Thekong Tek, signed a treaty of blood brotherhood with the Tibetan prince Khye-Bumsa. Following this, the Bhutias came from Tibet in the 14th century and inhabited parts of the land while the Lepchas continued their peaceful lives centred on their villages. In 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal, a sixth generation descendant of Khye-Bumsa was consecrated as the ‘Chogyal’ (King) by three revered ‘lamas’ (priests) and a ‘hidden kingdom in the clouds’ was born. In the 18th century Sikkim was much reduced in size, losing land to Nepal, Bhutan and the British. Armies from Bhutan and the newly consolidated Gurkha Empire of Nepal invaded and took considerable areas of Sikkim. In 1791-92, Sikkim won back its territories. When the British defeated Nepal in 1815, the southern part of the country was given back to Sikkim. Nepalis migrated into Sikkim from the beginning of the 19th century, eventually outnumbering the local inhabitants. This led to internal conflict which subsequently also involved the British and the Tibetans. The British won the ensuing battles and declared Sikkim a protectorate in 1890. A British Political Officer who effectively stripped the local heads of executive power controlled the state until 1947 when India became independent. Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyals of the Namgyal dynasty till 1975 when, by popular vote, the kingdom joined India as one of its states.

Economy Tourism and agriculture are the main revenue earners of Sikkim. The state is one of the world’s main producers of cardamom and the region has also become an exporter of mandarin oranges, apples, and potatoes. Also rich in mineral wealth, its forests have great economic value as both timber and wood pulp. Sikkim’s cottage industry, comprising of cotton and wool products, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work contributes to the economy of the state.

Language During the 18th and 19th centuries there was a large influx of people from Nepal, and today the Nepalis form 75% of the population with the Bhutias making up roughly 24%. The original tribal inhabitants of Sikkim, the Lepchas are now a vanishing tribe numbering around 4000 and forming barely 1% of the population of the state. They have isolated themselves in the remote northern hills of Dzongu in a last ditch effort to keep their race pure. This, however, may be slowly making them extinct. Their language called Rong Ring is claimed to be the oldest in the world. They farm cardamom as a cash crop. A permit is needed to go into the area inhabited by them. The languages spoken by the Sikkimese include Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu. The working language of the government is English while the official language is Hindi.

Religion The Nepalese community, which represents over two-thirds of the population, follows Hinduism. The Lepchas continue to practise their traditional beliefs. Their beliefs centre around spirits and the “shamans” who cure illnesses and preside over ceremonies during birth, marriage and death. The Bhutias practise Buddhism and were responsible for converting the Lepchas to Mahayana Buddhism.

Food Sikkimese food is a medley of Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian influences. Rice and maize are the staples usually accompanied by dal (lentils). The people of Sikkim eat fresh vegetable, bamboo shoots, wild flowers, mushrooms, nettle leaves, beef (buffalo meat) pork and fish. “Gyakho” is a traditional soup served on special occasions. Sikkimese “momos” (a kind of steamed dumplings) and “thukpa” (a watery soup with noodles) are a must taste. Local liquors are extremely popular with both sexes, ‘chaang’ is the fermented rice wine and ‘tomba’ is the hot favourite beer made of fermented millet, with a few grains of rice thrown in for flavour. It is served in a wooden or bamboo mug and sipped through a straw. Occasionally, the mug is topped up with warm water and once the drink settles it tastes like milky beer.

Culture and Crafts Sikkim is famous for its “mask dances” performed by lamas (monks) in the gompa (temple) courtyard to celebrate religious festivals. Costumed lamas wearing gaily-painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels leap and swing to the sound of resounding drums, trumpeting horns and religious chanting. The Sikkimese craftsmen bring to life the cane and bamboo, available in plenty in this land, through their intricate work. Apart from this, the other indigenous crafts are warm, hand-woven blankets and shawls, “tankha” paintings done on silk, decorative patterned paper and beautifully carved “Choktse” tables.

Tourist info centres

Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Gangtok. Tel: 03592 – 22064, 23425, 25277 Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, New Sikkim House. 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021 Tel: 23015346 Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, 4c Poonam building, 5/2 Russell street Kolkata – 700017

How to get there by Air Sikkim is not directly served by air. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, in the state of West Bengal. The 124 km drive to Gangtok takes 5 hours and is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs. A helicopter service between Gangtok – Bagdogra – Gangtok is also available. The flight from Bagdogra 30 minutes to reach Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (+91-3592-222634) operates this service daily at 11:00 AM from Gangtok to Bagdogra and at 2:00 PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok, so it wpuld be best to check with them regarding operation.

How to get there by Rail Sikkim is not on the railway map being a mountainous state. The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), 125km away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Trains from all the major cities of India connect to New Jalpaiguri. The drive to Gangtok city takes about five hours and numerous buses, taxis, shared 4WDs and hired cars with chauffeurs cover the distance all through the day.

How to get there by Road The drive to Gangtok from Siliguri (West Bengal), 114 km away, is the shortest. Darjeeling, the beautiful and oft-visited hill station in West Bengal is also connected by road to Gangtok. Taxis, buses and hired cars with drivers ply regularly on these routes and the drivers hail each other and shake hands, as they inch past the narrow but well maintained mountain roads. Passengers request a vegetable-shopping stop as they pass through little hamlets with roadside vegetable vendors. The drive is very scenic with the Teesta River flowing on the left hand side and the green hills on the right. As you get closer to Gangtok, look out for the multihued flowers that dot the landscape, especially in spring. Note: Roads can get blocked due to landslides during the rainy season (June to September) and you can get stuck in Sikkim but not for more than 2 or 3 days. The army bulldozers get to work immediately and clear up roads, which are the lifeline of Sikkim.

Getting around You have the option of hiring a car to take you around the state but hired cars come with chauffeurs. Buses, unmetered taxis, 4WDs that can be shared or hired are other options of traveling within the state.

Where to Stay in Sikkim

There is a wide variety of places to stay in Gangtok, the capital city as the accommodation ranges from premium to standard and deluxe hotels. You can choose your accommodation depending on your budget. Other small towns like Jorethang, Legship, Gezing etc will offer limited and very basic accommodation options.

Best Time to Visit Sikkim

The best time to visit Sikkim is between March and May when the flowers are in bloom, or between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible.

Climate The climate of Sikkim is temperate, with fairly heavy rainfall in most parts of the state during the monsoons (June to September). The average rainfall is 125 cm. In summer, the temperature rises to 28 degree Celsius and falls to a minimum of 13 degree Celsius. In winter the maximum temperature is 18 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature is 7 degree Celsius.

Things to do in Sikkim

Sikkim is a popular tourist destination and due to its rich culture, scenic beauty, and landscapes, provides an endless list of things to do here. One may go sightseeing to the beautiful monasteries in the capital city, Gangtok. Visit the Changu Lake which mostly remains frozen throughout the year. Mt Kanchenjunga which is a delightful sight can be seen from endless viewpoints. One may also visit the various lakes, and villages for sightseeing.
Go shopping for some eye-catching artefacts and handicrafts, easily available at the main shopping centres of Gangtok. Outdoor activities in Sikkim include hang gliding, kayaking and canoeing, mountain biking, river rafting, trekking, and mountaineering. Visit Sikkim during its religious festivals well known for their mask dances. Some of the major festivals here are: Saga Dawa, Phang Lhabsol, and Dasain.