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Sikkim
Religions
It is traditionally accepted that the Lepchas are the autochthonous tribe of
Sikkim. After them came the Bhutias, from Tibet, followed by the Nepalese and
finally the Indian business community from the plains.
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Sikkim
Fairs & Festivals
Although Buddhism appears to be the predominant religion in Sikkim, the real
side of religion in the state is Hinduism. Buddhism is followed by mostly the
Tibetans and
Sikkimese
Bhutias. Hinduism is followed by the Nepalese.
Saga
Dawa: This is the Triple Blessed Festival and
is considered as the holiest of the holy Buddhist
Festivals.
Lhabab Dhuechen: This festival symbolizes the Descent of Buddha from the heaven
of the thirty three gods after visiting his mother. Dhuechen means festivals,
Lha means heaven and Bab means descent.
Drukpa Tsheshi: This festival celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four
Noble
Truths to his first five disciples in a deer park at Sarnath.
Phang Lhabsol: This festival is unique to Sikkim.In this festival
the snowy range of Khangchendzonga
is worshipped for its unifying powers.
Losoong: Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also
the end
of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year. The festival is marked by Chaam
dancing's at the monasteries at Palace (Tsu-La-Khang), Phodong and Rumtek.
Losar: The Tibetan New Year is shared also by the Sikkimese and marked with
lot of gaiety and festivity. It falls normally in the month of February.
Bumchu: Bum means "pot or vase" and chu means "water".
This festival is celebrated at the monastery at Tashiding in the month of January
or February.
Guru Rimpoche's Trungkar Tshechu: On this day, Sikkimese Buddhist
pays homage to the master who first blessed Sikkim as holy land, Guru Rimpoche.
The master
is believed to have firmly established Buddhism in Sikkim.
Kagyat Dance: It is performed on the 28th and 29th day of
the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, around December.
Kalchakra Puja: A mention of the two bodies of Buddhism, Hinayana and Mahayana
has been made at the beginning of this chapter.
Dasain / Dusshera/ Durga Puja: One of the most important festivals
for the Nepalese Hindus, this fortnight long festival usually falls in the
month of October.
Saraswati Puja: This festival
falls in the month of January and honors the
Hindu Goddess of knowledge "Saraswati".
Holi: This Hindu festival of
colors takes on a new meaning in the colder climes
of Sikkim.
Janmastami: Also known as Krishnastami
or Gokulastami is a festival dedicated to Lord
Sri Krishna and commemorates his birth.
Ramnavami (Chaite Dasain): This
festival is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama.
Vishwa Karma Puja,
Maghe Sankranti ,
Christmas,
Tamu Lochar,
Nyempa Guzom
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Language
Spoken
The Lepchas: The original
inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas.
The Nepalese: The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim much
after the Lepchas & Bhutias.
The Bhutias:They are the people of Tibetan origin.
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Sikkimese Cuisine
Sikkim has its own unique dietary culture with specific cuisine and food recipes.
Like anywhere else in the world, food habits here have evolved as the result
of traditionl wisdom. |
Local signs
Superstitions and myths abound an ordinary Sikkimese life. Sikkimese have their
own interpretation of lucky charms which have religious inclinations . So, don't
be surprised by those curious things that revolves around a Sikkimese. Instead
be awed, learn about them and keep the faith.
Eight lucky signs and their significance:
Dug (parasol): The Parasol of authority symbolises the authority
of Buddha.
Bhumpa (vase): The Vase represents a repository of
limitless material wealth, good health and long life.
Dhungkar (conch shell): It symbolizes reverberating
sound of Dharma and signifies The awakening of sentient beings from The sleeping
state of Their ignorance.
Gyaltsn (banner of victory): This symbol signifies
the fortune of having victory of good over the evil forces which hinders the
success
of
noble goals and also
proclaims the victory of diety over evil.
Sernya (pair of golden fishes): Symbolizes resurrection of
eternal life, rebirth etc.
Pema (lotus flower): It symbolizes the ultimate goal namely
enlightenment.
Palbheu (knot of eternity): It is law without beginning
and without end which symbolizes Eternity. The curly hair on the chest of Buddha
has the appearance
of Knot Eternity. It is also called as lucky net and symbolizes Brahamajala
representing all the theories and philosophies of the universe.
Choekyi Khorlo (wheel of dharma): It symbolizes the
propagation of Buddha's teaching.
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