SIKKIM CULTURE
One thing we have high regard for as the key Sikkim tour operators who bring in tourists to this land very year is the versatile culture of this alluring place.
The culture of any place is often depicted through its cuisine, people, religion, custom, language, art & crafts, music and dance. In Sikkim, you will find a perfect blend of all these attributes to make a distinct culture of its own. Sikkim culture has been imbibed from the neighboring countries without compromising on its own individuality. The state also easily embraces a synthesis of various communities along with their practiced religions.
Let's explore the various facets of Sikkim culture.
Sikkim People
Sikkim has an interfusion of diverse communities, cultures, religions and customs. Sikkim is a fine specimen of harmony between people from different areas and regions. In Sikkim, the leading communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. However, the municipal areas are dominated by the plainsmen, who have settled there, owing to their businesses and Government services.
Sikkim Cuisine
Just like the cultures and traditions of Sikkim which has a blend of Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet, so has the cuisine of this state. The bizarre combination of various cuisines has resulted into a specific cuisine, which is now called as cuisine of Sikkim. Today, Sikkim boasts of its own dietary culture that comprises food habits and some special exotic recipes.
A popular food in Gangtok is the momo, a steamed dumpling containing pork, beef and vegetables cooked in a doughy wrapping and served with watery soup. Wai-Wai is a packaged snack consisting of noodles which are eaten either dry or in soup form. A form of noodle called thukpa, served in soup form, is also popular in Gangtok. Other noodle-based foods such as the chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton are commonly available. Traditional Sikkimese cuisine includes shah-phaley and Gack-ko soup. Restaurants offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines to cater to the tourists.
Alcohol is cheap due to low excise duty in Sikkim. Beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are frequently consumed by both locals and non-locals. Chhang is a local frothy millet beer traditionally served in bamboo tankards and drunk through bamboo or cane straws.
Sikkim Languages Sikkim is a multi-lingual state, where people of many communities reside harmoniously. Nepali can be termed as the major spoken language in Sikkim. However, English is also frequently used, though it is mainly spoken in municipal areas.
Sikkim ReligionsSikkimese are highly devout people and religion plays a major role in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism are the two major religions of Sikkim. Buddhism comes into view as the predominant religious practice in Sikkim, although Hinduism is the actual religion that is followed by the majority of people.
Sikkim Art and CraftSikkim is resplendent with not only its natural beauty but also its arts and crafts. The charm of this state is ever enticing and no one can remain abstain from its allure. The cultural richness of Sikkim is visible in its exquisitely designed, quality handicrafts.
Sikkim Dances
The cultural heritage of Sikkim is expressed in its traditional folk dances. Sikkim has many ethnic castes and tribes; each of them has its own interesting folk dances. These folk dances and music have become an inseparable part of Sikkim Culture.
