about sikkim

1. About sikkim
sikkim is a State in Northeast India. It is one of the fastest growing, multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. It borders
Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and West Bengal in the south. SIkkim is also
located close to India's Siliguri corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is least populous and second smallest among the
Indian states. Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to
Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok.
Weather and climate
sikkim majorly experiences four seasons, i.e. Winter – December to February, Spring – March to May, South-West
Monsoon – June to September, and retreating Monsoon – October, and November. Sikkim climate is that of the
subtropical type in the lower south parts while it is Tundra type in the north. The northern cold desert of Sikkim is under
snow for most of the year. It means that most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim barely experience a temperature in excess
of 28 degrees Celsius even during the peak summer season. With its great diversity in landform, even the small 7000 km
area of Sikkim experiences tropical, temperate and alpine climate. The close proximity with the Bay of Bengal makes
Sikkim faces the best of southern monsoon. Its geographical position makes Sikkim the most humid place in the entire
Himalayas.

2. Monsoon in Sikkim is a spectacle to behold. The rainfall is mostly well distributed and quite intense. Everywhere around is
lush green, which makes Sikkim a magnificent spectacle for tourists. June to September is the time for the window for
monsoon in Sikkim, and July is considered the wettest month. At some places, the rainfall mark even crosses 5000 mm
mark during monsoon. Foggy condition persists almost everywhere around the state during monsoon. The average number
of rainy days in Sikkim spans from 100 days (Thangu in North Sikkim) to 184 days (Gangtok in East Sikkim).
Winter in Sikkim goes from heartwarming to the extreme in a matter of few weeks. The places beyond 10,000 feet and
above mostly experience sub-zero degree conditions. There are frequent snowfalls in most part of Sikkim during winters,
and the temperature rarely goes beyond 13 degrees Celsius. It’s truly remarkable how Sikkim is famed to present 6000
meters of snowline in length during winter months. Quite interestingly, there are places that even experience occasional
snowfall even during November or mid-April.
The pre-winter and post-winter season is the most attractive of them all when romantic couples mostly plan a Sikkim
honeymoon. September to mid – November and March and May are the months with a magnificent climate. In the former
case winter just makes its presence felt with perfect weather and occasional snow, while the latter is the time when the sun
is mild, and trees begin to shed their leaves. November is the time for Autumn when Sikkim experience tea and cherry
blossom. It’s time for celebrations all around Sikkim, and the entire region is beautiful than ever. People from all around
the world visit Sikkim during the period to behold nature’s untarnished beauty at its best.
A word of caution here – Sikkim in monsoon turns trickier with frequent landslides, which makes traveling in high altitude
mountains difficult. Besides monsoon, there are times during peak winter when northern frontiers of Sikkim experience a
temperature as low as -35 degrees Celsius. The persistent fog makes visibility poor, and transport gets severely affected.
But, for Sikkim, everything can be compromised. Afterall, what’s life without thrill!

3. Topography
Sikkim is nestled on the lap of Himalaya between 27° 5' N to 20° 9' N latitudes and 87° 59' E to 88° 56' E longitudes.
Covering 7096 kms, the cross-section of the state measures 100 km from north to south and 60 km from east to west.
The topography of Sikkim in south blend with the plain land of West Bengal and gradually gathers height towards the
North. So, the altitude of Sikkim ranges from 300m to as high as 8585m, the top of mighty Khangchendzonga.
The Singalila Range encompasses the Western borders of Sikkim. In the East, the Chola Range separates Sikkim from
its neighboring state. In the north, the Donkia range reaches out to the Tibetan Plateau. The major peaks of Sikkim are:
 Khangchendzonga (8596 m)
 Jonsang (7444m)
 Talung (7351m)
 Kabru (7338 m)
 Siniolchu (6888 m)
 Simvo (6811 m)
 Pandim (6691 m)
Rathang(6087m)
The snow line in Sikkim is at about 6000 m. Above this range, permanent snow can be found and upto 5000 m,
habitations can be found. In lower altitudes of Sikkim, trees like Sal, Bamboo, Kapok grows to form the basic
vegetation. The temperate forests a bit above are comprised of maple, birch, oak and chestnuts. The terrain of Sikkim,
being rugged, is not at all conducive for agriculture. But in some places terrace farming is practiced with satisfactory
results. While Teesta and Rangeet are the main water bodies of Sikkim, the state is blessed with a number of lakes-
Tsomgo Lake, Khecheopairi Lake, Green Lake, Menmecho Lake, Karthok Lake, Samiti Lake, etc. There are also quite
a few waterfalls and hot springs, providing the topography of Sikkim a variety and attraction.

4. Vegetation
Sikkim Vegetation
 Sikkim, the smallest State with less than 1% of India’s landmass, is home to 27% of all
flowering plants found in the country, reveals a recent publication by the Botanical
Survey of India (BSI). Flora of Sikkim – A Pictorial Guide, released earlier this week,
lists 4,912 naturally occurring flowering plants in the tiny Himalayan State.
 The total number of naturally occurring flowering plants in the country is about
18,004 species, and with 4,912 species, the diversity of flowering plants in Sikkim,
spread over an area of 7,096 sq. km, is very unique.
 Dr. Gogoi said the publication provides details of 5,068 taxa (including 152 cultivated
taxa) belonging to 1,491 genera and 209 angiosperm families which are naturally
occurring flowering plants, along with geography, ecology, vegetation pattern and
forest types of Sikkim.

5.  The State, which is a part of the Kanchenjunga biosphere landscape, has different
altitudinal ecosystems, which provide opportunity for herbs and trees to grow and
thrive.
 From subalpine vegetation to the temperate to the tropical, the State has different
kinds of vegetation, and that is the reason for such a diversity of flora. The elevation
also varies between 300 metres and 8,598 metres above mean sea level, the apex being
the top of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres)
 Along with unique geographical features, the people of Sikkim have a unique bond
with nature and trees.
 The Minister referred to the notification titled Sikkim Forest Tree (Amity & Reverence)
Rules, 2017 which state that “the State government shall allow any person to associate
with trees standing on his or her private land or on any public land by entering into a
Mith/Mit or Mitini relationship.” The notification encouraged people to adopt a tree
“as if it was his or her own child in which case the tree shall be called an adopted tree”.
 The widening of roads to Nathu La, which is of strategic interest to us (bordering
China), and the hydel power plants in north Sikkim, should also take into account the
environmental concerns of locals. We are not against such activities, but it should not
come at the cost of our biodiversity.
 The publication details 532 species of wild orchids (which is more than 40% of all
orchid species found in India), 36 species of rhododendron and 20 species of oak, and
more than 30 species of high-value medicinal plants, among other species.
 Mr. Gogoi said that the founding fathers of botany were always interested in the flora
of Sikkim. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, one of the pioneers of modern botany, conducted
the first survey of Sikkim in 1848 and published Rhododendrons of Sikkim.
 In 1898, two British botanists, Sir George King and Robert Pantling published their
monumental work, The Orchids of Sikkim-Himalayas.

6. Art and culture
Monastic Dances: Sikkim's famous mask dances are simply spectacular. Chaams are performed on ceremonial
and festive occasions. Though these dances differ from one another in style and theme, but they all deal with the
triumph of good over evil. Their origin lies in a dancing cult for exorcising malignant demons and human enemies.
The Chaams performed during the new year ceremony expel evil from the land, while closing the old year and
ushering in benevolence and good luck for the new. The dancers wear fearful dragon, animal and bird masks,
dress in richly brocaded costumes and tread the measure to the sound of cymbals and trumpets.
Food of Sikkim:

7. culture of Sikkim
The state of Sikkim is a beautiful state filled with river valleys and blue daunting peaks. Sikkim
is a land of diverse tribes and races of people living together. These different tribes and
communities have unique features of their own in addition to their distinctive dance forms,
culture and craft forms. The diversity of ethnic groups, languages and religion is seen all over
the state.
Food of Sikkim
The people of Sikkim love to eat and they cook some of the most delicious items available in
north-east with momo being one of the most popular ones. Sikkim food primarily consist of
noodles, thukpas, soups and other fermented dishes owing majorly to its very cold climate. Rice
is however its main food item. Momos, also known as wantons and dumplings, are favorite
amongst the locals as well as the tourists. People coming to Sikkim would never miss the
opportunity to taste the amazing momos here which have different fillings ranging from chicken
to pork to beef. Boiled and steamed items are found to be mainly existent here with not much
use of masalas but other local herbs and spices. Food here is always accompanied by some

8. drinks like the local beer, rum or whiskey.
Thukpa is a Tibetan word, which means noodle. It is generally served with soup. Thukpa
contains of noodle, chili powder, and pea soup. Momo is one kind of a snack, which contains
flour and water dough, white flour and meat, vegetables or cheese filling. Chhupri is prepared
from cow milk.
.
Kinema is a fermented soybean food, which is rich in protein. Bamboo shoot is a famous food
item of Sikkim. This product often used with pork to make a irresistible curry and also to make
pickle.
Gundruk and Sinki soup are also famous food items in Sikkim. These are prepared from
fermented vegetables, onion, tomato, turmeric and chili powder. Mesu pickle is made of
fermented bamboo shoots. Sidra ko achar is a dry fish pickle. Sishnu soup is prepared from
nettle leaves, rice, garlic, and salt and turmeric powder. They also prepare alcoholic beverages
from maize, millet, rice, fermented cassava root and from barley.

9. Sikkim Festivals:
Sikkim is a state in northeast Asia where numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Majority
of the people of Sikkim follow Buddhism so the festival celebrated here are associated with the Buddhist
and they are celebrated with a lot of pomp and as per the Buddhist calendar.
Fairs & Festivals of Sikkim
All important festivals of India are celebrated in Sikkim with great fervour. Apart from these there
are some regional festivals of Sikkim which include Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab
Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu that are celebrated by Buddhist religious communities.
Losar – the Tibetan New Year in mid-December is an important festival of the state when most
of the government offices and tourist centres are closed for a week

10. Hee Bermiok is an annual festival held in Hee Bermoik city which is located very near to
Gangtok. It started in the year 2005 and since then thousands of people come to the city to
witness this amazing carnival. The festival is held in the month of May every year.
Crafts festival of Rabongla
A peaceful place in Sikkim, Rabongla is situated at a height of 7000 feet and is one of the most
scenic tourist locations in Sikkim. Grand celebrations marks the festival which is celebrated in
April.
Tharpu Monsoon Festival
Organized during the monsoon season in Sikkim, the Tharpu festival is held every year in the
month of August. It is a traditional and cultural festival in Tharpu, western part of Sikkim.
Lhabab Duchen
One of the major Buddhist festivals in Sikkim, Lhabab Duchen is held on the 22nd day of the 9th
calendar month of Tibet.
Namchi Mahotsav
A vibrant and colorful festival held in Sikkim which lasts for one week in Sikkim is one of the
major festivals held in Sikkim. It attracts thousands of tourists and locals and people enjoy to the
utmost in this festival.

11. Arts & Craft of Sikkim
There are different art and craft forms in Sikkim. Most of the people of the state live in rural
areas and have their age old tradition of making various utility objects. The most popular
handicraft objects of the state include woven woolen carpet, choksee table, thankas, and canvas
wall hangings depicting painting on different aspects of Sikkim.
For the development of the cottage industries in the state, the government has set up an
Institute of Cottage Industries in South District. The locally made handicrafts are sold here for
the benefit of the rural people. The state also has many art and craft forms and has many
handicrafts in the form of bamboo and cane products and weaving. Gangtok, Namchi and Melli
are the famous places of the state for cottage industries and handloom products. The
government has taken many initiatives for the development of the handloom industries in the
state.
The people of Sikkim have a special skill of craft making. The womenfolk of this state are good
weavers. They attract the travelers by their craft work. The handmade papers and carpets of
Sikkim have a demand both in and outside the state.
Carpet Making

12. Woolen carpets of Sikkim are very famous. The weavers use different colored wool and designs
in the carpets. Landscapes of clad mountains or flowering valleys, animals, orchids and some
other designs are decorated in the carpets. Formal carpets of this state are also famous. The
state has some private institutes that teach the method of carpet making.
Woolen Craft
The womenfolk of Sikkim are experts in handloom work. Due to the cold climate, the people of
this state generally wear woolen clothes. They generally weave their clothes like shawls, jackets
and scarfs. They make their bags, dolls, jackets and shawls by designing the old and used
woolen blankets.
Wood Carving

13. The people of Sikkim are also expert in wood carving. Their wood carving works are seen in the
monasteries. The woods in the monasteries have symbols and icons of Buddhism. They also
make wooden masks that are worn in dance performances and other social events.
Paintings
Thangka Paintings of Sikkim has a great value. These paintings could be seen in the numerous
roadside shops. Thangka Paintings are generally spiritual in nature and showcases the teaching
of Lord Buddha. This paintings are made of cotton canvas and vegetable dyes are used as
color.
Music in Sikkim
Western rock music can be commonly heard from the houses, restaurants and business centres
in Sikkim. Hindi songs are also gaining popularity among the young masses. Indigenous Nepali
rock music with Western rock beat is also popular among the Sikkimese (people of Sikkim). The
Nepali lyrics are so heart touching that you can stand a while to listen to its stanzas. The music
of the Sikkimese people is accompanied by various musical instruments. Some of the musical
instruments used in the music are:
Susira
It is a type of wind instrument, resembling a flute which is played by blowing air into it.
Ghana
It is a type of instrument where solid instruments are used to create music by beating them with
metal sticks.

14. Vandya- Instruments Of Percussion
It is rather like the ‘damroo’ which is a hollow wood covered on both sides by animal skin and
then these ends are hit to create wonderful music.
Dance in Sikkim
The dances of Sikkim are traditional celebrating harvest and the prosperity period in Sikkim.
These dances are accompanied by chanting, traditional musical instruments and the dancers
wear traditional masks and bright costumes. Some of the dance forms are Lu Khangthamo,
Gnungmala Gnunghey, Rechungma, and Kagyed Dance. The dance and music of the state are
accentuated by traditional musical instruments. The different types of dances celebrate the
beauty of nature and harvesting period of Sikkim.
There are different folk dances of Sikkim which are an integral part of Sikkim culture. These
dances celebrate the harvesting period and prosperity of the state. Some of these dances
include:
Lu Khangthamo
This dance form is dedicated to a day of thanksgiving to the Gods and deities. This dance form
is performed by both young and old people in traditional customs and ornaments. This is a
popular Bhutia folk dance.
Gha To Kito
This Bhutia folk dance form is accompanied by songs which describes the state of Sikkim and its
beauty.

15. Chi Rimu
This Bhutia folk dance is performed praising the state of Sikkim. This is a popular dance form
performed in every happiest occasion in the household.
Gnungmala Gnunghey
This folk dance form is performed accompanied by devotional hymns and songs. The dance folk
and the songs accompanying them tell the uses of the majestic bamboos.
Rechungma
This Sikkimese dance is performed during the happier occasions like childbirth, marriage and
other social gatherings. This dance form is performed to pay thanks to the God for His blessings.
Be Yu Mista
This is a popular Bhutia folk dance performed in Sikkim praising its natural beauty.
Tashi Zaldha
This is the folk dance depicting the Bhutia custom of offering scarves. This dance form is
performed by boys and girls.
Enchey Chaam
This is a popular mask dance of Sikkim performed by Lamas in Gompas. This dance form is
performed for celebrating religious festivals and provides a spectacular view of the dance form.
The footwork and grace with traditional costumes provides a beautiful sight to see. The Lamas

16. wear painted masks and jewels and take ceremonial swords swaying to the beat of the drums
and horns. This dance form is performed in sync with the annual rituals celebrated on 18th and
19th days of the eleventh month of the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar.
Kagyed Dance
This dance form is performed by monks during the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the
Tibetan calendar. This dance symbolizes the destruction of evil over good and the look forward
to peace and prosperity in Sikkim. The dancers are popular Chaam and the dance is
accompanied by liturgical music and chanting. The dance form enacts themes from Buddhist
mythology and ends with the burning of effigies made of flour, wood and paper.
Rumtek Chaam

17. This is one of the significant religious mask dances and is performed on the 10th day of the fifth
months of the Tibetan calendar. The dance form presents eight manifestations of Guru
Rimponche.
Singhi Chham
This is a masked dance of Sikkim depicting the cultural symbol of Sikkim- the snow lion. The
local people display the cultural symbol of the snow lion by dressing up with fury costumes and
perform the dance form.
Chu Faat Dance
This dance form honors the life force of Sikkim, Mount Kanchengjunga. The Mount
Kangchenjunga with its associate peaks located nearby is honored by dancers by carrying butter
lamps and green bamboo leaves. This dance form is performed on the 15th day of the seventh
month of the Northern Buddhist calendar.
Yak Chaam

18. This dance form is performed by the Bhutia people to honor Yak, the animal Sikkim is mostly
dependent on. This dance form depicts the lifestyle of the herdsmen of Sikkim.
Khukuri Dance
This dance form is a bravery warrior dance form performed in honor of the ritual of giving
religious touch to soldiers sent for battle. The warriors are also given a Khukuri which is to be
always carried by them.
Maruni Dance

19. This is one of the oldest dance form of the Nepalis. This dance form is mostly performed during
marriages and celebrates the victory of good over evil.