Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

The Tayo is a magnificent, crescent-shaped traditional necklace crafted from gold or silver, mounted on rich red fabric. Known as the crown jewel of Newar jewellery, it features an elongated, boat-like hollow pendant flanked by intricate repoussé carvings of multi-headed serpent deities ( Nāgas ). Traditionally associated with divine guardianship and fertility, the Tayo carries deep spiritual meaning. The hooded serpents and the central vessel represent life-giving water, sacred protection, and the cosmic balance of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Wearing it is believed to shield the wearer from negative forces and bestow auspicious blessings of prosperity and grace. The Tayo holds a sacred place in Newar rites of passage and heritage, famously gracing the Living Goddess Kumari and temple deities during grand chariot processions ( Jatras ). It is an indispensable emblem of dignity and divine honour, lovingly adorned by young girls during their sacred Ihi (Bel Bibaha) ceremony and by ...

The Bhusya is a traditional percussion instrument made of a pair of circular plates crafted from bronze or brass. In music, it represents rhythm and balance. Each cymbal has a cloth handle or cord tied through the center, allowing the player to strike or slide the rims together to create a bright, resonant ringing sound. In folk traditions and festivals, the Bhusya is essential for keeping the tempo ( tala ). It is played alongside drums like the Dhimay and Madal during community dances, temple worship, and lively street processions. Culturally, the ringing tone of the Bhusya is believed to spread festive joy, create harmony among performers, and awaken good spirits. It serves as a reminder of how simple instruments can unite an entire community through rhythm.

The Dhimay (or Dhime) is a large, double-headed drum made of hollowed wood or metal and covered with goatskin. Known as the "King of Newari Instruments," it produces a deep, booming rhythm played with a curved wooden cane (Kalin) on one side and a bare hand on the other. Traditionally associated with Lord Shiva (Nāsadyah, the god of music and dance), the Dhimay carries deep spiritual meaning. Its powerful beat is believed to clear negative energy, awaken courage, and bring divine blessings to the community. The Dhimay is the beating heart of Newar celebrations, played during harvest festivals, chariot processions (Jatras), and cultural rallies alongside cymbals called Bhushyah. For generations, learning to play the Dhimay in local musical clubs (Guthis) has united young and old, keeping the joyful spirit, teamwork, and rich artistic heritage of the Newar community alive.

The Kilip is an ornate traditional hair ornament worn by Newari women and girls to secure and beautify their hair during festivals, life-cycle rituals, and weddings. Crafted with an intricately carved front and a sturdy silver lock at the back, it blends practical function with exquisite jewelry art. The motifs engraved on a Kilip carry deep symbolic meanings. Blooming flowers represent life, joy, and prosperity, while a carved peacock or crescent moon symbolizes natural elegance, calmness, and grace. In hilly communities, wearing them in matching pairs on either side or behind the head reflects balance and harmony. More than a simple hair accessory, the Kilip is an emblem of cultural pride and familial blessings. Passed down through generations, it adorns girls during sacred milestones like Ihi and brides on their wedding day, honouring the time-tested artistic traditions of Newar silversmiths.

  Aila is a traditional Newari beverage made by distilling grains like rice or millet. In Newar culture, it is treated not just as a drink, but as a sacred offering that connects people with the divine. During festivals, rituals, and ceremonies, Aila is first offered to deities such as Lord Shiva, Bhairava, and various goddesses as a sign of deep devotion. After the gods are worshipped, it is received back by the devotees as Prasad—a sacred blessing that brings good health, protection, and positive energy. At cultural feasts called Bhoj, serving Aila from a traditional brass jar called an Anti into tiny clay cups (Salfi) is a warm gesture of hospitality and respect toward guests. Passed down through generations, Aila represents family unity, ancient customs, and the rich spiritual heritage of the Newar community.

The Nyapu Shikha is a traditional head ornament worn by Newari women and young girls during sacred rituals, festivals, and weddings. In the Nepal Bhasa language, "Nya" means five and "Sikha" means chain. Its five golden strands carry a deep spiritual meaning. They represent the Pancha Buddha (five wisdom Buddhas) or the Pancha Tatwa—the five natural elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space. The ornament typically starts with a carved crescent moon or a peacock, which symbolizes peace, natural beauty, and grace. When a single Nyapu Shikha is worn (common for cultural dance performances, school events, or contemporary festive attire), it is typically pinned on the right side or left side above the ear, depending on the wearer’s hair parting and where other ornaments (like hair clips or fresh flowers) are placed. In traditional Hindu-Buddhist ritual placements, the right side is often preferred for auspicious solar alignment if worn singly. In full tradit...

25.09.2026: The Newar community was immensely proud to welcome our Hon’ble Chief Minister as he graced #IndraJatra 2026. A special thank you to him for visiting our #NewarExhibition stall and interacting with us. We are truly delighted that he took a keen interest in all our exhibits, including the "Pride of Newar" series, ritual artifacts, personal belongings of renowned Newar personalities, archival documents, books authored by the Newars of Sikkim, and the special Indra Jatra postcard. We are also pleased to share that the release of the Indra Jatra postcard, graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, was a resounding success. Special thanks go to Shri Sameer Pradhan and the Sikkim Postal Department for arranging the postbox and coordinating all logistics to make the event memorable. A truly proud moment for the Sikkim Philatelic Club!

  31.08.26, Singtam: Students of Shiv Lata Memorial School delivered an outstanding performance at the 4th Inter-School Karate Championship – 2026, held at Goethals Memorial School, Kurseong. Competing against more than 20 participating schools, the seven-member contingent showcased exceptional martial arts skills, discipline, and dedication to proudly secure the overall 1st Runner-Up position. The young karatekas dominated both Kata and Kumite divisions, returning home with a rich haul of medals. Master Anch Pradhan led the team’s stellar run by securing a Gold medal in Kumite alongside the prestigious Best Fighter Trophy, while Master Neewan Rai registered a double triumph with Gold medals in both Kumite and Kata. Gold medals in Kumite were also clinched by Master Zamyang T. Sherpa and Master Nehal Rai (who also earned a Silver in Kata), while Miss Pragyashree Rai took Gold in Kata and Bronze in Kumite. Rounding out the medal haul, Miss Aisha Chettri won Silver in Kata and Bron...

11.08.26, Singtam: Young chess players from Knight Chess Academy, Singtam delivered an outstanding performance at the Inter-School Monsoon Chess Tournament held at St. Augustine’s School, Kalimpong. Further, the girls from East Point SSS went on to clinch the runners-up trophy in school category. The highly competitive event drew strong participation from across the neighbouring hill region, featuring over 200 students representing more than 15 schools. Leading the achievements two young boys dominated their divisions to capture top honours. Aarav Pradhan secured the 1st position in the Under-11 Boys' category, while Suyog Shital Pradhan clinched 1st position in the Under-13 Boys' category, showcasing exceptional strategic skill on the board. The podium success extended across multiple age brackets for the local contingent. In the Under-15 Girls' category, Devanshiba Zala took 1st position, closely followed by Manasvi Acharya in 2nd position. In the Under-13 Girls' ...