Newar and Our Culture in the Context of Sikkim

Newar and Our Culture in the Context of Sikkim: 

An Exploration of Tradition, Heritage, and Identity

 Ajay Pradhan, MA Sociology, Sadam Sakha, Sikkim

(First published in PAU, Newa Journal, Gangtok, 2024)

 

Introduction

Sikkim, a small Himalayan state in India, is a melting pot of diverse cultures and communities, is a land of diverse cultures and rich traditions. While it is known primarily for its vibrant mix of ethnic groups, such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis. Among them, the Newar community stands out for its unique traditions, customs, and contributions to the state. The Newar community has played a significant role in shaping the cultural tapestry of this Himalayan state. Our culture, which is a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, has not only survived but also thrived in Sikkim.

The Newars, known for their craftsmanship, artistry, and vast cultural practices, began migrating to Sikkim during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Sikkim, the Newars found a welcoming environment where they could practice their trades, including craftsmanship in wood, metal, and stone, as well as trade. The authorities of Sikkim recognised the Newars' skills and started their settlement, particularly in areas where their artisanal expertise could be utilized, especially at temple construction and other significant cultural projects.

One historical connection between the Newars and Sikkim is the construction of the Enchey Monastery in Gangtok. The Newar artisans were instrumental in building this religious site, infusing their artistic sensibilities into the architecture and design. This exchange of cultural and religious practices contributed to the rich tapestry of Sikkimese heritage.

The Newar culture is deeply rooted in tradition, with a rich heritage of festivals, rituals, and social customs that are passed down through generations. In Sikkim, the Newars have maintained these traditions, often adapting to a new environment while preserving the core elements of cultural identity, especially Newar Festivals and Rituals. The Newars in Sikkim celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year. Among the most significant are Indra Jatra, Yomari Punhi, Mha Puja (and so on)-

Indra Jatra: This festival is observed by the Newars in Sikkim with the mass gathering of Newars, and this festival is witnessed by the people of Sikkim and the neighbouring states, and foreigners too. It is dedicated to Indra, the king of heaven and the god of rain, and involves the construction of a tall pole, the performance of masked dances, and the offering of prayers for good harvests and protection from natural calamities.

The festival is marked by the preparation of special foods, including the Newar delicacies like samyabaji and chhoyela. We can also say that this festival of Newars is celebrated as one of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Newars of Sikkim in a grand manner, where many cultural practices and folk traditions are performed, nearly a week-long celebration is celebrated and this auspicious day is recognized as a State holiday.

Yomari Punhi: This festival, celebrated in December, marks the end of the rice harvest. Yomari, a traditional Newar delicacy made of rice flour dough filled with sweet molasses and sesame seeds, is prepared and offered to the gods and ancestors. The festival also symbolizes the abundance of the harvest and is a time for community bonding and feasting.

Mha Puja: Celebrated during the festival of Tihar, Mha Puja is a ritual of self-purification and honouring the self. It is performed by the Newar community to purify the body, mind, and soul. The ritual involves creating mandalas, lighting oil lamps, and offering various food items to oneself, symbolizing the reverence for the inner spirit.

Behind all this rich culture and tradition, the Newar community in Sikkim is gradually eroding their cultural practices due to modernization. With the advent of technology, urbanization, and changing lifestyles, younger generations are often less connected to traditional customs and rituals. The pressures of adapting to a fast-paced, globalized world have led to a decline in the practice of traditional arts, crafts, and religious rituals among the youth. This trend is further exacerbated by the increasing preference for modern education and careers outside of the traditional vocations that have long been associated with the Newar community.

As more young people move to urban areas for education and employment, they are often distanced from their cultural roots, leading to a gradual loss of knowledge about their heritage. The Newar language, Nepal Bhasa, is a crucial aspect of the community's identity. However, in Sikkim, the language is increasingly under threat. With the dominance of Nepali, English, and other regional languages, Nepal Bhasa is not widely spoken. However, the efforts to revive and promote Nepal Bhasa in Sikkim have been made by cultural organizations and community leaders, but these efforts face significant challenges because of the limited availability of resources, such as books and teaching materials in Nepal Bhasa makes it difficult to sustain the language among the younger population.

Despite the challenges, there are ongoing efforts within the Newar community in Sikkim to preserve and revive cultural heritage.

  
Cultural Organizations and Community Initiatives

Cultural organizations play a vital role in preserving and promoting Newar culture in Sikkim. These organizations, often led by community elders and cultural enthusiasts, organize festivals, workshops, and cultural programs that highlight the Newar traditions. For instance, during major festivals like Indra Jatra, Mha Puja and Yomari Punhi, cultural organizations take the lead in organizing community gatherings, where traditional rituals, dances, and music are performed.

One significant initiative is the establishment of Newar cultural centers in towns like Gangtok and Namchi. These centers serve as hubs for cultural education, where community members can learn about Newar history, language, and arts. They also provide a space for younger generations to engage with their heritage through language classes, traditional dance and music lessons, and workshops on Newar crafts.

Language Preservation Programs

To combat the decline of Nepal Bhasa, various language preservation programs have been initiated by the Newar community in Sikkim. These programs include the teaching of Nepal Bhasa in community schools and through private tutors, the publication of books and literature in the language, and the promotion of Nepal Bhasa in cultural events. 

Some community members have also started using social media and digital platforms to promote the language. Online groups, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Nepal Bhasa have emerged, providing accessible resources for those interested in learning the language. These digital initiatives are particularly important for reaching younger audiences who are more likely to engage with technology.

Revival of Traditional Arts and Crafts

The Newar community in Sikkim is also working to revive traditional arts and crafts that are at risk of being lost. This revival is crucial not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for providing economic opportunities to artisans and craftsmen within the community. Workshops and training programs are organized to teach younger generations the skills required for traditional Newar crafts, such as wood carving, metalwork, pottery, and textile weaving. These programs are often supported by cultural organizations and NGOs that recognize the importance of preserving these artisanal skills.

Moreover, efforts are being made to promote Newar crafts to a broader audience, both within and outside Sikkim. By promoting these crafts as part of Sikkim's cultural tourism, the community hopes to create a sustainable market for traditional Newar products, thereby ensuring the continuation of these art forms.

Conclusion

The Newar community in Sikkim is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions in the face of change. Despite the challenges of modernization, language endangerment, and cultural integration, the Newars in Sikkim have managed to preserve their rich heritage while also contributing to the cultural diversity of the state.

Through festivals, rituals, language preservation efforts, and the revival of traditional arts, the Newar community continues to maintain its unique identity in Sikkim. The stories and oral traditions that have been passed down through generations serve as a living legacy, connecting the Newars of Sikkim to their ancestral homeland and ensuring that their cultural heritage remains vibrant for future generations.

As Sikkim continues to evolve as a melting pot of cultures, the Newar community's commitment to preserving its traditions offers valuable lessons in the importance of cultural identity and the power of community. The efforts of the Newars in Sikkim to keep their culture alive serve as an inspiration/reminding us that heritage is not just about the past, but about sustaining a vibrant and dynamic future.