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

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 Sikki...

Dr. CL Pradhan, Dentam (First published in PAU, Newa Journal, Gangtok, 2024) Culture defines people’s values, beliefs, and personal interests. Culture is important because it allows people to maintain a unique identity in society. Newars are famous for their unique lifestyle and have rituals and customs which have to be followed from Birth till Death. They have their way of celebrating festivals, performing marriage ceremonies, and funerals. One of the old and still alive cultures is our unique way of celebrating the marriage ritual during childhood in a girl child is  Ehee  ( Bel-Bibaha ).  Newars are a linguistic and cultural community of Indo Aryan and Tibeto-Burman ethnicities following Hindu and Buddhist religions. Newars are known for their contributions to art, sculpture, architecture, culture, literature, music industry, trade, agriculture, and cuisine, and left their mark on the art of Central Asia . The Newar Society was traditionally divided into occupati...

(Information by Dipak Shrestha) Sukunda is a typical traditional Nepali oil lamp made of brass. The front part of this lamp shows a tiny icon of Ganesha, the god of luck and success. On its front is a small cup fixed in the shape of a Yoni used to put the wick. Fixed on the back of the lamp is a fascinating loop handle designed with a five-headed serpent (sometimes a mythical dragon or makara) raising its head in a very watchful attitude.  A small spoon with a nagakanya on top generally replenishes the reservoir's oil. The artistic work on this unique oil lamp reflects the remote past of a very famous Buddhist legend.  The Legend A long time ago, Kathmandu Valley was a large lake inhabited by nagas(snakes). In the middle of the lake was a beautifully blooming thousand-petalled lotus flame. When Buddhisattwa Mahamanjushree heard about this, he rushed to the valley from China to pay homage to the flame. The entire valley rang up with the thundering strike of his mag...