Sikkim is a beautiful state located in the northeastern part of India. It shares its border with China in the north and northeast, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal in the east, west and south respectively. Sikkim is the least populated and second-smallest state in India. Sikkim is known for its biodiversity. Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth make Sikkim more significant. Gangtok, the largest city of the state is the capital of Sikkim. Khangchendzonga National Park covered almost 35% of the state.
Medieval and Modern History
The
kingdom of Sikkim was founded in the 17th century by Namgyal dynasty. Buddhist priest-kings named Chogyal
rule the Namgyal dynasty.
The earliest inhabitants of Sikkim are considered to be the Lepchas. In the
secluded parts of West and South districts, the Limbus and the Magars also
lived as early as the Lepchas lived in the East and North districts. In 1890,
Sikkim became a princely state of British India. Post-independence, after 1947
and 1950, Sikkim continued its dependency status with the Union of India and
the Republic of India respectively. In front of the Chogyal's palace,
anti-royalist riots took place in 1973. People deposed the monarchy in 1975.
The
Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to the Indian Parliament to become
Sikkim as a state of India in the year 1975. The Indian Army in April at the
same year conquer the city of Gangtok and disarmed the Chogyal's palace guards.
A referendum was held in 1975, where 97.5 per cent of voters supported the
abolishment of the monarchy system. Sikkim became as a 22nd state of Union
India on 16 May 1975 and abolish the monarchy system. Now the modern Sikkim is
a multilingual and multiethnic state. English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha is
the official language of Sikkim. Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism is the
predominant religions of Sikkim.
Connection of the State
Sikkim fringes
the province of China in the
north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal and West Bengal in the west and
south respectively. Sikkim is also close to India's Siliguri Corridor near
Bangladesh. For transportation, Sikkim relies for the most part upon the
road. Siliguri to Gangtok is
linked by the national highway 10.
Northeast Frontier Railway began to construct a rail line to connect
with rest of the country. Nearly 45 kilometres-long Sivok-Rangpo rail project
has started to connect Sivok railway station in Darjeeling district in West
Bengal to Rangpo in East Sikkim. Pakyong airport is located at Pakyong town
near Gangtok which is around 60 km from the Indo-China border. One can also
travel to the nearest airport in Bagdogra, West Bengal which is about 124
kilometres far from Gangtok and it takes around 5 hours from Bagdogra by buses
or cabs to the capital of Sikkim.
Climate and Festival’s
Sikkim has five seasons - winter, summer, spring, autumn, and
monsoon season. The climate condition of Sikkim ranges from sub-tropical in the
south to tundra in the north. For most of the Sikkim, the average annual
temperature is 18 °C (64 °F). Sikkim receive regular snowfall like the other
few states of India. The ranges of the snow line is 6,100 metres in the south
to 4,900 metres in the north of the state. Every year the tundra-type region in
the north of the state is covered with snow for four months. In this region,
almost every night the temperature drops to 0 °C (32 °F). Due to the high
altitude in the north-western Sikkim, the temperatures can drop to as low as
−40 °C (−40 °F) in winter. Heavy rains during the monsoon season increase the
risk of landslides in the state.
All major Hindu festival such as Tihar
(Diwali) and Dashain (Dashera) is celebrated by the Sikkim's Nepalese. Apart
from this the state also celebrate traditional local festival which includes
Ubhauli / Udhauli, Chasok Tangnam, Maghe
Sankranti and Bhimsen Puja. Among the Buddhist festivals, Sikkim also
celebrates Losar, Saga Dawa, Lhabab
Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu. Most offices and educational institutions
are closed for a week during the Losar celebration(Tibetan New Year).
Off Beat Locations
Sikkim
has always been one of the most wonderful tourist destinations. The glory of
the natural beauty attracts the heart of many tourists.
●
Ravangla
●
Gyalshing
●
Tsomgo Lake
●
Borong
●
Sumbuk
●
Barsey
●
Yumthang Valley
●
Tashiding
●
Bermiok
●
Gangtok
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers:
The significance streams of
Sikkim are Teesta river, Rangeet river, Rangpo river, Lachen river, Relli river
and Jaldhaka river.
Lakes :
● Tsomgo Lake
● Menmecho Lake
● Karthok Lake
● Khecheopalri Lake
● Samiti Lake
● Green Lake
●
Gurudongmar Lake
Folk Dance Songs and
Language
The
folk dance song of Sikkim signifies the beauty of the natural surroundings and depict he harvest season and
performing for good luck and prosperity. The popular folk dance song of Sikkim
are Maruni, Tamamg Selo, Zo Mal Lok, Tashi Sabdo and Tibetan Yak Dance. The
other popular folk dance songs of Sikkim includes Tibetan Singhi Chaam,the
Sherpa Sebru Naach,Gurung Sorathi,Bhutia Lu-Khang thamo, Subba Chabrung
Dance,Bhutia Talachi, Bhutia Be-yul-mista,Lepcha Mon-Dryak-Lok,Nepali Dhaan
Naach, Lepcha Kar Gnpk lok,Bhutia Gha-to-Kito,Lepcha Dhamra Jo,Bhutia
Be-yul-mista and Bhutia Chi-Rimu.
English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha is
the official language of Sikkim. Other official languages of Sikkim includes
Magar, Mukhia, Newar, Rai, Gurung, Limbu, Sherpa and Tamang.
Education
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