SIKKIM

-A land of diverse culture

Sikkim is a northeastern state of India. 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 close to India's Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Amongst the Indian states, Sikkim is the least populated and smallest after Goa. Sikkim is a part of the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates as well as for being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Gangtok is the capital and largest city of Sikkim. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sikkim is a multi-ethnic and multilingual Indian state today. English, Nepali, Sikkimese, and Lepcha are the state's official languages. For the preservation of culture and heritage in the state, additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa, and Tamang. In schools, English is taught and used in government records. Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism are the main religions. The economy of Sikkim is mainly dependent on agriculture and tourism. The state had the third-smallest GDP among Indian states as of 2014, although it is among the fastest growing as well.

                                          

Sikkim accounts for India's largest share of cardamom production, and is the second largest spice producer in the world after Guatemala. Between 2003 and 2016, Sikkim accomplished its goal to transform its farming to entirely organic, and became the first state in India to achieve this distinction. Having banned plastic water bottles "in any government functions and gatherings" and polystyrene goods (throughout the state), it is also among the most environmentally friendly states in India.

The majority of residents of Sikkim are of ethnic Nepali descent. The native Sikkimese consist of the Bhutias, who migrated in the 14th century from the Kham district of Tibet, and the Lepchas, who are considered to be the oldest known inhabitants before the Bhutias. Tibetans live mainly in the state's northern and eastern reaches. Bengalis, Biharis and Marwaris, who are influential in trade in South Sikkim and Gangtok, comprise migrant resident groups.

The majority of Sikkim's Nepalese celebrate all important festivals in Hindu culture, including Tihar (Diwali) and Dashain (Dashera). Local traditional festivals are prominent, such as Maghe Sankranti, Sakela, Chasok Tangnam and Bhimsen Puja. Among the Buddhist festivals celebrated in Sikkim are Losar, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu. Most offices and educational facilities are closed for a week during the Tibetan New Year. Eid ul-Fitr and Muharram are celebrated by Sikkimese Muslims.

In Sikkim, Western rock music and Indian pop have gained a strong following. Also prominent Nepali rock and Lepcha songs. Sikkim's most popular sports are football and cricket, but as part of the tourism sector, hang gliding and river rafting has become popular.

Let's give Sikkim a chance it deserves..........

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