History of Sikkim reflects the past of the territory of Sikkim. Sikkim has a rich past that sings the praise of the past events and kingdoms that ruled in the territory of Sikkim.Click here to Read More
Although much is not known about the ancient history in Sikkim, it is evident that three tribes namely, Naong, Mon and Chang resided within the territory of Sikkim. But, these tribes could not retain their dominance over Sikkim for long; the Lepchas replaced the aforesaid tribes soon after they entered the territory of Sikkim.
The coming of the Lepchas and their settlement and combat with the aborigines of Sikkim constitutes a major part of the early Sikkim history. But, the modern history of Sikkim is said to have begun in 1641.
Furthermore, with the arrival of the British in India, Sikkim allied with the British Empire to keep the Nepalese at bay. But, the collaboration of Sikkim with the British led them to suffer dire consequences.
Moreover, the history at Sikkim states that in 1947, after India got its Independence, Sikkim emerged as a special protectorate under the India Union. But, after the death of TashiNamgyal, political ranks in Sikkim started crumbling down.
Prolonged agitation in Sikkimese led to the formation of an associate State, i. e. Sikkim was transformed from a protectorate state to an associate State of the Indian Union. On 4th September, 1947,KaziLendupDorji was made the Chief Minister of the State. Finally, on 16th May, 1975, Sikkim became a part of the Indian Union and the institution of Chogyals were completely abolished.
Climate and Clothing
Gangtok Registers an average of 325cm of rain / annum. WhereasMuguthang in the extreme North experience 60cm of rain Per Annum.Click here to Read More
Summer Temperature: Max. 20.7° Celsius. / Min. 13.1° Celsius.
Winter Temperature: Max. 12.5° Celsius. / Min. 7.7° Celsius.
Best Season: March – May & October – Mid December.
Clothing Required: Light clothing During Summers & Heavy wollens during winters.
Entry Formalities
Foreigners can now visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom- Dzongri Trek on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained from any one of the following offices :Click here to Read More
1. Deputy Director,Sikkim Tourism, 14 PanchsheelMarg,
Chanakyapuri,New Delhi-110021.
2. Assitant Director,Sikkim Tourism, S.N.T. Colony,
Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri.
3. Assitant Resident Commissioner,Government of Sikkim, 4C-Poonam,
5/2 Russel Street, kolkatta – 17.
4. All India Missions and Posts abroad.
Travelling In and Out
Air: Bagdogra Airport is 125 Km from Sikkims capita, Gangtok. There are several flights by Indian Airlines to Bagdogra from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.Click here to Read More
Rail: Siliguri (114 Km), New Jalpaiguri (125 Km) are the railheads nearest to Gangtok. NJP is well connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other major city of India.
Road: Private taxis, buses etc. from Bagdogra / NJP to Gangtok.
Helicopter: You can even take a helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok which need to book in well advance.
Festival of Sikkim
Saga Dawa : On this dya in different years of his life, Lord Buddha took birth, achieved enlightenment and attained nirvana.Click here to Read More
These three important events are celebrated in Saga Dawa Festival of Sikkim. A procession carries the holy books of the teachings of Buddha from the Tsuklakhang monastery. Saga Dawa is held on the full moon of the 4th month of the Buddhist calendar in the end of May or early June.
LhababDhuechein : Commemorates the Lord Buddha’s descent from the deva (heavenly or angelic) realm after teaching his deceased mother, Mahamaya. LhababDuchen occurs on the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month each year.
Phang Lhabsol : Popularised by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, ChakdorNamgyal, the snow covered range of Kanchendzonga is worshipped for its unifying powers. This festival marks the signing of the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by “KyeBhumsa” and “ThekongTek”. On this day, masked lama dancers portray the guardian deity as a fiery red-faced deity with a crown of the five skulls, riding a snow-lion. It is held on the 15th day of August.
Drukpa Teshi : Falls on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan month, around August, celebrates Buddha’s first preaching of the four “Noble Truths” to his first five disciples in deer park at Sarnath. At Gangtok, it is marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place called “Muguthang” in extreme north Sikkim, followed by Yak race.
Bumchu : An age old festival of Sikkim is celebrated at Tashiding Monastery in the month of January / February. During this festival, the lamas of the monastery open the pot containing the holy water. The level of water in the pot foretells the future for the Sikkim. If the water is to the brim, it prophesises bloodshed and disturbances, if the pot is almost dry it symbolises famine and if it is half full, it foretells a year in which peace and prosperity will prevail. A part of the holy water is distributed amongst the participants and then the pot is replenished with river water and sealed at the end of the festival to be opened only in the next Bumchu.
Losoong : Is a Bhutia festival, which marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan year. Mask dance performs at the monasteries at Palace (Tsuklakhang), Phondong and Rumtek, archery competations and other festivities mark the occasion.
Is the Tibetan “New Year” festival that falls in the month of February and is marked with lot of gaiety and festivities.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat :Specific to the Lepchas this festival marks the celebration of the Tendong hill. According to legen, the hill had risen like a horn during a great flood to save the Lepchas.
Tihaar :Corresponding to the Indian festival of Diwali, Tihaar is also celebrated as the festival of lights in Sikkim with the lighting of lamps accompanied with traditional carolling called “Deusi” and “Bhailo”.
Dasain : More or less occurring a few weeks before Losoon. Dasain is the main festival of the Hindu Neaplese in Sikkim. This too signifies victory of good over evil. The elders of the family apply “Tika” on the young and bless them.
