Sikkim

A Brief Introduction of About Sikkim

Introduction

Sikkim is India's state which is situated in the northeastern region. It is the smallest and least populous state in India. Gangtok is the largest city as well as the capital of the state. It comprises 4 districts. The Khangchendzonga National Park covers an area of 35% of the state.

History

In the 17th century, the province was established by the Namgyal dynasty. King Chogyal ruled over Sikkim. In 1980, the British ruled over the province. The state became India's 22nd independent state on 16th May 1975.

Fairs and festivals

The state celebrates the vibrant fairs and festivals with incredible energy. The fairs and festivals include the Sikkim paragliding festival, tendon lho rum faat, saga Dawa, lhabab Duchene festival, hee Bermiok festival, Loosong festival, Bhumchu festival, Losar festival, Mangan music festival, international flower festival.

Geography

The state covers an area of 7,096 km². It shares its boundary with Nepal, West Bengal, Bhutan, and China in the west, south, east, north, and northeast. It is an entirely hilly area. Kanchenjunga is the world's third-highest peak.

Demographics

The state's total population was 610,577 of which males and females were 321,661and 286,027 as of 2011. In the state, 11.06% of the population is urban. Hinduism is the majority religion in the state. 

Culture 

The state has a homogenous blend of cultures, customs, traditions, communities, and religions. The state comprises three communities i.e., Bhutias, Lepchas, and Nepalese. They are mainly involved in businesses of agriculture and tourism or Government services.

Language

English, Sikkimese, Lepcha, and Nepali are the state's official languages, while Newar, Gurung, Mukhia, Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and Magar are the additional official languages.

Tourism

Sikkim is a mountainous place. There is an amazing view of nature like lakes, hills, etc, which attracts tourists. Majorly attractions in the state are Mount Kanchenjunga, Himalayan Zoological Park, and Khangchendzonga National Park. The state is the cleanest.

Education

The literacy rate of the state is 82.2% and the male and female literacy rate is 87.29% and 76.43%. 

Dances and music

The state has a different dance and music culture. Their dance culture is portraying the harvest season and praises nature. Tamang Selo and Maruni dances are prominent Nepali folk dances. The other prominent dances performed by Bhutia and Lepcha community are Yak Chaam dance, Singhi Chaam dance, Chu Faat Dance, and Sikmari Dance. Their music culture is tremendous. They use different musical instruments for music. The state's popular music is Indian pop music, rock music, Nepali rock music, and Lepcha music.

Cuisine

The state's cuisine is named Sikkimese cuisine. It has a flavor in different countries including China, Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan. Sikkimese cuisine is majorly influenced by Nepalese cuisine and Tibetan cuisine. Its staple food is rice. The popular snack of the state is steamed momos stuffed with pork, vegetables or beef served with soup. The popular drinks in the state are whiskey, rum, beer, and brandy.