Sikkim recently celebrated Tendong Lho Rum Faat, the traditional nature-worshipping festival of the primitive Lepcha tribe.
About Lepcha Tribe:
They are an indigenous people of eastern Nepal, western Bhutan, Sikkim state, and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe in the state of Sikkim.
The Lepchas call themselves ‘Rongs’ or ‘Rongkups’.
They occupy the southern and eastern slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga (world’s third highest mountain).
The region Lepchas inhabit varies in elevation from 230 m (750 ft) in the Sikkim basin to the summit of Kanchenjunga at 8,586 m (28,168 ft) above sea level.
They are thought to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim but have adopted many elements of the culture of the Bhutia people, who entered Sikkim from Tibet in the 14th century and afterward.
While some intermarriage has occurred between the two groups, they tend to stay apart and to speak their own languages, which are dialects of Tibetan.
They speak the language of Lepcha, which has its own script based on Sanskrit.
They are a vanishing tribe with a dwindling population. Lepcha has an estimated population of around 42,909 individuals at the time of the Indian Census 2011.
Livelihood: Traditionally hunters and gatherers, the Lepchā now also engage in farming and cattle breeding.
Religion and Beliefs:
Originally, Lepchas were nature worshipers and had belief in witch-craftship and spirits. But in due course they embarrassed Buddhism.
The community would traditionally have worshiped Mt. Kanchenjunga, which they regard as their guardian deity.
They have regular festivals involving singing and dancing, as well as archery contests.
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