Lepcha Tribe – Sikkim

Current Context: Sikkim recently celebrated Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a nature-worship festival of the Lepcha tribe.

ABOUT LEPCHA TRIBE

• Indigenous to eastern Nepal, western Bhutan, Sikkim, and Darjeeling (West Bengal).
• Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Sikkim.
• Self-name: Rongs or Rongkups.
• Habitat: Slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga (world’s 3rd highest mountain).
• Population: Around 42,909 (Census 2011).
• Language: Lepcha – own script based on Sanskrit.
• Occupation: Traditionally hunters and gatherers; now also farmers and cattle breeders.
• Religion: Originally nature worshippers; later adopted Buddhism.
• Culture: Singing, dancing, archery contests.
• Belief: Kanchenjunga is their guardian deity.