Sikkim
is the 22nd state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April,
1975. Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district has further
been bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative purpose. Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas, is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 8540 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20% of the total area of the state.
The highest portion of sikkim lies in its north west direction. A large number of mountains having altitudes of about seven thousand meters stands here with - Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), The third highest peak in the world. The high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga look attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna (7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825 m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc.
A number of glaciers descends from eastern slopes of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim where snow clad line is found above 5300 mtrs. The biggest of them is Zemu, from whose snout above Lachen monastery rises the river Teesta.
Teesta is the main river and its main tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli, Rangpo and Rangit which form the main channel of drainage from the north to the south. It boasts of the great mount Kanchendzonga as its crown.
Wrapped
in mists and clouds. A garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons,
gladioli and a host of other flowers. Rustling, tumbling streams and torrents. Mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas. This is Sikkim.
The land of mighty Kanchenjunga. A holiday land with few equals anywhere.
This jewel -like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 Sq. kilometres, nestles in the heart of the Himalayas.
People & Lifestyle of Sikkim
Sikkim has population of about three laksh, made up of Lepchas, Nepalese and Bhutias. The Lepchas are the oldest inhabitants of Sikkim.
In urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are almost engaged in business and Government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal.
The
original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before
the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or
Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers
in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits,
good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains , rivers and forests which
was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural
surroundings. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Tibetans arrived bringing with them the Red Hat Lamist tradition - Nying -ma-pa, which became the dominant culture and official state religion.
