Welcome to our World – the Newar microcosm in this tiny Sikkim nestled between Tibet (Autonomous Region of China) in the north, kingdom of Bhutan in the east, Democratic Republic of Nepal in the west and Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal India in the south in the North Eastern Region of India in the Himalayas. It lies between 27 ̊ 00’46” to 28 ̊ 07”48” North Latitude and 88 ̊ 00’58” to 88 ̊ 55’25” East Longitude covering an area of 7,096 square km. and is stretched over 112.70 km from north to south and 64.40 km from east to west and has a population of 540,851.Sikkim joined the national mainstream in 1975.It covers only 0.22% of the total geographical area of the country to harbour one third of the flowering plants of India. Forest covers 44% of the total geographical area of the State, of which 81% is in Government’s control and of this 34% is set aside for National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves as against 5% or so of the country. Mere 20% is habitable area up to 2100 metres in the hilly terrain that ranges from 300 to 7000 metres. A large number of mountains with the third highest peak in the world, Kanchanjungha (8598m) has many glaciers and from Zemu Glacier rises the river Teesta with many tributaries with abundant small lakes, the most popular being the Tsomgo (Chhangu) Lake (3693’), 34km from the capital Gangtok (5,500’ASL at our place Rachna 27 ̊̊ 20’13”North Latitude and 88̊36’88” East Longitude on the google-map), and many hot springs (50̊ C) known for their medicinal and therapeutic value, most important being Phurchachu (Reshi), Ralong, Yumthang, Borong and Ralang.
The climate here is varied with seasons suitable for growing crops like rice, maize, wheat, cardamom, potato, ginger, orange, etc. Temperature ranges 1.5̊ to 9.5̊ with altitude and slope, maximum recorded usually during July and August and minimum during December and January. Rainfall records maximum at Gangtok (3490mm) and average rainy day here is 184 days.
Indian sub-continent is recognized as one of the ten great centres of the world rich in bio-diversity, Sikkim being one of the Hot Spots of the Eastern Himalayas. This State is rich not only for the heights, weather conditions, landscapes and habitat and plant species but also for rich cultural heritage as well. We have 150 species of mammals (39 species rare and endangered with vulnerable like, red panda, musk deer, kiang or Tibetan antelope, and snow leopard), 550 species of birds (26 species are threatened), 650 species of butterflies and moths (25 in high conservation priority, another 300 following them), 36 species of reptiles, 16 species of amphibians, 48 species of fishes, 4,500 species of flowering plants, 36 species of rhododendrons, 9 species of junipers, 450 species of trees, 430 species of orchids, 350 species of ferns and similar shrubs and 175 species of edible wild plants. Mother Nature is really generous here in Sikkim with hydro-power projects aplenty everywhere.In the vicinity of Earthquake Zone 4 in the Richter scale, Experts believe that the State is primed for an 8.5 Richter Shake!
Eco tourism is the choice for the people here and tourist to be bewildered with the plenty Nature has offered to Sikkim. Besides mountaineering, river rafting and trekking, adventure sports like bungee jumping and paragliding are recently introduced. The State is declared ‘plastic-free’ a decade ago and Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the capital is ‘a litter and spit free zone’ for last five years. Beautifully tiled thoroughfare here is being replicated in other bazars too.
Newar is one of the Official Languages along with Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunuwar, while Nepali is the lingua-franca of Sikkim. Hindi and English are the other language spoken popularly here. Majority of the population are Nepali, who are the Hindu while the Bhutias and Lepchas are the Buddhist. There are followers of Christian faith as well in these communities. Some Sikhs and Muslims are also there in the State. As per 2001 figures, out of the 5,40,851 population, Newar is 21,713.
Sikkim’s population comprises the three ethnic communities of the Bhutia, Lepchas and the Nepalese. Maghey Sankranti, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja and Chaite Dasai are the main festivals celebrated by the Nepali, Pang-Lhabsol, Lossong and Losar by the Bhutia and Namsoong and Tendong Lho Rum Faat by the Lepcha.
Besides other Hindu festivals, Mha Puja and Kija Puja are celebrated by the Newar. Gai Jatra since ages in Rhenock and Indra Jatra, recently revived here, was celebrated in a grand manner in 2010 in Gangtok.
Food you get a variety here with different ethnic communities having their own specialties – momo, thukpa, gundruk, sinki, tama, kinema and all. Like elsewhere in Sikkim too the Newar delicacies like chhoyela, kachila, sukula, aila, sanya khuna, kangasha, chatamari, selmari, yomari,wo, bara, etc. are quite popular and people seen relishing it, whenever these are served in hotels or in stalls in the fairs and festivals, with sagan to top the fare.
This website www.newarsinsikkim.org is before you all to share the weal and woes. So, be with us and see for yourself and find out how happy we all are here in our new found home for centuries together contributing our best ever since we arrived! (Source : Sikkim Three Decades towards Democracy 2005)
Updates
Distant Views Literary Pursuits of the Newars in Sikkim
In the News Mohan Pradhan in the World Conference on Orchids, Singapore & IUCN, Switzerland
Visitors here Dr. Keshav Lall Maharjan Hiroshima University Japan
In the News Dr. Bal Gopal Shrestha heads the World Newah Organization Hearty Congratulations!
शुभ दीपावलीको हार्दिक मंगलकामना साथै न्हुँ दं ११३२ ने.सं.या भिन्तुना!
In the News Nhudanyaa bhintunaa to all Newah pasapin of Sikkim! Daya Shakya On behalf of WNO ad-hoc ----- Interview "Newars living abroad are trying to preserve language, culture" DR. BAL GOPAL SHRESTHA
Historical Events Sikkim Herald Newar Edition
Literature Newar Identity worldwide!
Visitors here Ranjana lipi Lexicographer / Epigrapher Rabison Shakya
Ins and Outs THE NEWARS ASPECT IN ZAMINDARI SYSTEM in SIKKIM Kalo-bhari and Jharlange demystified