Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India, and the second-smallest in area after Goa. The thumb-shaped state borders Nepal in the west, Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and east, and Bhutan in the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official language of the state is English, but there is a sizable population that converses in Nepali(the lingua franca of the state), Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu. It is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. It is an ancient land also known as Indrakil, the garden of Indra, the king-god of heaven in Hindu religious texts. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and largest town. 
Despite its tiny size, with an area of 2,745 sq mi(7,110 km²), Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, is located in the northwestern part of the state on the boundary with Nepal, and can be seen from most parts of the state. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.
culture:
Communities, Culture, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend.The "ruling" family is of Tibetan origin. Sikkim was a dependency of Tibet until the British Government in India established its protectorate in 1890. In 1974 Sikkim was merged with India, and became India's 22d state.Sikkim is statistically the safest state in India. Lowest property crime rate, bodily harm rate.
Due to China
Border proximity, there is a huge army presence which gives mixed benefits of many non-native persons not respecting local traditions, but also economic advantage to small shops and public projects especially roads.The people of Sikkim are simple and friendly with natural gaiety. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and smaller proportions of LIMBUS.All communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other's culture, ethos, and traditions with the result there is now a Sikkimese culture, which is composite of all the three prominent communities. Most of the people speak Nepali, which is also the state language. It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to the name of the state derived form "Sukhim", meaning "happy home, a place of peace".
The Sikkimese culture finds expression in it's beautiful art and craft. Knotted woollen carpets with the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture.
Those who have lived in Sikkim long enough will testify that life here is, in a sense, an ongoing festival. Life in Sikkim, like in the rest of India, is rooted firmly in religion. Everything a person does is related to his faith. His daily life is governed by the patterns and customs of his religion. The majestic Mount Khangchendzonga- earth's third highest mountain range, plays a dominant role in the Sikkimese life. For those visiting Sikkim, the festivals of this place, offer a unique opportunity to participate and sample the rich traditions of an ancient culture; as well as the warmth and hospitality of a friendly people.
The people of Sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimese do it all with a gay abandon. And if you're fortunate you could persuade the Sikkimese to offer you 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented millet. The drink is served to you in hollow bamboo pipe.There is an incessant row of festivities in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism, are the main religions, as is exhibited in many of the celebrations. The traditions of the Lapchas display rich cultural heritage. Enchey, Phoodong, Lachung, Pemayangtse, Tsuklakhang, and Rumtek are some of the beautiful monasteries where festivals are held. Pang Lhabsol, Drukpa Tseshi, Losoong, Saga Dawa and Dusain are the main festivals. Buddhism has been practiced in true sense on Sikkim. People visit the monastery to interact with the Buddhist monks to know more about Buddhist cult.
Due to ChinaBorder proximity, there is a huge army presence which gives mixed benefits of many non-native persons not respecting local traditions, but also economic advantage to small shops and public projects especially roads.The people of Sikkim are simple and friendly with natural gaiety. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and smaller proportions of LIMBUS.All communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other's culture, ethos, and traditions with the result there is now a Sikkimese culture, which is composite of all the three prominent communities. Most of the people speak Nepali, which is also the state language. It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to the name of the state derived form "Sukhim", meaning "happy home, a place of peace".
The Sikkimese culture finds expression in it's beautiful art and craft. Knotted woollen carpets with the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture.
Those who have lived in Sikkim long enough will testify that life here is, in a sense, an ongoing festival. Life in Sikkim, like in the rest of India, is rooted firmly in religion. Everything a person does is related to his faith. His daily life is governed by the patterns and customs of his religion. The majestic Mount Khangchendzonga- earth's third highest mountain range, plays a dominant role in the Sikkimese life. For those visiting Sikkim, the festivals of this place, offer a unique opportunity to participate and sample the rich traditions of an ancient culture; as well as the warmth and hospitality of a friendly people.
The people of Sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the Sikkimese do it all with a gay abandon. And if you're fortunate you could persuade the Sikkimese to offer you 'Chaang' a preparation from fermented millet. The drink is served to you in hollow bamboo pipe.There is an incessant row of festivities in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism, are the main religions, as is exhibited in many of the celebrations. The traditions of the Lapchas display rich cultural heritage. Enchey, Phoodong, Lachung, Pemayangtse, Tsuklakhang, and Rumtek are some of the beautiful monasteries where festivals are held. Pang Lhabsol, Drukpa Tseshi, Losoong, Saga Dawa and Dusain are the main festivals. Buddhism has been practiced in true sense on Sikkim. People visit the monastery to interact with the Buddhist monks to know more about Buddhist cult.
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