Tribes of Sikkim, Name List, Culture, Language, Festivals

Tribes of Sikkim are an integral part of the state’s history, culture and social fabric. They have preserved distinct languages, scripts, religious traditions, festivals and customary institutions, contributing significantly to Sikkim’s unique Himalayan identity. The tribal communities of the state also enjoy special constitutional safeguards under Article 371F of the Constitution. 

List of Major Tribes of Sikkim

The four major Scheduled Tribes of Sikkim are Lepcha, Bhutia, Limboo (Limbu) and Tamang. Lepcha and Bhutia were the original recognised Scheduled Tribes of Sikkim. Limboo (Limbu) and Tamang were added to the Scheduled Tribe list in 2003 through the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2002.

Lepcha Tribe

• The Lepchas are the indigenous and earliest known tribal community of Sikkim, mainly residing in the Dzongu Reserve of North Sikkim.
• They speak the Lepcha (Rong) language, which is written in the Lepcha (Rong) script.
• They primarily follow Vajrayana Buddhism along with their traditional animistic (nature-worship) beliefs. Religious rituals are performed by Bongthing (male shaman) and Mun (female shaman).
• Their traditional occupations include agriculture, shifting cultivation, forest-based livelihoods and large-cardamom cultivation. They worship Mount Khangchendzonga as their guardian deity.
• Major festivals include Pang Lhabsol, Tendong Lho Rum Faat and Namsoong.
• The Lepchas call themselves Rongkup, which means “children of the Róng (Lepcha people).” Their traditional ceremonial name is Mútuncí Róngkup Rumkup, meaning “beloved children of the Róng and of God.”

Bhutia Tribe

• The Bhutias are of Tibetan origin and are mainly concentrated in North and East Sikkim, especially in Lachen and Lachung.
• They speak Sikkimese (Dranjongke/Lhokey), which is written in the Tibetan script.
• The community predominantly follows Vajrayana Buddhism, and monasteries, lamas and Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) occupy an important place in their religious life.
• Their traditional occupations include trans-Himalayan trade, yak pastoralism, agriculture, livestock rearing and large-cardamom cultivation.
• The Dzumsa system, a traditional village self-governance institution, continues to function in Lachen and Lachung, managing local administration, natural resources and dispute resolution.
• Major festivals include Losar, Pang Lhabsol, Bumchu, Lossong, Saga Dawa and Lhabab Duchen.

Limboo (Limbu) Tribe 

• The Limboos, also known as Tsong, are mainly concentrated in West and South Sikkim and trace their origin to the historic Limbuwan region of eastern Nepal.
• They speak the Limbu language, which is written in the indigenous Sirijonga script.
• The community follows the indigenous Yuma Samyo (Kirati) faith along with Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and religious rituals are conducted by Phedangba and Samba priests.
• Agriculture, horticulture and livestock rearing constitute their traditional occupations, while their rich heritage of folk music, dance and oral literature remains an important part of Sikkim’s cultural landscape.
• Chasok Tangnam is the principal harvest festival celebrated by the Limboo community.
• The Limboo community was granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2003. 

Tamang Tribe 

• The Tamangs are a Tibeto-Burman tribal community distributed mainly across West, South and Central Sikkim.
• They speak the Tamang language, which is generally written using the Tibetan-based script.
• The community predominantly follows Tibetan Buddhism, while preserving several customary practices influenced by the ancient Bon tradition.
• Their traditional occupations include agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts and other rural occupations.
• Sonam Lhochhar is the most important festival of the Tamang community and marks the Tamang New Year.
• The Tamang community was included in the Scheduled Tribe list in 2003.

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