The Lepchas are an indigenous community native to the Sikkim Himalayas, as well as parts of West Bengal, Bhutan, and eastern Nepal. Considered the original inhabitants of Sikkim, they refer to themselves as Rongkup, meaning "children of the snowy peaks." Traditionally animist, their beliefs are deeply rooted in nature worship, though many later adopted Buddhism and Christianity. The Lepcha language, part of the Tibeto-Burman family, is written in its own unique script.
Lepcha society is organized around clans, and they live in close harmony with the environment, practicing agriculture, especially cardamom cultivation, and weaving as key occupations. Their folklore, oral traditions, and music reflect a deep reverence for the mountains, rivers, and forests. The sacred peak of Mount Kanchenjunga holds a central place in Lepcha spirituality. Despite modern influences and challenges to their culture, the Lepchas continue to preserve their distinct identity, language, and traditions in the Sikkim Himalayas.
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