Culture and history info

The culture of the people of Sikkim is an assortment of different traditions that depend largely on the different communities living in the region. Folk dances are an important part of the culture of the people of Lachung and they exist to celebrate life. These folk dances, which are usually performed during festivals, perfectly represent various aspects of the region’s culture as they include folk songs performed with popular musical instruments of the region, with dancers dressed in traditional attire. Most popular among these dances is Chaam, which is performed during the eleventh month of the Tibetan Calendar. The monks from the monastery in Lachung perform this dance wearing strange masks. Lachung’s cuisine is very similar to that of the people of Nepal. Momos, Thukpa, Chhurpi, Gundruk, Sinki, Kinema, and Mesu are some of the delectable dishes made by the people of Lachung. However, Sishnu Soup, which is prepared from leaves of edible wild varieties of nettle, is considered to be the speciality of the region.

Over a century ago, Lachung was a popular spot for spiritual practices. The Samten Choling monastery in Lachung dates back to 1850. As per Chinese astrology, it was built in the year of the metal dog and this holds much religious significance. Buddhist worshippers who visit the monastery are said to be blessed with much happiness after doing so. In 1930, the monastery received many interesting additions such as a sculpture of Buddha, a sculpture of a Guru, a sculpture of Chenrezig, and Kangyur and Tengyur Texts. These additions were brought from Tibet in order to help spread Buddhism in the region. In 1983, the monastery was restored and transformed by the Lamas. As a result of this renovation, the monastery hosts all the major ceremonies in the region.