Sikkim

Nepali is spoken by a large number of people in Sikkim. Besides this, Bhotia and Lepcha are other regional languages spoken in the state.

Sikkim is known for its diverse culture and exuberant hospitality. Since ancient and medieval periods, the state has been occupied by was largely occupied by Lepcha and Bhutia tribes and some tribes from Nepal.

Buddhism religion and Tibetan culture are prevalent in Sikkim, and many festivals associated with Buddhism (Buddhist calendar and Lord Buddha) and Tibetan culture are celebrated here throughout the year. These include:

• Lhabab Dunchen Festival
• Saga Dawa (people visit monasteries and light butter lamps during this festival, to worship Lord Buddha)
• Bum-chu Festival (where a pot filled with holy water is distributed to the devotees and then refilled and sealed until the next year)
• Losoong Festival
• Hee Bermiok Tourism Festival (A carnival, for which people from different parts of the country and world gather in Hee Bermiok city near Gangtok)