Abstract

Sikkim, an Indian northeastern state, boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry, significantly enriched by the Lepcha community. Indigenous to Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and parts of Bhutan and Nepal, the Lepchas are central to the region's heritage. Historically nature worshipers, the Lepchas adopted Buddhism under Bhutia rule, leading to a unique blend of both traditions in their contemporary religious practices. A prime example is Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a pivotal religious festival. Rooted in Lepcha mythology, its honors Mount Tendong, believed to have saved them from a great flood.
Traditionally observed in July-August, Tendong Lho Rum Faat gained state recognition and is now celebrated annually on August 8th. The festival features sacred rituals led by Bongthings and Muns, embodying the Lepchas' deep reverence for nature, ancestral spirituality, and cultural identity. This paper explores Tendong Lho Rum Faat's religious and cultural significance, examining its evolution into a dynamic identity marker. It fosters Lepcha pride, ensures intergenerational knowledge transfer, and positions Sikkim as a proponent of indigenous culture and ecological wisdom, especially given the government's role in its transition from a religious observance to a state-wide cultural event.