Lepchas

The Lepchas, sometimes called Rong or Rongpa, are an indigenous ethnic group of the eastern Himalayas, primarily in the Indian state of Sikkim and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Smaller communities exist in Nepal and Bhutan, with dispersed populations in surrounding regions.

They speak Lepcha, a language classified within the Tibeto-Burman branch of the broader Sino-Tibetan language family. The Lepcha language has its own traditional script and literature, though literacy rates vary and many speakers are bilingual in Nepali, Hindi, or English.

Lepchas are regarded as the original inhabitants of Sikkim, with a long-standing presence in the region before later migrations. They have historically interacted with neighboring communities, including Bhutia rulers and Nepali-speaking settlers, shaping a distinctive local culture.

Culturally, the Lepcha tradition includes Bongthingism, a shamanistic belief system, alongside elements of Buddhism and Hinduism practiced by some communities. Their cultural life features unique music, dance, crafts, and attire, as well as agricultural and seasonal rites that mark important events in the yearly cycle.

In contemporary India, Lepchas are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Sikkim and in parts of West Bengal. The community faces challenges related to language preservation and cultural continuity, with many Lepchas becoming bilingual and increasingly using Nepali or other regional languages in daily life.