Sikkim Traditional Costumes

Sikkim Traditional Costumes: 

Sikkim state contains three communities; they are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis. They follow their tradition strictly; among their practice, the wearing of costumes is essential to the native Sikkim people. Here the costumes reflect the integrity of the people of Sikkim. Here the social and cultural lifestyle of the Lepchas and Bhutias, and Nepalis demonstrates the richness of the native tradition and culture. The three communities wore three different traditional costumes. However, the Urban area is filled with the settlements of Marwaris, Bengalis, Biharis and Punjabis, so their tradition and culture also mix with the native culture. Most of the urban area people also wear Punjabis. Lepchas are Sikkim’s natural inhabitants; they wore various costumes with splendid colours.

Sikkim Traditional Costumes for Women:

The traditional Sikkim costumes of Lepcha women are called Dumvum or Dumdyam. It is an ankle-long costume and wears like a traditional sari. Many women throughout Sikkim are very fond of wearing this costume. Another loose-fitted worn outfit is called Nyamrek. This seems very beautiful and attached to the blouse. When the women wear the Nyamrek, they wear Taro, belt, and headgear. During their traditional festival season, they wear traditional and beautiful ornaments. They are Namchok and Gyar, a type of bracelet. Another community is Bhutia; they hailed from Tibet and settled down in Sikkim. They settled all over Sikkim. They generally wear Bakhu or Kho costumes. These traditional Sikkim costumes are a silky loose blouse and a jacket called Kushen.

Nepali women’s dresses are gorgeous and endowed with lovely hues. Pharia is an everyday sari worn by all Nepali women. The sari is in many vibrant colours and shades and enriches the beauty of the women.

Sikkim Traditional Costumes for Men:

Thokro-Dum is the traditional primary costume of the Lepcha Men. The Thokro Kum dress includes a pyjama, headgear, a shirt, and Yenthatse. Most Sikkim people do hard work, so the costumes also seem rough and comfortable for fieldwork. Kho is Bhutia men’s traditional dress. They wear Kho or Bakhu. Due to the cold weather, the waist and neck are tied with a cotton or silk belt. The traditional costumes of Nepali are Shurval; they wear a shirt with a churidar Pajama.