Hinduism: Details about 'Bhutia'
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The Bhutias or Bhotias are people of Tibetan origin, who migrated to Sikkim, India and Bhutan some time after the 15th century. They migrated through Bhutan and they are very closely related to the main Bhutanese population, the Ngalop, who are sometimes classifed as Bhutia. In Northern Sikkim, where the Bhutias are the majority inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas or Lachungpas. The language spoken by the Bhutias is Sikkimese, which is 65% intelligible with Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan. Most of the Bhutias practice Tibetan Buddhism or Hinduism, often practicing a mix of these religions, although a very small number have converted to Christianity. The Bhutia are spread out over Nepal, Bhutan, and in the northern West Bengal towns of Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Bhutia is also often used as a derogatory term, used by people of Nepali heritage to describe people with mongoloid features. Bhutia in SikkimAmong the Bhutias, the Lachenpas and Lachungpas have their own traditional legal system called the “Dzumsa” which means the meeting place of the people The Dzumsa is headed by the village headman known as the Pipon. Dzumsas of North Sikkim have been given full protection by the state government by deeming a status of Panchayat ward and the Pipon, a status of Panchayat head. The Bhutia aristocrats were called Kazis and were an integral part of Chogyal monarchy prior to 1975, when Sikkim was an independent monarchy. The traditional outfit of Bhutias is cazlledBakhu which is a loose cloak type garment that is fastened at the neck on one side and near the waist with a silk/cotton belt. Male members array the Bakhu with a loose trouser. The womenfolk don the Bakhu with a silken full sleeve blouse called Honju; a loose gown type garment fastened near the waist, tight with a belt. In the front portion a loose sheet of multi-coloured woollen cloth with exotic geometric designs is tied. This is called 'known as the Pangden and is a symbol of a wedded woman. The women folk are also particularly fond of jewellery especially gold trinkets. Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house called a "Khim", is usually rectangular in shape. In Sikkim, the Bhutias are mostly employed in the Government Sector, and in agriculture. In the district of Darjeeling, Bhutias are mostly employed in government offices and many are traders. Bhutias usually are rice eaters with animal fat fried vegetables or meat. The other foods are momo and the Thukpa. The Losar and Losoong are two among many festivals celebrated by the Bhutia community. Most Bhutia festivals/holidays hold religious Buddhist significance.Chyang is the favourite drink of the Bhutias served in a bamboo container called the Tongba. Tea with milk and Sugar, and butter tea is also served in religious or social occasions. Famous people of the Bhutia tribe are bollywood star Danny Denzongpa and Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia. See also
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