Bhutia

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The Bhutias are people of Tibetan origin, who migrated to Sikkim, other parts of India and Bhutan some time after the 15th century. They migrated through the different passes ("La" in Tibetan) in the Himalayas. Geographical denotations in the names of Bhutias last names is common. In Northern Sikkim for example, where the Bhutias are the majority inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas or Lachungpas, meaning inhabitants of Lachen or Lachung respectively. Similarly, the Bhutias of Sikkim as a whole can be denoted as Denzongpa, or inhabitants of Denzong, the Tibetan name for Sikkim.

The language spoken by the Bhutias is Sikkimese, which is 65% intelligible with either Tibetan or Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan, although in recent times Nepali is more widely spoken. Most Bhutias practice the Nyingmapa form of Tibetan Buddhism. The Bhutias 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 of Tibetan heritage. Most Bhutias are better off economically and educationally among the various Himalayan communities though.

[edit] Bhutia in Sikkim

The Bhutia aristocrats were called Kazis after similar land lord titles in neighboring India especially during the waning days of the Mughal period. This feudal system was an integral part of Chogyal monarchy prior to 1975, when Sikkim was an independent monarchy. Among 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 traditional outfit of Bhutias is called Bakhu 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 Bhutias, both women and men have a special weakness for gold in its purest form and, traditional jewellery is mostly made of 24 carats (100%) gold . A Bhutia house called a "Khim", is usually rectangular in shape.

In Sikkim, the Bhutias are mostly employed in the Government Sector, in agriculture, and increasingly in the business arena as well. In the district of Darjeeling, Bhutias are mostly employed in government offices and many are traders. Bhutias are traditionally rice eaters with animal fat fried vegetables or meat usually pork, and beef, and occasionally mutton or chicken. Other well known foods are momo- steamed meat dumplings, and the Thukpa- noodle in broth. The Losar and Losoong are two among many festivals celebrated by the Bhutia community. Almost all Bhutia festivals/holidays hold religious Buddhist significance.

Chyang is the favourite drink of the Bhutias, and increasingly of other communities coexisting with the Bhutias as well. It is made of fermented barley, or millets, and is 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.

Bhutias practise intermarriage within their clans and follow a very hierarchical system of bride and groom selection. Clan discrimination is widespread and marriage outside the community is looked down upon.

The ruling dynasty in Sikkim before the mid 1970s annexation by India, was a Bhutia and from the Namgyal dynasty.

Some of the famous Bhutias around are Danny Denzongpa (means ethnic sikkimese aka bhutia) and Bhaichung Bhutia.