Lepcha Wedding

The Land and the People

Lepcha weddings are held by the Lepcha people, who call themselves Rongkup. They live mainly in Sikkim and in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Some Lepcha families also live in Bhutan. The Lepcha are said to be the first people of Sikkim. They live among green hills, misty forests and clear rivers, and they have a deep love for nature.

The Lepcha follow Buddhism, their old faith called Mun, or Christianity. Their old faith is based on the worship of nature spirits. Their weddings are simple and close to nature. They pay great respect to their elders and to their clans.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Lepcha wedding usually takes two to three days. Talks between the families may begin much earlier. The days before the wedding are spent in visits and preparations. The wedding itself is calm and happy.

Before the Wedding

The families first talk about the match with the help of a go-between. The go-between is a respected person who carries messages between the two families. He talks to both sides and helps them come to an agreement. This is done in a polite and gentle way. If the families agree, a date is fixed.

Marriage inside the same clan is not allowed. The Lepcha are divided into many clans, and a person must marry from another clan. The elders check this carefully. Gifts and food are exchanged between the two families. The gifts may include cloth, local drinks and food.

The Wedding Day

A priest, called a Bongthing, or a Buddhist lama says prayers for the couple. The Bongthing is a priest of the old Lepcha faith, and he speaks to the spirits of nature. He asks them to bless the couple. The lama, on the other hand, follows Buddhist rituals. Families choose the one who follows their faith.

Offerings of rice and local drink are made in the prayers. The offerings are placed on a small altar, and the priest chants old prayers. The family stands quietly. It is a peaceful and holy time.

The groom’s party goes to the bride’s home with music. The men and women of the party walk together and sing. They carry gifts of food and drink. At the bride’s home, they are welcomed with tea and snacks.

Elders bless the couple with the local millet drink called Chi. The drink is served in a bamboo mug, and it is sipped through a bamboo straw. It is a warm and mild drink, and it is served on many festive days. The bride then goes to the groom’s home. Her family and friends bid her farewell with songs and blessings.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride wears a traditional wrap-around dress called Dumvum, with silver jewelry. The Dumvum is a long cloth that is wrapped around the body and tied at the shoulder. She may also wear a headband. The silver jewelry includes necklaces, earrings and bangles. The groom wears a traditional Lepcha dress or a suit. The men’s dress includes a long robe and a cloth cap.

Food, Music and Fun

The feast has rice, vegetables, meat and local drinks. The food is cooked with fresh forest herbs and vegetables. Fish and pork are common. Fern shoots, bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms are also loved. Folk songs and flute music make the celebration lively. Bamboo flutes are played, and they have a sweet sound. The songs tell stories of love, nature and the old days. A Lepcha wedding is a gentle and beautiful celebration of nature and family.