Darjeeling Culture

As Darjeeling originates back to those days when it was under Sikkim and later taken by British East India Company and developed as it is today. It is believed that first twenty mud houses in Observatory Hills consisted of people of both Nepalese and Sikkimese origin. At present days, that Darjeeling has the combination of Nepalese who are the dominating population, Bhutias, Lepchas and plainsmen from elsewhere in India and few Anglo Indians and Parsis as well. There are traces of white men of Canadian and European origins as well on a Catholic Mission to run the schools that had been established during British era. However, it exemplifies that all the people of different communities can co exist in peace and harmony while working towards progress and development.

However, it is remarkable to note that major of people of Nepalese origin are concentrated in Tea Gardens, while remaining live in town with other people of different communities while Nepali itself is the lingua franca of the place.

Lepchas : Only handful of them in Darjeeling and its region. These kindly ravine people original inhabitants of Sikkim are Mongoloid origin and have undergone through inter-caste marriage with Nepalese and have lost their literature, while however, more of them exist in Kalimpong and are trying to trace their ethnic composition while endeavouring themselves by searching for their literatures and other important facts. In Kalimpong there is the Lepcha tradition study centre and museum. Their complexion is white which a tinged with yellow and are broad-chested and sinewy people. Their traditional outfit and style represents somewhat that of Roman gladiators. Peace loving people now most of them are converting themselves to Christianity.

Bhutias : Bhutias of Sikkimese origin along with Khampas from Tibet are also found to be living in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. They are minority in population and follow Buddhism and are of Mongoloid origin. They are more dashing than Lepchas and are warrior like. However, most of Bhutias are engaging themselves in business; Bhutias also form the community of people from Bhutan. They have their own literature.

Nepalese : Immigrants from Nepal and in majority, these people are divided into castes and Sub castes comprising both of Mongoloid and Aryan descents. The Mongoloid descents are quite short in stature where many are recruited as Gorkhas in Army, where their bravery has gone to legend. Nepalese both Aryan descendants and Mongoloid descendants follow Hinduism. They came in large numbers in Darjeeling and settled in Kalimpong and Kurseong as-well when British Planters brought them for tea plantation works. They carry the traditional weapon the Khukuri.