Socio-Cultural Environment - Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT)

Lepchas and Tsongs, Bhutias and a very large number of migrant
Nepalese. At present the Nepalese form the single largest ethnic
community in the district. Characteristically, the comparatively high
altitude areas in the northern part of the district, especially in Ravong
sub-division, have dominance of Bhutias while the Nepalese inhabit the
lower valley areas, mostly in Namchi sub-division. The Lepchas and the
Tsongs are distributed in both the sub-divisions, usually within 2000 m
elevations. The names of the prominent landmarks, streams and
revenue blocks in the two sub-divisions are suggestive of the dominance
of a particular ethnic community in a particular locality. In Ravong sub-
division, almost all the peaks, rivers and revenue blocks bear Lepcha or
Bhutia names. Mount Tendong and Menam, the two most revered peaks
of the district are named by the Lepchas while the important places like
Ravongla, Namchi, Kewzing, etc. are named by the Bhutias. On the other
hand such names as Jaubari, Kerabari, Suntaley, Salgarhi,
Chisopani, Shyampani, Rateypani, Manpur, Kartickey, Kamarey,
Panchgharey, etc. in Namchi sub-division give clear indication of Nepali
dominance in those areas. The diversity of individual ethnic groups is
manifested by their religious practices, social norms, community
behaviours, cultural activities and festivals, which will be discussed in
following sections.
3.2 RELIGION AND CULTURE
The tribes and communities living in the district follow Buddhism,
Hinduism and Christianity. Besides, a section of indigenous Lepchas
and Tsongs practice nature worship (Animism, Yumaism) and a small
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CISMHE