Delhi and Sikkim - Divided By Distance, United By Culture

 

Since the dawn of mankind, people have been creating art- from primitive prehistoric cave drawings to architectural wonders and modern marvels. Humans have always felt a driving urge to create and depict their stories. Every great civilization has left behind a rich legacy of art- as paintings, pottery, murals or tombs. As a reflection of culture and society, art is unmistakably the most distilled expression of culture. What is unique to art is that, unlike the written word, it relies on visual cues decipherable regardless of background. Indeed, art’s power to appeal directly to our hearts makes it the most effective means of cultivating
understanding between different people.

 

Art in an Indian Context:

The importance of art and culture as a unifying force is all the more relevant in India. Home to over 100 languages, approximately 700 different tribes and every major religion in the world, India has been aptly titled as the “epitome of the world”. Each state in India is a treasure trove of unparalleled diversity, equally enthralling and mystifying, creating a vibrant and multi-cultured country.

 

 

 

New Delhi - The City of Djinns:

The city of Djinns, Delhi is a mix of the old and the new. This commercial hub with an eventful past, has been invaded multiple times. That is the reason why one can find Indo-Persian as well as ancient North Indian architecture in the vicinity of Southern temples.

Many of Delhi’s prominent art forms, including textile embroidery and miniature painting originated in the time of the Mughals. Delhi’s renowned cuisine is an amalgamation Indo-Persian traits brought in by the Mughals, the Europeans as well as refugee settlements from all over India.

 

 

Sikkim - A Buddhist Haven:

In contrast, Sikkim is a hilly state in northeast India, primarily known for its breath-taking natural beauty and traditional handloom crafts. One of the most spellbinding customs of Sikkim is the ceremonial mask dance performed by the Buddhist monks at Rumtek monastery to ward off evil spirits. Carpet weaving and woollen textiles have been given great importance due to the snowy winters. Moreover, thangka paintings depicting Buddha’s life, prayer flags and singing bowls are popular tourist mementos.

Since ancient times, Sikkim was occupied by three tribes, the Lepchas, the Bhutias and the Nepalis. Sikkimese cuisine has been inspired heavily by Nepalese and Tibetan flavours, with mouth-watering dishes such as momos, kinema curry and gundruk. Recently people from several states are settling in Sikkim, adding to its culture and cuisine.

 

A Unique Connection:

At first glance, Delhi and Sikkim seem poles apart, however the geographical and cultural distinctions are what captivate people living in the two states. Sikkimese cuisine, particularly momos and thukpa is quite popular in Delhi, as are fabrics woven with the Lepcha weaving technique. This fascination with Sikkimese culture is apparent in tourism- people from Delhi make up the third-highest share of domestic tourists to Sikkim. Art and culture have indeed bridged the gap between Delhi and Sikkim. India’s unmatched cultural diversity is its greatest asset and is the true wealth of the nation. Thus, by helping view disparities and
differences as a strength, art and culture truly unite us all.

 

Written by: Devi Sankhla