Sikkim is a land of devotion and faith. In Sikkim religion is the fountainhead of art and culture. The Lepchas and Bhutias are aboriginal tribes of Sikkim. The Lepchas believe that dance and music are gifts from God and act as a bridge between the earth and the heavens. The Bhutias are responsible for the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. The people exhibit extraordinary skills in wood carving. The varied and colorful masks that are essential for traditional Buddhist ritual dances are stunningly beautiful and intricately carved. Metal craft is another sector where artisans combine their skills with religious devoutness. The Himalayan ranges and the physical landscape have left an indelible mark on the social and religious lives as well as the psyche of people. Many designers and craftsmen from Sikkim have found eminence across the world.
