Namchi

Last updated

Namchi
Panoramic view of large statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)m Namchi.jpg
Cherry Resort inside Temi Tea Garden, Namchi, Sikkim.jpg
Namchi.jpg
Sai Temple in Namchi, Sikkim.jpg
Temi tea garden.jpg
Anticlockise from top:
Siddheshwar Dham in Namchi, Guru Rinpochem statue, Central park, Temi tea garden, Sai temple, Cherry resort in tea garden.
Sikkim location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Namchi
Location of Namchi in Sikkim
India location map 3.png
Red pog.svg
Namchi
Namchi (India)
Coordinates: 27°10′N88°21′E / 27.17°N 88.35°E / 27.17; 88.35 Coordinates: 27°10′N88°21′E / 27.17°N 88.35°E / 27.17; 88.35
Country Flag of India.svg  India
State Flag of the Government of Sikkim.svg Sikkim
District Namchi
Government
  Type Municipal Council
Elevation
1,315 m (4,314 ft)
Population
 (2001)
  Total12,194
Languages
  Official Sikkimese, Nepali, Hindi, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
737 126
Telephone code03595
Vehicle registration SK-05

Namchi [1] is a city and the administrative headquarter of the Namchi district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese. [1]

Contents

Geography

Namchi is located at 27°10′N88°21′E / 27.17°N 88.35°E / 27.17; 88.35 . [2] It has an average elevation of 1,315 metres (4,314 ft).

Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres (48 mi) from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the town of Siliguri, [1] the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.

It is home of the Buxa Formation of Mamley, the stromatolite bearing Dolomite Limestones, which has been declared national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), for their protection, maintenance, promotion and enhancement of geotourism. [3] [4] [5]

Mamley national geological monument

Buxa Formation of Mamley (also called Mamley Stromatolite Park) in Mamley, the stromatolite bearing Dolomite Limestones has been declared national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), for their protection, maintenance, promotion and enhancement of geotourism. [3] [4] [5] It is contiguous to the Buxa Tiger Reserve in neighboring state of West Bengal.

Demographics

[ needs update ] As of the 2011 Census of India, [6] Namchi has a population of 12194. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Namchi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 74.04% [7] : male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 73%. In Namchi, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Most of the people of Namchi are Hindus and Buddhists. Languages spoken are Sikkimese, Nepali.

Education

Namchi has more than half a dozen private schools with quality education (Seven Hills School, Mt. Carmel School, Namchi Public School, Tendong Educational Institute, New Light Academy, Bethany School etc. [8] ) and government higher secondary schools for boys and girls and prominent computer institutes e.g. Informatics Computer Institute (under Government of Sikkim Registered) Multimedia Computer Institute an authorized study center of Manipal Group etc. Just few kilometers away from the town is a reputed Government College for Arts, Education, Science, Commerce. People give a lot of importance and focus on education with a reverence. Namchi Public School, run by Catholic missionaries, is one of the respected educational institutes in the state and one of the best in the south district of Sikkim.[ citation needed ]

Tourism

Cherry Resort inside Temi Tea Garden, Namchi, Sikkim Cherry Resort inside Temi Tea Garden, Namchi, Sikkim.jpg
Cherry Resort inside Temi Tea Garden, Namchi, Sikkim

Namchi is fast becoming a tourist spot and pilgrimage centre.[ citation needed ] The Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery and Tendong Hill are local Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava,[ citation needed ] also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling hill) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a dormant volcano. Myths say that the Buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden a few kilometers from the town on the way to Samdruptse. The area has views of Mt. Kanchendzonga, aka Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak.

Central Park, Namchi Namchi.jpg
Central Park, Namchi

Recently inaugurated (in November 2011), the Siddhesvara Dhaam is a pilgrimage-tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as "Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre" boasting an 87-ft statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhams of the country, all at one place on the Solophok hilltop in Namchi. Char Dham, the four most revered Dhams of the Hindus have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. The dream project of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling which was conceived by him and started in the year 2005 stands promisingly amidst the breathtaking surrounding of Solophok hill, befitting the mythological setting behind the establishment of the original Dhams. For the consecration of the Dham Shri Jagadguru Sankaryacharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati, in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling and his wife Smt Tika Maya Chamling, did the "Pran Prastisha" of the Dham.

This is the statue of Lord Shiva at Siddhesvara Dhaam in Namchi, Sikkim Lordshiva.JPG
This is the statue of Lord Shiva at Siddhesvara Dhaam in Namchi, Sikkim

There are replicas of the "Dwadash Jyotirlingas" (the twelve jyothirlingas) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshvara, Rameswar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva and the Char Dhams. There is a grand statue of Kirateshwar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. One can have a view of the Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling and other such locations from here. The Dhaam facilitates the devotees for an overnight stay at the "Yatri Niwas" which can accommodate more than 90 people at a time. The Dham has won the National Tourism Awards 2010–11 under the category of "Most Innovative/Unique Tourism Project" by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

A helipad is located 5 km from the town at an altitude of around 5000 ft. From here one can get the most panoramic view of Mt. Kanchendzonga along with other adjacent peaks, a part of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the rolling plains of Bengal.

Near the town, Sikkim's sole tea estate the Temi Tea Garden is situated. The visitors can enjoy the scenic view of Temi tea garden - the one and the only tea estate in the state which produces top quality tea in the international market. The tea carries a premium the world over and costs around Rs. 800/- a kg. The tea is marked by its exotic odour and flavour. [ citation needed ]

Panoramic view of the statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim on Samdruptse Hill, Namchi Statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim.jpg
Panoramic view of the statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim on Samdruptse Hill, Namchi
Sai Temple in Namchi Sai Temple in Namchi, Sikkim.jpg
Sai Temple in Namchi

In the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts it annual flower show. The flower show is the largest in Sikkim, with flowers of vivid colours. The prime attraction of this show is the display of exotic and rare orchids.

One of the highlights of the town is the football stadium the Bhaichung Stadium built by the Sikkimese government in honour of its most famous citizen, footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who owns a number of football schools all over India. [9] "The Gold Cup" football tournament is held in Bhaichung Stadium almost every year. Football teams from all over India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan vie for the honour which draws lot of crowds from all over Sikkim. Namchi is also the base of the former chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Historically, Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the treacherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. Legend says her spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikkim</span> State in northeastern India

Sikkim is a state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to the Siliguri Corridor, which borders Bangladesh. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. Situated in the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by Khangchendzonga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jorethang</span> Nagar panchayat in Sikkim, India

Jorethang is a major town in Namchi district in the Indian state of Sikkim. Jorethang lies on the bank of Rangeet River, which is a tributary of the Teesta River, on the way to Pelling from Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kalimpong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelling</span> Hill Station in Sikkim, India

Pelling is a hill station in Gyalshing district of Sikkim, India. Pelling is nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). The town is located at a distance of 10 km from Gyalshing city, the district headquarters and 131 km from Gangtok. A regular bus service connects the two towns. However, with the influx of tourists, the region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and hotels being set up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gangtok district</span> District in Sikkim, India

Gangtok District, is an administrative district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It was renamed in 2021 as a result of administrative reorganisation of the state, which also saw three subdivisions of the East Sikkim district spawned off as a separate Pakyong district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhutia</span> Linguistic group

The Bhutia are a community of Sikkimese people living in the state of Sikkim in northeastern India, who speak Drenjongke or Sikkimese, a Tibetic language fairly mutually intelligible with standard Tibetan. In 2001, the Bhutia numbered around 60,300. Bhutia here refers to people of Tibetic ancestry. There are many clans within the Bhutia tribe and Inter-Clan marriages are preferred rather than marriages outside of the tribe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Namchi district</span> District in Sikkim, India

Namchi District is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its headquarters is at Namchi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enchey Monastery</span>

The Enchey Monastery was established in 1909 above Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim in the Northeastern Indian state. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery built around the then small hamlet of Gangtok became a religious centre. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric (adept) art in Buddhism with flying powers; initially a small Gompa was established by him after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site. The literal meaning of Enchey Monastery is the "Solitary Monastery". Its sacredness is attributed to the belief that Khangchendzonga and Yabdean – the protecting deities – reside in this monastery. As, according to a legend, Guru Padmasambhava had subdued the spirits of the Khangchendzonga, Yabdean and Mahākāla here. In view of this legend, the religious significance of Enchey Monastery is deeply ingrained in every household in Gangtok. It is also believed that these powerful deities always fulfil the wishes of the devotees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yuksom</span> Town in West Sikkim, India

Yuksom is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. It was the first capital of Kingdom of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal of Sikkim. The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang". Yuksom is where there is the Norbugang Chorten near the Norbugang throne, the place Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buxa Tiger Reserve</span> Tiger reserve in West Bengal, India

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve and national park in northern West Bengal, India, covering an area of 760 km2 (290 sq mi). In altitude, it ranges from 60 m (200 ft) in the Gangetic Plains to 1,750 m (5,740 ft) bordering the Himalayas in the north. At least 284 bird species inhabit the reserve. Mammals present include Asian elephant, gaur, Sambar deer, clouded leopard, Indian leopard, and Asian golden cat.

Tinkitam is a small town in South Sikkim, India. The town is located 45 minutes from the district headquarters Namchi. The town is being promoted as a tourist destination. Mount Kanchenjanga is near the town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kazi Lhendup Dorjee</span> 1st Chief Minister of Sikkim

Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, also spelled Lhendup Dorji or Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa is an Indian politician who was the 1st chief minister of Sikkim from 1975 to 1979 after its union with India.He was the 1st Prime Minister of Sikkim from 1974 to 1975.He also served as the Executive Council of Sikkim from 1967 to 1970.He was a member of INC after 1975 and Sikkim National Congress before 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pakyong</span> City in Sikkim, India

Pakyong is a city and district headquarters of Pakyong district in the Indian state of Sikkim, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It holds many Government Offices. Pakyong Airport is the only airport of Sikkim. The "National Research Centre for Orchids" is also located here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikkimese people</span> People of Sikkim, India

Sikkimese are people who inhabit the Indian state of Sikkim. The dominance ethnic diversity of Sikkim is represented by 'Lho-Mon-Tsong-Tsum' that identifies origin of three races since seventeenth century. The term 'Lho' refers to Bhutias (Lhopo) means south who migrated from Southern Tibet, the term 'Mon' refers to Lepchas (Rong) lived in lower Eastern Himalayas and the term 'Tsong' refers to Limbus, another tribe of Sikkim. “Sikkim is also known as the home of the Kirati tribesmen from the pre-historic times. Society in Sikkim is characterized by multiple ethnicity and possesses attributes of a plural society. The present population of Sikkim is composed of different races and ethnic groups, viz., the Lepchas, the Bhutias, the Nepalese and the Plainsmen, who came and settled in different phases of history. The historic 8 May agreement between Chogyal, Government of India and political parties of Sikkim defines Sikkimese as Sikkimese of Bhutia-Lepcha origin or Sikkimese of Nepali origin including Tsongs and Schedule castes. The community in Sikkim is inclusive of three sub-cultural sectors: the Kiratis, the Newaris and the Gorkhas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ravangla</span> Town in Sikkim, India

Rabong or Ravangla is a small tourist town with an elevation of 8000 feet located, near Namchi City in the Namchi district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is connected by state highway to other major towns in the state and lies between Namchi, Pelling and Gangtok. It is the starting point for the trek to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 65 km from the state capital, Gangtok, and 120 km from Siliguri, West Bengal. The name is derived from the Sikkimese language. ‘Ra’ means wild sheep, 'vong' translates to a rearing place, and ‘la’ means a pass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nirmal Chettri</span> Indian footballer

Nirmal Chettri is an Indian footballer who plays mainly as a defender and last played for Southern Samity in the Calcutta Football League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pemayangtse Monastery</span> Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Pelling, Sikkim, India

The Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, near Pelling in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, located 110 km west of Gangtok. Planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1647, it is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, also the most famous in Sikkim. Originally started as a small Lhakhang, it was subsequently enlarged during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal and Khenchen Rolpai Dorjee in the year 1705 and consecrated by the third Lhatsun Chenpo Dzogchen Jigme Pawo in the year 1710 C.E. The monastery follows the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism and controls all other monasteries of that Order in Sikkim. The monks of this monastery are normally chosen from the Bhutias of Sikkim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tashiding Monastery</span> Buddhist monastery in West Sikkim, India

Tashiding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Sikkim, northeastern India, which is the most sacred and holiest monasteries in Sikkim. It is described as the "Heart of Sikkim/Denzong", citing to its importance of religious sacredness. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Gyalshing and 19 kilometres (12 mi) to the south east of Yuksam. The annual festival of Bumchu, meaning ~Holy water~ takes place on the 14th and 15th of the 1st month of Tibetan lunar calendar, often around the months of February and March. The festival is believed to predict the upcoming forecasts and events for Sikkim in the coming year. Undoubtedly, one of the most important and holiest festivals for all the Buddhists in Sikkim and around, it also provides for a perfect platform for all those Non-Buddhists who seek a deeper insight into Buddhism and its religious customs, beliefs and rituals. History of the Festival- Somewhere between 755 and 804 CE in Tibet under the reign of King Trisong Deutsonin. It was under his rule that Guru Padmasambhava when invited to Tibet performed a holy sadhana and consecrated the land with water from his SACRED VASE, which was then later concealed as a hidden treasure in his most blessed place, the Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim. Somewhere around 17th century, the vase was again discovered by one of the reincarnations of Padmasambhava and it is since that time, this festival again resumed with all its glory and splendour in the hidden and blessed land of Sikkim/Beyul Demazong. Tashiding is the nearest town to the Tashiding Monastery (Gompa)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of Sikkim</span> Overview of and topical guide to Sikkim

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Sikkim:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gopal Gurung</span> Nepalese politician

Gopal Gurung was a politician, author, journalist, teacher and vocal advocate of the human rights for the indigenous people of Nepal. Gurung was the editor-in-chief of New Light and Thunderbolt weekly newspapers for many years. He was a former member of the Central Committee of the Nepal Journalists Association, former Secretary General of the World Nepalese Association and Chairman of the All India Press Council for Nepal, as well as a consultant and coordinator for the Press Foundation of Asia (PFA), Manila, Philippines.

Bhutia are a community of Tibetan people. Bhutia may also refer to

References

  1. 1 2 3 "South Skikkim". National Informatics Centre . Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  2. Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Namchi
  3. 1 2 "National Geological Monument, from Geological Survey of India website". Archived from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Geo-Heritage Sites". pib.nic.in. Press Information Bureau. 9 March 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  5. 1 2 national geo-heritage of India, INTACH
  6. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  7. "Profile - Literacy - Know India: National Portal of India". knowindia.india.gov.in. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  8. "Schools in Namchi Sss Cluster | List of Schools in Namchi Sss Cluster, South Sikkim District (Sikkim)". schools.org.in. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  9. "BHAICHUNG BHUTIA FOOTBALL SCHOOLS: Best Football School in Delhi, Mumbai". www.bbfootballschools.com. Retrieved 13 September 2016.