Sikkimese Art and Handicrafts, Gangtok
Sikkim is a glorious place with some of the brilliant locations to explore. The best part about this serene state is its preserved culture and enticing traditions that they have well-maintained for years now. Since the Sikkimese has always been great with craft and handiwork, the cultural richness has drastically increased. The artwork prepared by talented artists has made this place famous for its talent. The government of Sikkim has put in their maximum effort to bring out and highlight the traditional qualities of this location. This is the exact reason why any tourist visiting Sikkim won’t be able to leave without buying some of Sikkimese art and handicrafts in Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim.The government is trying to promote their culture by forming art and handloom institute which has turned out to be a perfect way to preserve and promote traditional tourism in this place. These institutes produce some of the best and eye-catching pieces for sale and display; they are involved in bringing out their traditional best-producing Carpets, wood carved furniture, Thangkas, and canvas wall hanging. They use artistic and unique designs to produce the brilliant pieces best known for their hand-knotted and brilliant designs.
You will find many interesting Sikkimese art and handicrafts in Gangtok best known for their appeal and finishing work. They offer fantastic woven carpets, amazing tables, due to the variety of items in the market. To get a piece of Sikkim back home, make sure you are buying some of Sikkimese art and handicrafts in Gangtok which is known as the specialty of Sikkim.
5 Handicrafts You Shouldn’t Leave Without Buying
Wood Carving
Among Sikkimese art and handicrafts in Gangtok, Wood carvings have a completely different meaning. Carvings are known to be a true symbol of art. This culture has a chain in the early times when maximum numbers of things are monasteries and building that contains wood carvings. These places are a must to include the icons carved on woods, there are also some super masks made with wood and papier-mache. One of the great examples is the Pemayangtse Monastery which has some of the carved sculptures and wood carvings.
Carpet Weaving
Carpet-weaving is one of the oldest forms of weaving in the world and the women from the Bhutia community are famous to practice this art. The carpets are imported around the world and tourists buy it as souvenirs. The traditional pattern for weaving carpets in Sikkim are different and unique, it requires a frame loom. They use a very unique method of weaving; the hard-working craftsman of Sikkim produces some of the brilliant pieces.
Thangka Paintings
These paintings in the early days were the only mode of teaching the Buddhist the highest ideals of life and Nirvana. The Thangka is made on cotton canvas with a silk frame. The artists portray some of the god and goddesses with the help of different images related to Buddhists. The paintings were earlier made by the priest and monks of Sikkim. As the generations passed, the commercialization of practicing this art is used to help the monasteries grow.
Choktse Tables
This craft is a form of table that has become a special product of this state. Choktse tables are well-known in Sikkim as well as India as a whole. These tables are prepared with the help of different dimensions and designs.
Handicrafts
When it comes to handicrafts, the Sikkimese is good at weaving. They create some of the best and striking pieces of design and patterns. They are known to weave carpets, woolen blankets, bags, jackets, shawls, and various other items. To develop and promote such things, the government of Sikkim has introduced various institutes of cottage industries which helped in taking this specialty of Sikkim to different parts of the world.When Can You Visit?
Sikkim is known for its stunning tourist spots and there are different interesting activities that you can enjoy. This location is brimming with tourists throughout the year and the place is suitable to be visited at any time of the year. However, if you want to catch up with the best possible time of the year, then here are some suggestions for you:
During monsoon: July till September
During summer: April till June
During winter: October till March
You should always book your hotel tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to be stuck with the place you don’t like. Planning your itinerary is important and when you do visit Sikkim just follow the basic travel tips based on which season you are visiting.
The weather in Sikkim is relatively cold, throughout the year. It will be better for you to carry some woolen clothes if you don’t want to fall sick on your journey. Handloom and craftwork can be considered as the main occupation for the Sikkimese, as the artwork is being known in different parts of the world, the demand is gradually increasing with every passing day.
After preparing an itinerary and visiting the tourist spots in Sikkim, the toughest decision to make is what to buy as souvenirs. Since you have read so much about the art and handicraft of Sikkim in Gangtok, buying one of the traditional items they prepare is the best gift you can give to anyone.