Tangdeng Lepcha (Singkom Thyung)

      

A Journey from Saffo to Singkom
Tangdeng Lepcha (Tongdeng) was from Saffo. His’s story took a pivotal turn when he left his birthplace in Saffo to join the Singkom household in Leek. His migration was not a mere change of residence; it was an act of profound responsibility. Suhi and Tafleng Lepcha, who had no sons to carry their lineage forward, adopted Tangdeng. His arrival in Singkom marked the beginning of a life filled with trials and triumphs.
 
The Marriage of Tradition and Necessity
Tangdeng’s marriage to Payelmoo Nikung was a testament to the customs and practicalities of Lepcha life. Arranged by his mother, Lichingmoo Nikung, the marriage followed the tradition of uniting family lines. Payelmoo Nikung had previously been married to Tangdeng’s maternal uncle, but after his uncle’s death, she became Tangdeng’s wife. Though Payelmoo was significantly older than Tangdeng, their union was marked by mutual respect and a shared sense of duty.

The couple had one daughter, who later married into the Panang family. This daughter became the mother of Anum Topden Lepcha, known as Janta Anum, a prominent figure in the community.
 
Split in the Singkom Household
Life in the Singkom household was not without its challenges. Tangdeng and Payelmoo Nikung often found themselves at odds with Tafleng Nikung, Suhi Lepcha’s wife. The tension between the two women escalated to the point where the household was physically divided. Tangdeng and Payelmoo temporarily relocated to Chukbong, a settlement thirty minutes from Singkom. Despite these difficulties, their sense of duty brought them back to Singkom when Suhi and Tafleng grew older and required their assistance.
 
Tangdeng’s influence extended beyond his immediate family. When his younger brother (by 6 years), Kolokchung Lepcha, struggled to establish a home and family in the Dhong area, Tangdeng stepped in. He advised Kolokchung to move to the Dalaw area, where, as if blessed by Tangdeng’s guidance, Kolokchung and his wife were able to have many children.
  
A Legacy of Resilience
Tangdeng’s bond with his younger brother Kolokchung, their shared struggles and triumphs, and their connection to their father, Jorden Lepcha, paint a picture of a family deeply rooted in the history and culture of Dzongu.























Comments

Popular posts from this blog

MUROW MUNG & JAW RUM

Leeky Personalities