Conversations with Namgyal Lepcha by Dechen Pelgi Tenzing






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THE TNA HOSTEL MESS EATING CHAMPIONSHIP

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TNA Hostel has all sorts of legends. Some were made on the football field, some in the classroom, and some of the most interesting ones were made in the hostel mess! Category 1: The Gods There was a long-standing legend that the undisputed champion of eating in TNA Hostel history emerged during the SAI days. His name itself sounded legendary- Nippa Macha . He apparently came from Manipur. Back then, a whole lot of students from the Northeast lived in the hostel for years. They were a breed of their own- formidable in their respective sports and equally impressive when it came to their diet. Boys and girls alike. Apparently, nobody ever came close. The record? 15-16 plates of rice! Category 2: Our Very Own Then came our very own Anum Handsome Dumsi Lepcha from Lower Dzongu, who apparently managed 9-10 plates . The identity of this particular Anum will not be revealed, mainly because I value my physical well-being and have already experienced the consequences of provoking my seniors....
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AFAR ( DOWRY )

Getting married in Lepcha tradition involved the son family to adhere to rigorous rules to win the trust of the daughter's parents and herself. This system was called AFAR. The son in law had to request the parents for the girls hand along with many gifts ( dokos of brewed millet, dumvuns for the ladies, an entire pig, arok and many other customary gifts ) Besides the son in law had to spend the next 2-3 years in the girls house and help the family in their work. This custom proved too expensive for most Lepchas and therefore a lot of boys and girls never married. The widows and spinsters had the opportunity of remarrying again. This time the entire AFAR equation was not applicable.  They therefore either married each other or the boys and girls who couldn't because of the AFAR system.  There is also a system where a spinster was allowed to remarry her NAMKUP, if they and their families agreed. This was considered acceptable and the concept of AFAR did not appl...
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Tangdeng Lepcha (Singkom Thyung)

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       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 co...
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