Scattered Stories

In the ancient land of Leek and Saffo, there lived a formidable hunter named KumzerAthing, affectionately known as Kumzerthing. A husband and father, Kumzerthing epitomized the Lepcha spirit, navigating the dense forests with skill and determination. His hunting prowess was unmatched; he always returned with a bountiful catch. One fateful day, while deep in the heart of the jungle, Kumzerthing stumbled into a pit bristling with thorns. The more he struggled to free himself, the deeper the thorns embedded into his skin. His cries of anguish echoed through the wilderness as he lay, trapped and wounded. In his moment of despair, a majestic figure emerged from the shadows—the Jungle Queen. With an aura of serene power, she approached the fallen hunter. Kumzerthing, a young warrior with a striking presence, found solace as she tenderly removed the thorns from his flesh and licked his wounds clean. The healing touch of the Jungle Queen brought him immense relief. As time passed, a profound b...

       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...

Key Characters and Context: Suhi Lepcha: The Mediator and Entertainer Suhi Lepcha, a charismatic figure in Leek, was one of the few who could converse in Nepali during the early settlement of Nepalis in the region. Due to his oratory skills and personality, he was popularly referred to as " Karbari Thyung/Buro " by the Nepalis. He was a mediator and a shaman ( boongthing ). This skill made him a valuable mediator between the Lepchas and the Nepalis, who had begun settling in Leek for opportunities tied to cardamom cultivation. Known for his wit and verbal agility, Suhi was a master debater and entertainer. His humor, often explicit and teasing, made him a beloved figure, especially during verbal battles with the competitive women’s groups of Lingthem. Despite the mischief they played, including feeding him absurdly proportioned meals, Suhi always emerged victorious, earning admiration and laughter. Suhi’s origins trace back to Rim Ram in Lingdong or Barfok. It is said that h...