Volume V Special Issue V November 2025

Name of Author : Basundhara Dahal, Dr. Madan Chhetri, Dr. Newme Atungbou, Dr. Srijana Singh Sarki

Title of the paper : Pray to Mother Nature: a case study of Lepcha Indigenous Religion

Abstract: This paper examines the notion of syncretism in the religious practices of Lepcha community of Dzongu region, Sikkim, India. Regardless of the predominance and influence of Buddhism among the Lepcha community of Sikkim, elements of indigenous animistdynamic beliefs of Lepcha tribal religion persists and endure, particularly in the form of veneration of nature and ancestral spirits as guardians and protectors. The paper highlights the elements of practices of the Lepcha and frames ideas and notions from the vantage point of concepts existing in actornetwork theory such as materiality, performativity, power dynamics, agency, globalization and localization. Through utilization of existing form of literature, observation and findings from discussions with interlocutors, the paper also reveals how the concept of lived religion can be used to express the realities of indigenous religious life among the Lepcha community.

Keywords : Bongthingism, Lepcha indigenous religion, Lived religion, Syncretism, Tribal religion

DOI :

Page Number : 52-58