`Lee Waar Lee`, as it is known in Lepcha
means the traditional house of the indigenous ethnic tribe
of Lepcha. The houses are in a dilapidated condition and needs
to be renovated. The Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association
has decided to renovate the existing houses very soon.
There are 34 large traditional houses in
Kalimpong according to a survey by the Lepchas. The General
Secretary of the Association, Mr. Lyangsong Tamsang, said,
`Some of the houses in Kalimpong are 100 years old and are
like a living museum. These traditional houses have a great
importance in the Lapcha society, the oldest tribe in the
Hills. Both men and women sing Apryaa Vom, a traditional Lepcha
song, during thatching the roofs to maintain their traditional
culture`.
Many of the traditional houses are in process of decay, ruin
and face demolition. The Lepchas who lives in remote area
live below the poverty line are unable to buy the thatching
grasses for their houses. Members of Lepcha community laments
that the centre and the state are not interested to renovate
and save theses unique and traditional properties. It is nice
to know that the traditional houses of Lepchas are being renovated,
restored and repaired at Loley, Lower Bong, Lyang Sa, Dabling.
“A neglected house at See Maa, Konkibong has been renovated
by the association in collaboration with Mr. Subir Lepcha,
president of Konkibong Lepcha village association,”
said Mr. Tamsang. There are 25 traditional houses that need
to be renovated. Mr. Tamsang said help us to show the world
that India has the unique houses, buildings which can save
human lives during earthquakes. |
Home
| About Us | Contact
Us | Site Map | Feedback
