The Lepchas are regarded as the original inhabitants of Sikkim, a tiny former kingdom between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan that became part of India in 1975. Sikkim had been controlled by "chogyals" (kings) until India intervened after an uprising against the monarchy by the majority Nepalese population who had migrated into the region in the 19th century.
Lepchas have worshipped Kanchenjunga since the 13th century, in ceremonies led by an hereditary priest called the "Bongthing", which culminate in special rituals during the month of "Kursong" (February-March). Taso, believed to be a descendant of the first "Bongthing", would begin the annual ceremonies with overnight prayers at his home in Nung, the first Lepcha settlement, in the Dzongu region of north Sikkim. The next morning, he would lead a large procession towards Lha-thu, an open air altar, singing processional songs that trace the history of the Lepchas and explain the ritual.
