Source: NDTV
Context: Sikkim Chief Minister has urged the Centre to request a ban on scaling Mount Kanchenjunga from Nepal, citing its deep spiritual significance to Sikkim’s indigenous communities.
About Mount Kanchenjunga:
- Location:
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- Lies in the eastern Himalayas, straddling the India–Nepal border, 74 km north-northwest of Darjeeling.
- Stands at an elevation of 8,586 metres (28,169 ft), making it the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India.
- States Associated:
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- Located between Sikkim (India) and Taplejung District (Nepal).
- The Indian side lies within the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.
- Geographical Features:
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- Comprises five prominent peaks, referred to as the “Five Treasures of the Snow” in Sikkimese belief.
- Surrounded by four major glaciers: Zemu Glacier (northeast), Talung Glacier (southeast), Yalung Glacier (southwest), and Kanchenjunga Glacier (northwest).
- Receives heavy summer snowfall due to monsoons, with lighter winter snow.
- Cultural Importance:
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- Revered as a sacred mountain and abode of guardian deity ‘Dzoe-Nga’.
- Considered inviolable by Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities.
- Climbing is banned from the Indian side under Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 and Article 371(F), which protects Sikkim’s customs post-merger with India.
- Historical Significance:
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- Believed to be the highest peak until Mount Everest was confirmed in 1856.
- First climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band (British expedition).
- Climbers traditionally stop short of the summit to honour religious sentiments.
- Charles Evans also led an expedition on the southwest face in 1955.
