Buddhism in Sikkim

Tibetan Buddhism is divided into two sects in Sikkim, the red and yellow. The red sect comprises of Nyingma, Kargyu and Sakya lineages and the yellow sect consist of the Gelugpa lineage. The rituals performed, monastic discipline and the founder differentiate the sects and the lineages from each other. however the differences tend to blur with rituals of one lineage overlapping the other.

Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries (gumpas) belonging to the Nyingma and Kargyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrating the ancient rituals in practice.