Lopcha

Lopcha is an alternative spelling of Lepcha, referring to an ethnic group indigenous to Sikkim, India, parts of West Bengal, and Bhutan, as well as eastern Nepal. The Lepcha people refer to themselves as Rongkup, meaning "children of Rong." The term Lopcha is generally considered less common and sometimes outdated in academic and cultural contexts. The Lepcha language, also called Rongring, belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Historically, the Lepcha people maintained a close relationship with nature and practiced a form of animistic religion, later influenced by Buddhism and Christianity. Today, their culture is known for its unique weaving, music, and traditional practices.