Heaven for nature lovers, Sikkim is a state of India, located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is one of the smallest states in India. With its capital, Sikkim is surrounded by West Bengal on its south and shares international borders with Bhutan, Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China on its northeast.

The state’s name is derived from the Limbu word Su which means new, and khyim, which means palace or house. Before becoming an Indian state, it was ruled by the Namgyal family. The founder of this dynasty came to present-day Sikkim from Tibet.

During the British rule in India, the kingdom of Sikkim enjoyed a sovereign status with British protectorate against the neighboring countries Nepal and China. This ‘subordinate alliance’ with the British was carried on by the newly formed Indian government after 1947.

It was on 16th May 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India after the 35th constitutional amendment. It is for this cause that this day is celebrated as the Sikkim Day. The annexation of Sikkim by India is noted as a historical event that changed both forever.

To commemorate this beautiful Indian state Postal Department has issued postage stamps on various themes. The above shown 500 Paisa (5 Rupee) stamp featured a Changu Lake of Sikkim.

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