Lepcha Musicians Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit Explain How Sikkim's Forests Inspire Their Music

Two prominent Lepcha musicians, Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit, have spoken about the deep connection between their art and the forests of Sikkim. In an interview featured by The Better India, they described how the sounds of rustling leaves, flowing streams, and native wildlife are woven into their compositions, giving the music a distinct sense of place.

The artists explained that their upbringing amidst the state's dense woodlands provided both inspiration and a repository of oral traditions. They often incorporate indigenous instruments that mimic natural rhythms, allowing listeners to experience the forest environment through sound.

By emphasizing this ecological influence, Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit aim to preserve not only Lepcha musical heritage but also the environmental consciousness that underpins it. Their work underscores the broader cultural importance of protecting Sikkim's forests for future generations of artists and audiences alike.