World’s largest Banpok displayed in North Sikkim

The world’s largest Banpok, a traditional knife of the Lepcha community, is now on display at the Lepcha Cultural Centre and Boongthing-Mun Research Centre in Naga, North Sikkim. Weighing 33 kg and standing an impressive 6 feet 2 inches tall, this extraordinary artifact holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Lepcha community and the Darjeeling Himalayas.

The Banpok, also known as Bentok, is meticulously crafted from durable iron, with its handle and sheath made from the wood of the Sungli Kung (Prunus) and Sambrang Kung (Schima wallichii) trees.

Traditionally, this knife served multiple purposes, including farming, clearing forests, and safeguarding the land against invaders. It has also played a significant role in the region’s history, aiding leaders like King Chongzot Bolek, Geyboo Achyok, and Satrajeet in defending their homeland.

This monumental Banpok is not merely a tool but a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Lepcha community. It stands as a proud cultural emblem, revered by not just the Lepchas but also the Bhutia and Nepalese communities of Sikkim.

“The Banpok represents the indomitable spirit of our ancestors and serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and unity,” said a spokesperson from the Lepcha Cultural Centre during the inauguration ceremony.