Traditional Beliefs and Practices of the Lepchas in Eastern India

India is a crucible comprising a multitude of tribes ranging from the high Himalayas, deserts, islands, plateau and coastal plains and has their own distinct culture, traditions and language. Through this study, we shall be gaining as insight into the old animist tribal beliefs of the Lepchas, who are an indigenous tribe residing in and around the Kanchenjunga basin. It is a well-known fact that as stronger and more established religions come in contact with animist tribal practices, these tribal religious beliefs wilt under pressure and eventually lose their identity. I shall through this paper try to shed some light on the state of this ancient animist religion commonly known as Monism or Bonism after the name of their priestesses Muns and their priest Boongthings. We shall see through their various tribal ceremonies as to how they are safeguarding their beliefs and take a glimpse the efforts that have been undertaken to cope alongside world famous beliefs in the 21st century.