Marriage is sacred and holy according to the
Lepcha Customary Law. It is a sacred and holy bond not only between a man and
woman but between the two families, clans and villages also. To keep up the
good, happy, and strong bond, relationship, and unity between the two families
clan and villages, the Lepcha “Aangaop” system came into existence:
“Aangaop” shall take place under
the following circumstances only:
a) On the untimely death of a
husband, a young widow, if she wishes, after one year, she shall be betrothed
and married to one of the following relations, if he is willing and happy, in
that order of priority, in consultation with the family members, elders, and
Village Lepcha Association from both sides:
i.
Dead husband’s single young brother.
ii. Dead husband’s single nephew.
b) On the untimely death of wife, a young
widower, if he wishes after year, he shall be betrothed and married to one of
the following relations if she is willing and happy, in that order of priority,
in consultation with the family members, elders, and Village Lepcha Association
from both sides :
i.
Dead wife’s single younger sister
ii.
Dead wife’s single niece
Under this unique marriage system of “Aangaop”
the child/children, if any from the previous marriage shall continue to receive
the same love affection, and care from the new step-father or mother. A
child/children shall remain happy and all in safe hands.
In case of no issue single younger sister of
the wife, if she is willing and happy, shall also be given in “Aangaop”.
This way, the same harmony, balance,
understanding, relationship, and unity shall prevail in the house and between the two families, clans and villages
