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Dances
are an ingrained part of Sikkimese culture. Most of the dances relate
to the beauty of the natural surroundings, some depict the harvest
season and others are performed for good luck and prosperity. Many
of the musical instruments that accompany the dances are unique
to Sikkim.
The Sikkimese dances find their roots in the traditional
culture and seasonal cycles of this fabled Himalayan state.
Sikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps
nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Performed by lamas
in the 'Gompa' courtyard to celebrate religious festivals, dances
demonstrate perfect footwork and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily
painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels leap and swing
to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting
of monks.
Khang-chen-dzod-nga Dance: The two day
festival of dance performed during the worship of snowy range of
Kanchanjunga (Khang-chen-dzod-nga) is a dance peculiar to Sikkim
alone. It is celebrated in September. The third Chogyal of Sikkim,
Chador Namgyal (1686-1716) introduced this dance about two and a
half centuries ago as a result of a vision.
Kanchendzonga is portrayed as a fiery red - countenanced
deity with a crown of five skulls, riding the mythical snow lion
and holding aloft the banner of victory. Esoteric masks, flashing
silks, opulent brocades and embroidered boots are the costumes of
the dancers. The dancers are all male. In this warrior Dance the
warlike pomp and panoply, the war deity resplendent the flaming
robes, the fantastic Snow lion, comprise the essence of the dance.
This mask dance is termed as Singhi Dance i.e. Lion Dance by Nepalese.
They visualise the ferocious god of Kanchanjunga riding over a lion
and hence call this dance as Singhi Dance.
Black Hat (Kali topi) Dance: On Lossoong,
the Sikkimese New Year Day, Black Hat (kali topi) Dance demonstrates
the triumph of good over evil is demonstrated. This masked dance
is also performed by male dancers mostly the Lamas. The dance revives
the old story which narrates that about twelve centuries ago King
Land-Darma was slain for suppressing Buddhism in Tibet. The king
was slain by a Lama wearing a fantastic black robe lined with white
and riding a white horse blackened with soot .
ENCHEY CHAAM - It is the annual puja celebrated
with religious masked dances on the 18th and 19th days of the 11th
month of the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar corresponding to the month
of December - January.
RUMTEK CHAAM - It is the most important
chaam (religious masked dance) performed on the 10th day of the
5th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the month of
June. It presents eight manifestations of the Guru Rimpoche. This
is highly colourful and spectacular and draws many pilgrim and visitors.
WINTER (GOUTHOR) CHAAM - It is performed
on the month of February - 2 days prior to Losar.
KAGYED DANCE - It is performed on the 28th
and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, around December.
This dance is performed symbolizing the destruction of the evil
forces and hoping for peace and prosperity to flourish in every
Sikkimese home. The dancers of this is extremely popular Chaam are
always monks who are accompanied liturgical music and chanting.
The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief
provided by the jesters. Kagyed dances enact various themes from
the Buddhist mythology and culminate with the burning of effigies
made of flour, wood and paper.
Folk dances and songs are an integral part of the Sikkimese culture.
Some of the popular dances are Nepali Folk Dance Maruni, Lepcha
Folk Dance Zo-Mal-Lok, Bhutia Folk Dance Tashi Sabdo and Tibetan
Yak Dance.
ZO MAL LOK - This is a popular folk
dance of the Lepcha community depicting the sowing, reaping and
harvesting of paddy. The dance is performed by the Lepcha farmers
to reduce monotony of working in the fields. Farming folks, mostly
relatives and friends of every family - the old and young folk alike
- join hands in the process if singing and dancing - a merrymaking
spree.
CHU FAAT - This age-old folk dance
of Lepchas is performed in honour of the Mount Khangchendzonga and
its four associate peaks, Mt.Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simbrum and
Mt. Narshing. These five snowy peaks are believed to be the repository
of five hidden treasures such as Salt, Medicine, Minerals, Sacred
books and Food grains. Carrying butter lamps and green bamboo leaves,
the dancers perform this ritualistic dance with the devotional songs.
It is performed on the fifteenth day of the devotional songs. It
is performed on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Northern
Buddhist calendar every year.
KAR GNOK LOK - or literally meaning
"Dance of Swans" is a famous Lepcha folk dance which depicts
the sojourn of a group of migratory swans who take a flight from
the warm plains towards the cold Himalayan region in the month of
February/March and from cold region to the warm plain in the month
of October/November. The seasonal migratory flight of these swans
guide the Lepchas top begins sowing and harvesting their crops.
DHARMA JO - This is a popular folk
dance of Lepcha community depicting the harvesting season.
MON DRYAK LOK - It is a Lepcha hunting
dance who are supposed to be skilled hunters. They never kill the
wild animals and birds for pleasure. Their hunting approach is highly
ritualistic. This dance depicts Lepcha's hunting approach style
carrying bows and arrows as their weapons.
TENDONG HLO FAAT - It is a Lepcha
folklore, which is often retold to the new generation in lyrical
poetry. This folklore corresponds to the divine occurrences as described
in the Indian Vedas 'Matsya Purana' and in Bible as the 'Great Flood'.
MUN HAIT LOK - It is a ritualistic
Lepcha folk dance performed by both male and female to the accompaniment
of devotional hymns. This dance depicts the' Mun' or the Witch doctor
performing the age-old ritualistic dance.
TASHI SHABDO - Bhutia Folk Dance
describing the custom of offering "Khadas" or scarves
on auspicious occasions. Young boys and girls perform this dance
carrying snow-white scarves in their hands, which is a symbol of
purity, peace and prosperity.
YAK CHAAM - Tibetan Yak Dance performed
to honour the yak, an animal on which man is completely dependent
upon for survival at high altitudes. This dance projects the simple
life style of the herdsman in the mountains.
SINGHI CHAAM -The associate five
peaks of the scared Mount Khangchendzonga looks like the legendary
snow lion, which is considered an important cultural symbol of the
State and is elaborately depicted in the Singhi Chaam or the Snow
Lion Dance.
TALACHI - It is fabled that a king
once lost his favourite horse. A search party was sent to look for
the royal steed. As they proceed along the solitary path amidst
hills and forests, the searchers sang lively songs and danced ending
the monotony of their long sojourn.
GHA TO KITO - It is a song cum dance
which describes all about the treasures of Sikkim like Mount Khangchendzonga
and the snow covered Himalayan ranges, rhododendrons and primulas,
holy places, caves ad minerals. It is a Bhutia folk dance.
BE YUL MISTA - It is a popular Bhutia
fold dance. Performed in praise of Sikkim by group of males and
females with pleasing songs and prayers.
CHI RIMU - It is a popular Bhutia
fold dance, performed in praise of Sikkim by young and old folks.
This dance is a regular feature in every happy occasion, when Bhutias
express reverence to great to great teachers and sacred places of
worship.
RECHUNGMA - It is typical Sikkimese
dance performed during the happy occasions like childbirth, marriage
and other social gatherings, offer paying their sincere thanks to
the god for his blessings.
GNUNGMALA GNUNGSHEY - It is a typical
Bhutia fold dance performed in praise, by both male and female to
the accompaniment of devotional hymns and song of the multi purpose
majestic bamboos, describing its use.
TASHI ZALDHA - It is a dance depicting
the Bhutia custom of offering scarves, performed by boys and girls.
TAMANG SELO - This dance popularly
known, as 'Damphoo Dance' is a Nepali folk dance patronized by the
Tamangs. Dampoo is the traditional musical instrument of the Tamangs.
It is always full of fun and vigour and the brisk movement and rhythmic
beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is
performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, childbirth and village
fairs etc.
SEBRU NAACH - This dance depicts
the life - style of the Sherpas, who are very fond of songs and
dances. Their songs include praises for the colourful flora and
fauna and the breath taking scenic beauty of the Himalayan ranges.
MARUNI - It is one of the oldest
and most popular dances of the Nepalese, always performed by young
girls embellished with colourful costumes and rich ornaments. It
is performed on the occasion of 'Dewali' or 'Tyohar' which is celebrated
as the 'Festival of lights'. The maruni dancers play a musical visit
from house to house singing and dancing, invoking the blessing of
Gods and Goddesses on the houses they visit. The dancers are usually
accompanied by a clown called 'Dhatu - Waray' who acts as a court
jester wearing funny masks and awkward clothes. The movement of
traditional flavour, elegance and expression till today.
SORATHI - This dance is an exclusive
possession of the Gurungs. In the olden times it is said that one
of the Gurung Kings had 1600 queens, but had no heir. In despair,
he then started snatching valuable ornaments from his queens and
sold them for his earthly pleasure. This dance depicts how the poor
queens express their grievances.
CHYAP BRUNG - It is Limboo's traditional
musical instrument. The dancers hang the 'Chyap-brungs' around their
necks and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and with a
stick on the other side. This manoeuvres produces two different
sounds. In this fashion, groups of Limboos or Subba men dance executing
delicate and complicated footwork son the hypnotic beats of the
Chyap-Brung. It is song less dance, which is only rhythmic music.
In this age-old fold dance the Limboo dancers depict graceful movements
of wild animals and birds.
MAJHI NAACH - It is folk dance of
the majhis or the fishermen of Nepalese origin. It portrays his
hope, inspiration, love and a desire of sharing his joy with others.
This dance depicts the life style of the Majhis.
DHAAN NAACH - It is a folk dance
performed by the Nepali community which projects cultural heritage
of them. It has become since time immemorial. It is a ritualistic
dance performed by young and old folks alike in their traditional
costumes.
DAU RA JANE -This typical Nepali
dance is performed during the happy occasion by the young girls
in their traditional and colourful costumes.
LU KHANGTHAMO - It is dedicated to
this day - a day of thanks giving to all Gods and deities of the
three worlds, Heaven, Earth and Hell. This age old folk dance is
performed regularly by the young and old folk alike in their traditional
customs and ornaments accompanied by the pleasing song and music
on the occasion like warming and New Year celebrations. It is a
Bhutia folk dance
Thangkas are the embroidered religious scroll, which are found in
multitudes in monasteries and private houses. They are always carried
in religious processions and often serve to illustrate a religious
sermon. This art is considered a powerful vehicle to propagate Lord
Buddha's doctrines, serving the lamas in their preaching.
This painting is usually done on silk or
some other thin cloth. After the silk has been stretched on a frame,
it is thickly covered with a mixture of glue and chalk, which is
then well polished, with the smooth surface of a conch. When this
is over, the outlines of the figures are drawn with red or black
ink. The work is carried on very slowly for even minute details
of the ornamentation must be attended to before coloration is done.
To make a mistake in the measurements of a body given in the iconographical
manuals is considered to be a great sin.
The artist is quite conversant with the
sacred scriptures. While he is at work, he is accompanied by a continuous
reciting of prayers. The religious atmosphere, which surrounds the
creation of a painting, is very intense. The artist must be a saintly
man of good behaviour and reserved in his manners.
The name SANGAY ZEBA CHUNI; itself signifies with what this thangka
is related to. This thangka picturises the life history of Lord
Buddha. Its length is 20 feet and breadth being 15 feet. The cost
price of this thangka is Rs.6 lakh. 15 people working together make
it within a span of 8 months, day and night.
This Thangka is unfurled once in a year
during the auspicious occasion for 3 hours only, from 6.00 a.m.
to 9.00 a.m. for the devotees and pilgrims to pay their homage.
Bamboo Artefacts such as the vessel used to contain the potent traditional
local drink tumba or chang, fishing baskets, bows and arrows and
brooms.
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Mask
Dances
Handicrafts