Folk Dances of Sikkim

  

Sikkim- ‘Land of Cultural Heritage’:

Sikkim, the state of the multiracial has acclaimed the national and global appreciation for its indigenous heritage and traditions. The entire population of Sikkim can be divided into several ethnic groups. Each of these groups has a language, culture, heritage, traditions, and the dance forms of their own. The gaiety celebrations and festivities present a plethora of opportunities to witness the traditional folk dance of Sikkim. The diversity of the ethnic groups presents a varied and unique dance form which is widely acknowledged by the Sikkimese.  Diverse dance form of Sikkim signifies the harmony, love, integrity, and mutual respect amongst the multiracial.

Amongst the all the communities in Sikkim, the three major groups are comprised of Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese.  Sikkim folk dance has become an integral part of Sikkimese culture and traditions. Most of the Sikkim culture dance is associated with the enchanting environment and beauty of nature.  Few of Sikkim dance personifies the harvest system, and some of them are performed for the invoking the deities, and some for entertainment purpose.

Want to know more about the Sikkim dance name and why it is performed? Here is the list of traditional dance forms of Sikkim performed the diverse communities of Sikkim, its detailed information, and its association with the culture, history, traditions, nature, and spirituality.



Dance is a medium to showcase rich history and heritage-

The entire population of Sikkim can be broadly divided into three major groups; Bhutias, Nepalis and Lepchas which have their own distinct language, cultural programs, and dance forms.

Folk dances of Sikkim go together with the tunes of many musical instruments. Here is a list about the types of folk dances Sikkim that you cannot afford to miss-


1. Lepchas:

The origin of the Lepcha is unknown. They may have originated in Myanmar, Tibet or Mongolia] but the Lepcha people themselves firmly believe that they did not migrate to the current location from anywhere and are indigenous to the region. They speak a Tibeto-Burman language which some classify as Himalayish. Based on this, some anthropologists suggest they emigrated directly from Tibet to the north, Japan or from Eastern Mongolia. Others suggest a more complex migration that started in southeast Tibet, a migration to Thailand, Burma, or Japan, then a navigation of the Ayeyarwady River and Chindwin rivers, a crossing of the Patkoi range coming back west, and finally entering ancient India (this supported by Austroasiatic languages substrata in their vocabularies). While migrating westward through India, they are surmised to have passed through southern Bhutan before reaching their final destination near Kanchenjunga. The Lepcha people themselves do not have any tradition of migration, and hence they conclude that they are autochthonous to the region, currently falling under the state of Sikkim, Darjeeling District of West Bengal, eastern Nepal and the southwestern parts of Bhutan. In the Mechi Zone, they form 7% of the population of Ilam District, 2% in Panchthar District, and 10% of the population in Taplejung District. In Sikkim as a whole they are considered to be around 15% of the population of the state

The Lepchas were said to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim the migration of Bhutias and Nepalese. The word "Lepcha" means the ravine folk. They were believed in the bone faith or mune faith based on the spirits, good and bad. They used to worship spirits of mountains, rivers and forests like any other tribes. Perhaps, this could be the reason why these people prefer to live in the healthy natural world. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. Nowadays they are mainly adopting Buddhism or Christianity. Near about 10 to 14 percent of the population of Sikkim are belongs in this communities. The Lepchas are concentrated in the central part of Sikkim. This area is encompassing the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu.

The Lepchas speak the language Lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim.

Lifestyle of Lepchas:

The Lepchas have a very simple lifestyle. They are very intelligent and hospitable in their nature. They are peace-loving people who avoid quarrels. They love sports and very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas. They mostly live by business and on agriculture of paddy, cardamom and oranges.

They build a house known as "li". It has a rectangular shape and 4 to 5 feet height, made by wood or bamboo. A traditionally dressed Lepcha male wear half pyjamas, under a robe made of striped cotton resembling a loose jacket- the whole ensemble is called a "pagi". The Lepcha lady wears a two - piece dress -a full sleeved blouse called "tago" and a skirt called "domdyan"


Folk Dances of the Lepchas:

There are a variety of folk dances performed by Lepchas-

Chu Faat Dance-



The Lepchas in Sikkim, who seemed to be mountain worshippers, perform dance called Chu Faat. This folk dance is performed as a way to honour the most popular mountain peak in Sikkim, Kanchenjunga and the neighbouring Mt Pandim, Mt Narshing, Mt Kabru and Mt Simbrum that are believed to possess minerals, medicine, salt, food grains and for that matter, sacred text. Chu Faat Dance is specifically performed on 15th day of the 7th month of the Buddhist calendar. The dancers move around elegantly carrying butter lamps and sheaves of green bamboo while devotional songs are sung.

 

Sikmari Dance-

Another dance form of the Lepchas is the Sikmari. The dance is performed by the youth of the tribe, in order to show reverence to the abundance of nature’s beauty and power of love. On the other side, the Bhutia community is known for its variety of folk dances like Singhi Chaam, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha and Tashi Yangku. Bhutias, who were primarily herdsmen and weavers perform Singhi Chaam dance to pay honour to what they refer to as snow lion, a mythical beast that lives in upper regions of Himalaya. The Singhi Chaam dancers like the Lepcha dancers also show reverence to Mt Kanchenjunga and its four companion peaks with their performance, for which they are dressed in white lion costumes and engage in mock fights.



2. Bhutias:

The ancestors of the Bhutia migrated from Tibet to north eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other parts of modern-day Nepal India and Bhutan. They migrated through the different passes ("La" in Tibetan means "hill") in the Himalayas. Geographical indications in the name of Bhutias' last names are common. In Northern Sikkim, for example, where the Bhutias are the majority inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas or Lachungpas, meaning inhabitants of Lachen (Tibetan: “big pass") or Lachung (Tibetan: "small pass") respectively.

Bhutia aristocrats were called Kazis after similar landlord titles in neighbouring regions, especially in modern-day Bangladesh. This feudal system was an integral part of the Chogyal monarchy prior to 1975, when Sikkim was an independent monarchy; the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Sikkim before the mid-1970s plebiscite was the Bhutia Namgyal dynasty. Among the Bhutias, the Lachenpas and Lachungpas have their own traditional legal system called the "Dzumsa" which means the meeting place of the people. The Dzumsa is headed by the village headman known as the Pipon. People of North Sikkim have been given full protection by the state government by deeming a status of Panchayat ward and the Pipon, a status of Panchayat head.

The Bhutias are originally belongs to the Tibetan origin. After the 15th century, these people migrated to Sikkim. Mainly they are settled on the northern part of Sikkim, are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The Bhutias speak 'Sikkimese' language, dialect of the Tibetan language. If compared with the Lepchas, the Bhutias are dominating large number of villages.

Lifestyle of Bhutias:

A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape. The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewellery made of pure gold. Sikkim has its religion incorporated with Bhutias. Constituting around 16% of the total population of Sikkim, Bhutias regard priesthood as their academic as well as spiritual choice. The marriage in a Bhutia family is also arranged through negotiations. Before the marriage, the boy's uncle goes to the girl's house with gifts to ask for the hand in marriage for his nephew.

Bhutias usually take rice with animal fat fried vegetables or meat. The other foods are “Momo” (steamed samosa with meat inside) and Thukpa (Noodles). “Zhero” and “Khabzay” are beautiful salty tusks prepared from flour during the festivals like Losar/Loosong.

 

 

Folk Dances of the Bhutias:

Bhutias folk dances are included

Singhi Chaam Dance-

Singhi Chaam is a dance form in Sikkim whereby the dancers perform in a lion costume that represents the snow lion. It is a dance of the Bhutia people, and was said to have been introduced by Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim, in the 18th century. It is usually performed during the Panglapsool festival.

In this dance, there may be two to four snow lions, each snow lion consists of two men in a lion costume, which is white with a bluish mane. The dance is accompanied by a single drummer. It has religious association as the peaks of Kangchenjunga (Khang-Chen Dzong Pa), which is sacred to the people of Sikkim, are believed to resemble the legendary snow lion.

Kanchenjunga which is the third highest peak in the world forms an almost natural boundary and it is considered to be a holy symbol for the folks of Sikkim. They believe this to be their protector and hence worship it – Guru Padamsambhava also emphasized this to the folks and the tribal there perform this dance in honour of the Kanchenjunga

Yak Chaam Dance-

In the Yak Chaam dance, honour to the Yak, an important animal in Sikkim, is offered. The folk dance of Sikkim by the Bhutias also represent the relationship

between the herdsman and the Yak. The dancers perform wearing a large Yak-shaped costume and depict war dance or love scenes, and also engage in mock fights and celebratory gigs.




Denzong Gnenha Dance and Tashi Yangku Dance-

Denzong Gnenha is another popular dance form of the Bhutias that depicts their astute faith in their gods and gurus along with the peaceful and joyous nature of the community. Bhutias invoke good fortune and prosperity to both themselves and their land by performing the Tashi Yangku dance. Nepalis of Sikkim are the Nepali refugees of the land who have the following dances.


3. Nepalis:

The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. In the present day, the Nepalese constitute 70% of the total population of Sikkim. They introduce commenced terrace farming in the state. Cardamom is an important cash crop that was cultivated by the Nepalese. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis' are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system and tribes like Bawans (Brahmans), Chhetries, Gurungs, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars, Damais, Kamis etc.

These people speak language that is similar to Hindi and is understood throughout the state of Sikkim.

Folk Dances of the Nepalis:

Nepalis folk dance forms are different types, which are described below-

Khukuri Naach-

As the very name implies, Khukuri is a symbol of bravery. Thus, a warrior dance that Khukuri Naach is, it is performed to give a religious touch to the sending off of the soldiers going to the battle. These warriors are also given a Khukuri to be carried with them as it signifies victory.




Maruni Dance-

Maruni dance is the oldest and most popular one of the Nepalis. Though associated with the Tihar festival, it has now come to be performed on family occasions like marriages. Commemorating the victory of good over evil, the dancers in this dance are dressed in colourful costumes and magnificent ornaments. Accompanied by “Dhatu Waray” or a clown, the dancers visit the nearby houses. A nine-instrument orchestra known as “Naumati Baja” also accompanies them at times.



 

Chutkey Naach-

Chutkey Naach is another very popular folk form of the Nepalis. Young boys and girls usually perform this dance in the open-air during harvest, local fairs and festivals.




And here is not the end of Sikkim's beauty, if want to see
 more then must travel to the beautiful valley of peace, Sikkim.


A Blog Made By-
Ruddraksh Gupta
Harshit Sajwan 
Akshay Goel
Abhay Goel
Nalin Aggarwal





 



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