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Folk Dances of Sikkim

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Folk Dances of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

Various Lepcha Folk Dances

Lepcha Folk Dances

  • Through this romantic dance, story of a young boy and a girl in love is conveyed.
  • A group of boys ask a group of girls for their hands for the purpose of marriage and in turn promise them with rich gifts and ornaments.
  • The girls, however, turn down the offer and ask them to approach their parents, instead.
  • This colourful dance is performed with the support of melodious Lepcha songs and musical instruments such as Sanga (drum), Yangjey (string instrument), Cymbal, Yarka, Flute and Tungbuk.

Zo-Mal-Lok Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This famous folk dance of Lepcha community shows normal activities such as sowing, reaping and harvesting of paddy.
  • The old people and young folk alike join hands to sing, dance and indulge in merry making.
  • The graceful movements of male and female dancers become more noticeable with the background of pleasant sounds of seasonal birds.
  • Musical instruments used to support the dance are Tungbuk, Flute, Cymbal, Drum, etc.

Chu-Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Literal meaning of Chu is Snowy Range, while that of Faat is Worship.
  • This group folk dance is performed in the honour of Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of the Sikkimese people.
  • The dancers while carrying butter lamps and green bamboo leaves perform a ritualistic dance by singing devotional songs.

Tendong Lo Rum Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • It is based on a famous Lepcha folk lore often retold to the new generation of Lepchas in the form of lyrical poetry.
  • According to the legend, this group dance is performed to save people from the onslaught of mighty, mountainous rivers, First, the Lepchas living on the Tendong Hill in South Sikkim are reported to have offered prayers to the God through this dance.
  • They desired the almighty to save them from the disaster of rising water.
  • As per folklore, God came as a bird and began sprinkling sacred millet beer on water.
  • Soon, the level of water subsided and people heaved a sigh of relief.

 

Kinchum-Chu-Bomsa Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This famous folk dance vividly describes the natural beauty of Sikkim, or Ney-Mayel-Lyang (a heavenly, hidden paradise) called so, by the Lepchas.
  • The snow covered mountain peaks, green captivating meadows, enchanting valleys, thick vegetation, rivers and water falls, holy lakes and serene monasteries sanctify this land.
  • The young Lepcha boys and girls show their attachment with the land by performing the dance in their colourful attire.

Bhutia Folk Dances of Sikkim

Denzong-Neh-Na Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance comprising of boys and girls is performed to pay homage to the past saints such as Guru Rimpoche and present saints in order to get their blessings.
  • The musical instruments which support the graceful steps of the dancers are: Flute, Yangjey, Drum and Yarka.

Ta-Shi-Yang-Ku Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • A group of boys and girls through this dance try to invoke benign deities to shower fortunes on their home.
  • They remember some animal deities also to bring good fortune and prosperity to the people.
  • It is also performed during the consecration of a new house and to bless a newly married couple.

Tashi Shabdo Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This age old group dance beautifully and gracefully shows the custom of offering Khadas (scarf) on auspicious occasion.
  • The white scarf exchanged by the members of the group during the course of dance is basically a symbol of peace, purity and prosperity.
  • The dancers dance to the melodious tunes duly supported by musical instruments such as Yarka, Drum, Flute and Yangjey.

Guru-Chinlap Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this particular group dance performed by boys and girls, due respect is shown to the various Buddhist Gurus and Saints of Sikkim and their blessing is requested for overall peace, prosperity and happiness.
  • Exchange of Khadas also takes place between the dancers during the course of the dance.

Singhi Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • In this group dance five boys led by a herdsman dance like legendary Snowlion.
  • The snowlion is a significant cultural symbol of the state.
  • The presence of two snowlions dancing under the guidance of a herdsman looks extremely attractive and enchanting to the viewers.
  • Musical instruments (without any songs) used are Drum, Cymbal, Yarka and Yangjey.

Yak Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this group dance performed by four male dancers under the command of a herdsman, utility of Yak for a common man living in high altitude areas is shown.
  • The dance begins in slow and measured steps to the clash of cymbals and the sound of the trumpets.
  • The group dance always makes a powerful impact on the audience and appears very attractive to the children.
  • Though Chhams are performed in all the monasteries of Sikkim, the ones performed at Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Enchey being more impressive draw large audience.

Nepali Folk Dances of Sikkim

Maruni Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • It is one of the oldest and popular group dance forms of the Nepali community, usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
  • In good old days, the role of Maruni, essentially a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, female dancers are now performing such a central role.
  • It is performed during the festival of Tihar in the courtyard of each house.
  • The steps of the dancers look very graceful in the background of soothing songs ably supported by musical instruments such as Harmonium, Madal, Flute and Ghoongur.

Chutkay Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Through this romantic group dance, performed by a group of male and female dancers, joys of life and feeling of happiness is shared during the harvesting season and on some other happy occasions.

Dohori Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance of Gurung community is usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
  • In a traditional setting, after a hard days work, the dancers would assemble at ‘RodiGhar’ (a sort of entertainment centre) and exchange their views through songs and dance.
  • The musical instruments used are Madat Flute and Ghoongur.

Jeurum Silly Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • By means of this group dance of Rai community, performed by one man and four women, feelings of family members and friends is expressed on the occasion of a girl’s marriage.
  • The dancers aim to protect the Lakshmi (prosperity) of the house. Youth and old alike also join the dancers.
  • Dhol and Jhamta are the two musical instruments used.

Tamang Selo Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance of Tamang community with robust foot tapping and elaborate sound and display of Damphu instrument is performed on all happy occasions.
  • It highlights vigour and vitality of the community.
  • Tamang songs known as ‘ Hwai’ are full of human emotions.
  • These are so popular that no Nepali merrymaking is considered complete without singing a Tamang song.

Lakhey (Mask) Dance Folk Dances of Sikkim

  • This group mask dance of Newar (Pradhan) community is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring peace and prosperity.
  • The musical instruments which support the dance form are Khe( Dhol), Jhali and Dhimay.

Naumati Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • In this beautiful group dance of Damai community nine kinds of musical instruments are used to perfection.
  • These are two types of Senai ( Shehnai), Turhi, small and big, Damaha (Nagara) of two types, Tuyamko (Small Dhol) of two types, Dholki and Jhyamta (cymbal).
  • The Naumati Baja is a regular feature during the wedding and other auspicious occasions.

Chyap-Brung Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • Chyap-Brung is the traditional musical instrument of the Limboo community.
  • It is like a Dholak in shape but much bigger in size.
  • During the course of group dance, male dancers hang the instrument around their necks with the help of a rope and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and a stick on the other.
  • Such a manoeuvre produces two different sounds which echo boldly in valleys and mountains.

Dhaan Nach Folk Dance of Sikkim

  • This group dance performed by four men and four women with the backing of harmonium, madal, flute and ghoongur shows the symbol of good and firm spirit of farmers against rain and scorching heat.
  • In order to break the monotony of routine field work, men and women attempt merrymaking through song and dance.
  • It is a ritualistic dance performed by the youth and old alike in traditional costumes, since time immemorial.

 

Handicrafts of Sikkim

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Handicrafts of Sikkim

  • Traditional arts and handicrafts have been the very breath of Indian Civilization visa-vis Sikkim too.
  • Significantly, Sikkim is also known for its traditional handicrafts, paintings, motifs, carpet, traditional tribal shoes, dresses, ornaments, weaving, and so on.
  • The traditional handicrafts in Sikkim had has enormous cultural significance.
  • Many of the Bhutia and Lepcha as well as Nepalese are engaged in traditional handicrafts production of Sikkim.

Handloom Weaving of Sikkim

  • In ancient times, the Lepcha’s of Sikkim were said to use yarn spun out of stinging nettle (sisnu) plant to weave clothes.
  • Today cotton and woollen yarn are used together with vegetable dyes and synthetic colours.
  • Lepcha weaves or ‘thara’ is woven in vertical looms with a backstrap. Such looms are of small width.
  • Traditional design with different colours are used to make tharas which are used for making bedspreads, bags, belts, curtains, cushion covers, table mats, tray cloths etc, apart from their traditional dress.

Woodcarving of Sikkim

  • It is one of the most important crafts of Sikkim.
  • Traditionally, only the Buddhists Bhutias and Lepchas used to practise wood carving. Indeed, wood carving is an ancient art form of both the Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim.
  • The items of woodcraft having wide range of variety can be found from household items to partitions to eight Buddhists lucky signs.
  • Woodcrafts are available in the following shapes choktse or table, almirah, sofa-sets, drawers or bhodin , screens, lamp stands, cheosum or altars, wall decorations, etc.

Wooden mask of Sikkim

  • One of the most important materials items of Buddhists’ traditional culture that has special socio-religious significance is wooden mask of various types being used during their religious dances by the Lamas.
  • The masks are carved out of the tough light wood of the giant climber called Zaru-shing, mostly found in the high altitude areas of Sikkim.
  • While in Tibet they were composed of mashed paper and cloth.
  • In all cases they are beautifully painted and varnished, and are provided with yak tail wig.
  • Each mask has a specific meaning and a story with certain religious connotation associated Various Wooden Masks with it.
  • Traditionally the mask dances are staged by the Lamas or monks in the Gonpas or Monasteries.
  • Such dances are normally performed only by men in the monasteries.
  • There are different types of mask normally made by Bhutias and Lepchas like mask of Khangchendzonga, mask of Garura, mask of Mahakal, etc.

Thangka Painting of Sikkim

  • The important Thangka is a paintings of divinities or group of divinities on silk clothes which depicts different incarnations and life of Lord Buddha, Goddess Doma (Tara), Guru Padmasambhav or God Chana Dorji or for that matter, any Tibetan saint, wheel of life (one of the purest Buddhists emblems) or some other deity, surrounded by deities of lesser significance etc.
  • Thangkas are the religious scrolls found hung in monasteries and houses of Buddhists.
  • It has an excellent tradition in Sikkim.
  • Such paintings are considered very auspicious and are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
  • Thangka painting is a renowned art of Sikkim.
  • “The Thangka works of master craftsmen sell for thousands of rupees abroad. They work in seclusion in remote villages” as cited by exgovernor of Sikkim namely Taleyarkhan (1981)

Cane and bamboo work of Sikkim

  • It is also the traditional handicraft Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese of Sikkim.
  • Cane and bamboo pieces are first of all split by using simple tools like Khukri or knife to make thin strips.
  • Thereafter the strips are sized as per requirement and are then intricately woven and modified and improved upon as per the graphical design.
  • There are varieties of cane and bamboo-craft products like, fruit, baskets, bamboo flower sticks bear mugs, hair clips, tea-trays, tea strainers, spoons, flower vases, piras, mats, hats and tumblers.
  • In Sikkim bamboo grows in abundance. But the cane is grown only in limited areas; thereby bulk of it comes from neighboring Siliguri or other parts of the North East.

Preparation of Lucky signs of Sikkim

  • Another important handicraft is the ‘Lucky signs’ mostly made by women in Sikkim.
  • The lucky signs are made by adopting two types of methods
  1. one type of embroidery work done by using needle on silk or ‘sharteen’ clothes
  2. Another is the paintwork (fabric) on silkl’shirteen’ clothes.
  • Such lucky signs are presented either in the form of words or symbol. It is used as wall hanging and means the ‘symbol of peace’.

Hand-made paper making of Sikkim

  • It is another important handicraft item.
  • Apart from other units, there is another important section namely Handmade – paper unit in the Government Institute of Cottage Industry at Gangtok, Unit was opened in the year of 1962.
  • Handmade paper, namely ,
  1. Rayon paper (used for rapping);
  2. Rags paper (used for making files);
  3. Card sheet (used for making greeting cards and paper bag).
  • Raw materials are used to be brought from Kolkata.

Carpet Weaving of Sikkim

  • Traditionally, carpet (locally known as Den) weaving is a symbol of cultural expression in the state of Sikkim.
  • Besides, Carpet is very important export oriented handicraft industry in Sikkim.
  • The carpets are of with various exquisite and intricate designs, motifs and colours which are typical of Sikkimese type and made of various sizes.
  • The price ranges vary according to size and quality of the particular carpet. Carpet weaving is dominated Carpet product by women.
  • Though it is a traditional activity, very few families follow it as apart of family tradition.

Blanket Weaving of Sikkim

  • It is also one of the traditional handicrafts of Sikkim
  • It is normally done by women particularly in North Sikkim.
  • The blankets are woven on loom, and the raw materials are available in local market.
  • There are mainly two sizes of blanket available i.e. 4 ft. by 6ft. and 4 ft. by 7 ft.

Soft Toys of Sikkim Supported by Sikkim Government and GoI

  • The Soft Toys Production unit of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Zero Point, Gangtok is one of the prominent sectors for support and creation of self employment in Sikkim.
  • This sector is being re-energized into a home to home industry through a project initiative namely “Production and Training for Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim “funded by the North Eastern Council, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and also Government of Sikkim.
  • The toy making craft is an activity that can supplement and contribute to the family income and also create self employment.
  • The focus of the department is therefore to facilitate continuous capacity building and skill upgradation in this sector and thereby create a resource base of trained manpower.
  • Quality standardization and product diversification are two important areas of focus and therefore the best raw materials for creation of quality products are being used in the training centres.
  • The training module has been oriented in such a manner so as to emphasis and promote products that are closely connected with the environment and also identify with the local ethos.
  • Our main motto is to offer quality products to our valued customers at competitive prices.
  • The Soft Toys Sector provides self employment and income to the large number of artisan in terms of quality and cost comparativeness of the soft toys products of DHH are compared to the best of the world.
  • Presently, one project on “Production and Training on Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim” funded by North East Council is underway and 225 numbers of trainees are being trained all over the state.
  • The department is required to ensure placement and create self employment for the trainees within and outside the state.

Folk Songs of Sikkim

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Folk Songs of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

  • The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
  • Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
  • Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
  • The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
  • These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
  • These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.
  • Folk songs and folk dances occupy a prominent place in the culture of Sikkim.
  • Men and womenfolk fully participate in dances to mark such important occasion like birth, weddings rituals or any other festivals
  • For those belonging to the peasant & labour class the melodious folk songs and dances arc indeed life giving ambrosia whose lifting tones & rhythmic pattern wipes away their fatigue hunger & worries.

Music cum Dance of Bhutias of Sikkim

  • Bhutias have a rich folk culture. Men and women sing folk songs and perform folk dances.
  • ‘Denjong Chha-Lu’ is one of the popular national songs of an older Sikkim, Beyul Demojong – a hidden land endowed not only with natural beauty but also with spiritual contentment.
  • Bhutias are devotedly Buddhist and the Denjong Chha-Lu highlights the significance of the secret land of plenty i.e. Sikkim.
  • Through this song-cum-dance marked with foot-tapping and graceful hand movements, the Bhutias also express their reverence of great teachers and sacred places by whose grace Sikkim has become a beatific land.
  • The dancers don traditional attire (see above) to perform. Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like the dranyen (a six stringed instrument producing melodious notes), gyumang (many stringed instrument, usually 74-stringed), piwang (two stringed instrument), flute, cymbals and drums. Bhutias are intrinsically nature-lovers.
  • Their country songs, called zhunglu, mostly contain descriptions of the landscape and its animals.
  • The song, ‘Zigmo Zeepa Jhoen’ means to greet animals and witness their merrymaking.
  • With rhythmic foottapping matched by the music of the dranyen, gyumang, piwang, flute, cymbals and drums, the dancers first greet the sun, and then form a circle to greet the snow lion of the mighty mountain, the vulture, the king of the birds, the ten-horned stag of the flat land, the striped tiger of the jungle, the golden fish of the sacred lake, the singing birds of the pleasant grove and the sturdy horses of the tamed stables.
  • As they tap out their rhythms, the dancers greet young lads of this ‘arcane’ land to showcase their skills at arrow-shooting, and to ask the young lasses as well to exhibit their talent at singing.
  • Through the medium of song, the Bhutias convey their conviction in the belief of peace and merrymaking.

Music cum Dance of Bhujels of Sikkim

  • Bhujels are fond of folk songs and dance, which are mostly seasonal, though some are used at any time.
  • Some of their popular dances are the Ghatu, Chutka, Jahmre (Folk Duet) and Nachan (Padurya).
  • Chutka’s various enactments begin from Maghe Sankranti (mid-January) and continue through till Asar Purne (midJuly).
  • Usually performed at night, it involves a group of boys going to the houses of unmarried girls in the evening, sitting outside their houses and singing the ‘Chutka’ which is laced with love and promises.
  • After the boys sing three or four rhymes, the girls come out from inside the house, and the entire neighbourhood begins to dance to the beat of the drums (Takyu) played by the boys.
  • Interestingly, the girls do not sing. Before leaving the next morning, the boys pay for the feast organized by the dancing girls’ parents.

Music cum Dance of Chettris of Sikkim

  • Chettris have a tradition of folk songs, lores and music, and use of stringed musical instruments.
  • One of the oldest and most popular group dances in which the Chettri community rejoices is the Maruni Naach.
  • The dance form traces its origin to Tihar, a period that marks the return of the Hindu god, Rama, from exile.
  • During the festival, which runs for 15 days, richly dressed Maruni dancers go on a house-to-house visit, performing in their courtyards.
  • Curiously, the dancers are usually accompanied by a clown, called dhatuwaray, whose job it is to protect the Maruni from rowdy elements and to keep alive the general performance with his gestures and humour.
  • In the good old days, the role of Maruni, surprisingly a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, the dance has evolved and female dancers are now performing that central role.
  • The dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the madal – also adorned with marigold flowers. With flute and cymbals, the intricate patterns of their dance blend into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and celebration.
  • Before the dance performance, the dancers assemble at the house of the teacher and offer prayers to the madal.
  • The teacher plays the madal in a slow, grand tempo, and then starts the decoration of the maruni.
  • Maruni is not only confined to singing and dancing; it also is comprised of dance dramas, conforming to different aspects – emotions and feelings; gestures; songs and clothes – as laid down in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music

Music cum Dance of Damai of Sikkim

  • The Damai people are very good folk musicians.
  • Both men and women take part in dance and music.
  • Some men are professionals in that they are known for using nine types of musical instruments, called naumati baja.
  • This is a traditional profession inherited from their ancestors which is why they still serve as folk musicians for all the Nepali communities of Sikkim, especially during marriages.
  • Naumati baja is an ensemble of nine traditional musical instruments, which lends an auspicious aura to ritual functions and auspicious occasions such as weddings.
  • The naumati baja repertoire consists of context-specific traditional tunes such as seasonal rice-planting tunes (asare), music for the Hindu month of Phalgun (phagu), the seasonal tune of the October Dasain festival (malasri); songs performed for the bride’s departure at weddings (beuli magne); music accompanying ceremonial rites (astute); popular folk dances, modern folk songs, etc.
  • Typical features of current naumati music are small intervals, stepwise melodic movements and short repetitive phrases, among others.

Music cum Dance of Kamis of Sikkim

  • Kamis are joyous people who spend their pastime in music and dance.
  • They are also expert performers of the traditional folk dance, Maruni Nritya.
  • They have folk songs related to marriage, juari is held after the harvest, and they perform Maruni Naach and Madale Naach at the time of Tihar and Dasain, their biggest festivals.
  • The theme and origin of this dance form may be similar to the Maruni Naach performed by the Chettri community and Mangar Maruni staged by the Mangar community, but this performing art, performed by Kamis depicts Maruni as a male character garbed in female costumes and ornaments.
  • Even the dhatuwaray or phursungay, who acts as the court jester wearing funny masks and clumsy clothes in order to make people–especially children–laugh, is traditionally typical.
  • The dance begins with sakhi or sasi songs, sung to pay obeisance to all the gods and goddesses of the earth, sky, the underworld and all the four directions of the earth.
  • As the Maruni dances to the tune of the naumati baja, the jester keeps alive the dance with his gestures and humour.
  • Although this dance is associated with the festival of Tihar, because of its popularity, it is performed even on occasions like marriages.