Dance Forms of Sikkim

Sikkim- ‘Land of Cultural Heritage'

Sikkim has an exquisite culture which is expressed towards any visitors as well as other people in the form of dances. And the cultural heritage of Sikkim is expressed in its traditional folk dances. There is a number of folk dances that are performed in the many monasteries during their annual celebrations. Every dance form has its own specialty and importance which is soothing your eyes and ears. Some of the dances are related to startling the beauty of natural environments. Some of them depict the harvest seasons. So, to know the tradition of Sikkim, you must explore the dances of Sikkim and get soaked in their holy culture. 

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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-

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1. Folk Dances of the Lepchas:

There are a variety of folk dances performed by Lepchas-

• Chu Faat Dance-

This dance is specifically performed on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Buddhist calendar of North. Lepcha community performed this dance to dedicate the peak of Mount Kanchenjunga along with its companions Mt Narshing, Mt Kabru, and Mt Simbrum. These peaks are believed to contain minerals, medicine, salt, and food grains. And so, their power is celebrated in the form of dance.

• Sikmari Dance-

Sikmari Dance is performed by the Lepchas to admire the beauty of nature. It is a type of dance where all the youth of the state gather to perform this dance form in order to celebrate the beauty of nature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDdaCDVL5tg

2. Folk Dances of the Bhutias:

Bhutias folk dances are included-

• Singhi Chaam Dance-

Bhutia community was being herdsmen have a strong affinity towards animals. The Singhi Chaam dance performed in order to show respect towards the mythical snow lion which is only found in the Trans Himalayan region.

• Costumes of Dancers- Snowy White Lion Costumes
• The theme of Dance- Mock fights to show the power and strength of the mythical beast.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otSeIYUhjZc

• Yak Chaam Dance-

As its name implies, Yak Chaam dance is performed by the Bhutia community to honor the Yak. There are many families which are dependent on the Yak for their survival for using Yak’s wools in their daily life. And that is why there is a special dance that celebrates the Yak. This traditional dance depicts the relationship between the herdsman and the Yak.

• Costumes of Dancers- Yak shaped costumes.
• The theme of Dance- Mock fights, war dances, and even performed love scenes of Yaks.

• Denzong Gnenha Dance-

The Denzong Gnenha is a religious dance in order to show the deep faith of the Bhutia community in their indigenous Gods. The beauty of nature is celebrated by the dancers wearing unique headgear which are made by the Sikkimese women.

• Tashi Yangku Dance-

Tashi Yangku is believed to bring good destiny to the land. Bhutia community believes that there are several Gods as well as Goddess who can control the natural phenomenon like floods, landslides, droughts, snowfalls etc. The Tashi Yangku dance is meant to alleviate the Gods for continuing prosperity and peace in the region.

. Folk Dances of the Nepalis:

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

• Khukuri Naach-

The name Khukuri means bravery in Nepali. This is basically a warrior dance and demonstrates the way soldiers march for the battle. Each dancer carried a Khukuri with them as a signifier of victory.

• Maruni Dance-

The Maruni dance is one of the oldest dances in Sikkim performed by the Nepalis. This dance is performed in the Tihar festival by the Nepali community as well as family occasions like marriages and births. The dance celebrates the concept of the victory of good over evil.

• Costumes of Dancers- Dhatu Waray or a funny clown dress.
• Instruments- A grand 9 instrument orchestra, known as Naumati Baja.

 

• Chutkey Naach-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n288nDVi-v0

It is one of the most popular folk dances of the Nepalis. This dance is performed by young girls and boys. This dance form is a part of every fair or Mela festivals. The young people wear flowers on their bodies and heads and dance to the beats of many musical instruments.

THANKS FOR WATCHING

                                 -- SAUMYA XC[14]