Blog Post (Mohan Aggarwal)

                                                                             SIKKIM

          LAND OF DANCE AND TRADITION

   LETS SEE WHAT THIS PLACE OFFERS US WHEN IT COMES TO THIER    TRADITION OF FOLK DANCES

          

1. Folk Dances of the 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.

• Zo-Mal-Lok

Lepchas are considered one of the oldest tribes in the world and they’re the original inhabitants of Sikkim, including Bhutias. They have their own culture, traditions, religious beliefs, and the language of their own, which is being preserved by then till today. Zo-Mal-Lok is a well-known folk dance of Lepchas, performed to signify the sowing, reaping, and harvesting of paddy.  This merrymaking spree is enhanced by the participation of both young and old, and every family.

2. Folk Dances of the Bhutias:

• Singhi Chaam Dance-

Also called the Snow Lion Dance, Singhi Cham signifies the 5 sacred peaks of the Kanchenjunga which looks like the legendary Snow Lion. These mountains are the significant cultural symbol of the state; hence it is clearly depicted in the Singhi Chaam performance.

• Tashi Sabdo

Tashi Sabdo is a traditional dance signifying the custom of offering “khadas” or, scarves on special occasions. Young girls and boys perform this dance holding snow white scarves in their hand. The color white is the symbolism of peace, purity, and prosperity.

3. Folk Dances of the Nepalis:

• 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. the knife is beautifully carved in wood

• Chutkey Naach-

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.

All the above-mentioned dance forms represent the cultural as well as the traditional life of Sikkim.