Cultural Diversity Of Sikkim

The culture of any place is often depicted through its cuisine, people, religion, language, art & crafts, music and dance. In Sikkim, you will find a perfect blend of all these attributes to make a distinct culture of its own. Not only this, Sikkim embraces a synthesis of various communities along with their practiced religions. Sikkim culture has also been imbibed from the neighboring countries without compromising on its own individuality. In this section, we have put in the various facets of Sikkim culture in the following articles.

Sikkim has an interfusion of diverse communities, cultures, religions and customs. Sikkim is a fine specimen of harmony between people from different areas and regions. In Sikkim, the leading communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. However, the municipal areas are dominated by the plainsmen, who have settled there, owing to their businesses and Government services.

Sikkim Religions

The Sikkimese are highly devout people and religions play a major role in Sikkim. Buddhism and Hinduism are the two major religions of Sikkim. Perhaps, Buddhism comes into view as the predominant religious practice in Sikkim. Though, Hinduism is the actual religion that is followed by the majority of people.

Sikkim Languages

Language is undoubtedly a crucial medium to communicate. Sikkim is a multilingual state, where people of many communities reside harmoniously. Nepali can be termed as the major spoken language in Sikkim. However, English is also frequently used, though it is mainly spoken in municipal areas.

Sikkim Dances

The cultural heritage of Sikkim is expressed in its traditional folk dances. Sikkim is domiciled by many ethnic castes and tribes; each of them has its own interesting folk dances. These folk dances and music have become an inseparable part of Sikkim Culture.

Mask Dance is the renowned dance of Sikkimese people. Singhi Chaam and Yak Chham are the popular Tibetan dance forms. The various dances of the Bhutias are Lu Khangthamo, Gha to Kito, Chi Rimu, Gunung Mala Gnunghey, Be Yu Mista and Tashi Zaldha. Maruni, Tamang Selo, Dhaan Naach, Dau Ra Jane and Sebru Naach are different dance forms of the Nepalese. The Lepchas enjoy Zo-Mal-Lok, Chu Faat, Kar Gnok Lok, Dharma Jo, Mon Dryak Loks, Tendong Lho Faat and Mun Hait Lok. Rechungma and Talachi have been known as Sikkimese dance forms. All these communities have their own dance forms. In this article, we would discuss the major ones in brief.

Lu Khangthamo

Lu Khangthamo is a Bhutia folk dance that is celebrated to thank all the Gods and deities of the three worlds (heaven, hell and earth). This form of dance is enjoyed by all age groups in their traditional dresses and ornaments. On occasions like house-warming and New Year celebrations, this dance is performed in the company of pleasing songs and music.

Rechungma

Rechungma is a kind of typical Sikkimese dance that is performed to show gratitude towards God for his continued blessings. It is usually arranged on occasions like childbirth, marriage and other social gatherings.

Maruni

Maruni is one of the most popular and the oldest dances of the Nepalese. This festival is also correlated with Diwali or Festival of Lights. This beautiful dance is also performed at marriages. Maruni dancers dress in multi-colored costumes and heavy ornaments. Maruni dancers are generally attended by a clown known as 'Dhatu Waray'. At times, 'Naumati Baja', which is a nine instrument orchestra, is also escorted by Maruni.

Tamang Selo

Tamang Selo is a Nepali form of dance that depicts the 'Tamangs' community of the Nepalese. The dance is performed accompanied with the harmonious tunes of 'Damphoo', a musical instrument that the dancers carry in their hands. Owing to it, Tamang Selo is also known as 'Damphoo Dance'. The dance is presented on occasions like marriage ceremonies, childbirth and village fairs.

Limboo or Subba Folk Dance

Limboo or Subba is a traditional folk dance of the Sikkimese. In this dance, the dancers hang the 'Chyap-brungs', a musical instrument around their necks. The drum is beaten with a palm on one side and with a stick on the other side. The fancy trick creates two different sounds. The dance comprises complex footwork that is tuned with the beats of Cheap-Brung. This song-less dance has only rhythmic music.

Yak Chaam & Singhi Chham

Both of these dances are Tibetan forms of dance. The term 'chaam' implies some religious form of dance'. Yak Chham is a tribute to Yak, an animal at whom man relies for survival at high altitudes. Singhi Chaam is an important dance form, which is linked with five peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga forming an image of a snow lion. A snow lion is regarded as an important cultural symbol of the State.

Mask Dance

Mask Dance is the most famous dance of Sikkim and one can say it is almost synonymous to Sikkim. The Mask dance is divided into various types, Enchey Chaam, Rumtek Chaam and Gouthor Chaam. Gouthor (winter) Chaam, is performed two days prior to Losar in the month of February. Rumtek Chaam is the most important religious masked dance that is performed on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, parallel to the month of June. The dance presents eight signs of the Guru Rimpoche. Rumtek Chaam is colorful and fantastic, which allures many pilgrims and visitors.

Enchey Chaam is performed by lamas in the courtyard of 'Gompa' to celebrate religious occasions. This dance illustrates flawless footwork with grace. Lamas costume themselves with casually painted masks, ritual swords and dazzling jewels. Drums, trumpets and chanting of monks accompany the dancers. It is annually celebrated on the 18th and 19th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar parallel to the month of December - January.