Rural folk Songs in Sikkim

The beautiful hill state of Sikkim is cradled by the majestic Himalayas. Folk songs and dances, which embody the colours and sounds of the mountains, form an integral part of Sikkimese culture. Some of the dances describe the beauty of the natural surroundings, some depict the harvest season and others are performed for good luck and prosperity. Many of the rural folk dances are based on the social customs and religious practices of the people. Several musical instruments that accompany these dances are unique to Sikkim. With its one hundred and ninety four monasteries, Buddhism seeps into everyday life, yet it intrudes into nothing. Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche is the patron saint of the state. The breathless beauty of Sikkim’s landscape lends an air of magical unreality to it.

Singhi Chham

Mount Khan-chen Dzongpa (Kanchanjunga) is the third highest mountain in the world. This towering creation of nature is sacred to the people of Sikkim. It has been decreed the guardian deity of Sikkim by Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). This majestic mountain stands guard over the land holding in its crevices the sacred mountain peaks known as the Five Treasures. Its associate peaks look like the legendary snow lion, fierce and fiery, with a gorgeous mane hued in turquoise. The snow lion is considered an important cultural symbol of the state and is elaborately depicted in the ‘Singhi Chham’ or the Snow Lion Dance. The snow lion is a mythical animal. The Sikkimese people believe that if one sights the animal it brings good luck. This cultural symbol of good luck comes alive in this dance.

Yak Chham

High in the mountains, the Sikkimese herdman’s best friend on the ragged slopes is the yak. The yak is his sole means of transportation, besides providing him with milk and meat for sustenance during the long winter months. Its rich mane is woven into cloth that protects him from the biting cold, its rich milk is churned into cheese and butter and its rich fibre is woven into blankets. This dance depicts the movements of the yak and the simple lifestyle of the herdsmen of the mountains. The dancers don the costume and mask of the yak, and tune their steps to traditional songs and instrumental music.

Tamang Selo

Tamang Selo is a traditional Sikkimese folk dance patronised by the Tamang community of the state. A traditional musical instrument of the Tamangs, called the Damphu, accompanies the dance. The spellbinding dance, which is full of fun and vigour, depicts the colourful lifestyle of the people of Sikkim. It is performed during the Dasain or Dusserah festival, and expresses the joy and happiness of the people. The young and old come together to take part in the dance.

Shelo

Shelo is a Nepalese folk dance that is performed during Vasant or the season of Spring. As new leaves or buds appear on the trees, young hearts are filled with love and longing. The young boys express their love to their beloveds. Through their songs, they compare the beauty of the girls with the beauty of spring and propose to them. When after a lot of coaxing, the girls accept the proposals, they dance together with the joy of Spring in their hearts.

Sherpa Dance

Sikkim’s Sherpa Dance is a unique dance form. The costumes and headgear worn by the dancers are similar to Tibetan costumes. The difference with Tibetan dances lies in the foot movements and the language of the songs. The songs praise the colourful flora and fauna of the land and the dances depict the lifestyle of the Sherpas. The Sherpas are very attached to their land and proud of their heritage. Through their songs, the religious and God fearing Sherpas thank God for the beautiful Mount Everest which protects their land. Through their prayer dances, they pray for peace and happiness all around.