In Sikkim, dance lies at the root of the socio-cultural pattern. Each and every rite and ritual in Sikkim is associated with a distinct form of dance and music.
Dance in Sikkim signifies the harvest season, as well as the prosperity of the territory. In fact, the Sikkimese have distinct dance forms for each season and festival in the territory.
It goes without mention that dance in Sikkim is accompanied by music. Sikkim dance sans the musical instrument has no existence: most of the dance forms in Sikkim are supported by the music of some kind.
Some of the important dance forms supported by music are:
Chi Rimu - Chi Rimu is performed by the young and old in Sikkim in praise of Sikkim. Chi Rimu in Sikkim marks the happy occasion in Sikkim: Chi Rimu is a form of reverence in Sikkim.
Lu Khangthamo - Lu Khangthamo is a thanksgiving dance to the deities of Sikkim. Lu Khangthamo is performed by the old and young alike on several occasions like New Year celebrations and many other festivities. Lu Khangthamo is, in fact, a dance form performed by the Bhutias.
Gnungmala Gnunghey - This is also a typical Bhutia dance performed both by men and women among the Bhutia community. Gnungmala Gnunghey is generally supported by hymns and songs.
Tashi Zaldha - Tashi Zaldha is also a Bhutia dance which celebrates the Bhutia custom of offering scarves. The boys and girls of the Bhutia are said to take part in this dance form of Sikkim.
Besides, we also come across some other dance at Sikkim that are supported by music and musical instruments. Some of the other dance of Sikkim are:
- Be Yu Mista
- Rechungma
- Gha To Kito, etc.
Moreover, dance in Sikkim also presents a distinct variation: in Sikkim we also come across a distinct type of dance form known as 'Mask Dance'. Some of the mask dances of Sikkim that deserve special mention among the Sikkim dance forms are:
- Kagyed Dance
- Enchey Dance
- Gouthor Chaam
- Rumtek Dance, etc.
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