Kagyat Dance

Kagyat Dance is a very popular form of dance in the state of Sikkim. This dance form is performed with a mask on. The Kagyat dance of Sikkim is closely associated with a particular occasion in Sikkim and has a definite significance to the people of Sikkim. Therefore, it is often considered as one of the most popular festivals in the state.

The main sites of the Kagyat dance at Sikkim are the monasteries. These monasteries include the monasteries of Enchey, Ralong, Tsulakhang, Rumtek, Phensang and Phodrang.

According to the Tibetan calender, the Kagyat dance of Sikkim is held in the tenth month of a year, which is actually a time around the month of December. The 29th and 28th days of this month are celebrated with this dance form. The festival starts only 2 days prior to the festival of Losoong in Sikkim.

The Kagyat dance is performed along with some chanting and background music. There are some entertainers who provide some comic episodes in between the dance performances. The theme of this dance form includes some aspects of the myths associated with Buddhism.

Mainly, the monks perform the Kagyat dance in Sikkim. The monks pray within the chapel before performing the dance. The importance of this dance form is that according to popular belief, it indicates the victory of the good forces over the evil ones. The dance is organized and performed with the wish that all the people of Sikkim would be able to be economically self-sufficient and live in peace and harmony.