Tamang Selo

Songs, dances and festivals form an integral part of the Sikkimese culture. There are numerous folk dances performed on different occasions by the people of Sikkim among which the Nepali dance Tamang Selo is one of the most remarkable one.

Sikkim has a great genre of folk dance which though not being a member of any Indian classical dance culture enjoys a lot of charm and vigor. Most of the tribal dances are very simple but require adequate movements. The Tamang Selo dance in Sikkim is a unique dance form of Sikkim.

Every region has its own culture which is best seen in the dance forms. The Tamang Selo dance of Sikkim has basically derived its name from the tribal community Tamang of Nepal who largely practice this dance in several communal ceremonies. The Tamangs perform their dance with the beat of an instrument called damphoo, which they carry in their hands during their performance. Relating with the name of this instrument, the Tamang Selo dance is also known as Damphoo dance.

Tribal folk dances are mainly performed during several festivals and rituals and very often show their utmost gratitude towards some specified harvest seasons. The Tamang Selo dance mainly follows various celebrations like marriage ceremonies and village festivals.

Like the other tribal dances this dance is also full of spirit and receives a lots of appreciation from the end of the peasants. The Tamang Selo dance requires lot of physical movements during the performance.

Tamang Selo is also performed by the folks of Sikkim to rejoice the birth of a new child.