Go
To Index Page
Buddhist monks perform mask dance in Rumtek monastery
by Tashi Pradhan Rumtek Monastry
(Sikkim): It looked a virtual riot of colours at Rumtek Monastery, 26 kilometers
from the state capital Gangtok, recently when many masked Buddhist monks performed
a special dance before visitors from within India and abroad. Kagyad Chaam is
the unique, colourful mask dance of monasteries in Sikkim, has been presented
to the world as an insight into the religious tradition of the hill state. Chaam,
performed by the monks of the monastery is an important event on the annual religious
calendar of the village. Through these mask dances, teachings of Lord Buddha and
other religious values are presented to people, evil spirits and misfortunes are
warded off and a new year is ushered in. These masks are usually that of various
animals and deities, with whom, as per the local people here, one meets after
death. The masks not only enthrall the locals but even the foreign tourists who
are the practitioners of Buddhism and find seeing the dance as a blessing. " This
is the first time I am seeing these dances. It is really good and moving. There
is a lot of power in it that transforms it to even the audience, which is quite
fascinating," said Philip, a tourist from England. Performed
by the lamas in the 'Gompa' (monastery) courtyard to celebrate religious festivals,
these dances demonstrate perfect footwork and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily
painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels jump and sway to the rhythm
of echoing drums, trumpeting horns and chanting of monks. "Buddhism is coming
to European countries as well but still India is the natural place for it. I appreciate
this place very much because I have travelled around the main places of Buddhists
last month and noted that they have modern facets of Buddhism, like we don't use
much of rituals and colorful costumes as we can see here. But still the meaning
of Buddhism stands the same," said Edwin, a Russian tourist. This dance is performed
symbolizing the destruction of the evil forces and hoping for peace and prosperity
to flourish in every house of Sikkim. The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed
with comic relief provided by the jesters. Kagyed dances enact various themes
from the Buddhist mythology and culminate with the burning of effigies made of
flour, wood and paper. With a total of about 250 monasteries, the culture of Sikkim
is closely linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Sikkim is also the seat of 17th Karmapa
Lama Ugyen Thrinley Dorje, the only senior monk to be recognised by both China
and the Dalai Lama.
-Jan
9, 2009
|