The communities have their own traditional folk dance forms. The Nepalese, the Lepchas and the Sikkimese have unique folk dances, each different and each amusingly groovy.
Folk Dances of Nepali:
Maruni Dance Maruni One of the oldest and most popular dances of the Nepalese associated with the festival of Tihar(Tyohar) or Diwali and various ceremonies and occasions.
Tamang Selo Performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, childbirth and village fairs with the rhythmic sound of the “Damphoo”, a musical instrument.
Dhaan Naach A projection of rich Nepali cultural heritage.
Dau Ra JaneZo-Mal-Lok It is performed during the happy ceremonies by the young girls in their traditional and vibrant outfits.
Sebru Naach It is a narration of the lifestyle of the Sherpas who are very fond of performing arts like dance and songs.
Folk Dances of Lepcha
Zo-Mal-Lok A depiction of sowing, reaping and harvesting of paddy.
Chu Faat It is is performed in honour of the Mount Khangchendzonga and its four associate peaks, Mt.Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simbrum and Mt. Narshing.
Kar Gnok Lok This “Dance of Swans” is a depiction of tarriance of a group of migratory swans.
Dharma Jo It depicts the harvest season among Lepchas.
Mon Dryak Loks A hunting dance for the supposedly adept hunters.
Tendong Lho Faat A folklore retold to the new generation corresponding the divine events in Vedas
.Mun Hait Lok A traditional dance by both Lepcha men and women.
Folk Dances of Sikkimese
Talachi The dance is accompanied with a folklore related to a king.
Lu Khangthamo This dance is a day of thanks giving to all Gods and deities of the three worlds, Heaven, Earth and Hell.
Gha To Kito This is a song cum dance which describes all about the treasures of Sikkim.
Be Yu Mista Males and females perform to applaud Sikkim in this dance form.
Chi Rimu A much popular dance for happy events and ceremonies performed by old and young.
Rechungma It is performed on the happy occasions like childbirth, marriage and other social gatherings.
Gnungmala Gnunghey It is a typical Bhutia fold dance performed in praise, by both male and female
Tashi Zaldha This dance depicts the Bhutia custom of offering scarves, performed by boys and girls.
Mask Dances
Enchey Chaam A famous mask dance performed by lamas in the ‘Gompa’ courtyard to celebrate religious festivals, dances demonstrate perfect footwork and grace.
Rumtek Chaam The most important dance performed on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the month of June.
Kagyed Dance A symbolism of the destruction of the evil forces and hoping for peace and prosperity to flourish in every Sikkimese home, it is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, around December.
Gouthor(Winter) Chaam> This is performed in the month of February usually two days prior to Losar.
Source : isikkim.com
