Sikkim Marks the Kagyed Dance Festival, CM Tamang Sends Best Wishes
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Gangtok, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, shared his heartfelt greetings on the festive occasion of the Kagyed Dance Festival, which is being celebrated throughout the mountainous state.
CM Tamang stated, “On this significant occasion of the Kagyed Dance Festival, I extend my warmest wishes to the residents of Sikkim. May the performances by masked monks represent the triumph over negativity and herald a year filled with peace and prosperity. Let us celebrate our rich cultural heritage with mutual respect and unity.”
“I wish everyone lasting happiness, love, and the emergence of new opportunities in our lives,” he further expressed.
This traditional dance festival occurs annually in Sikkim, specifically on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar, which corresponds to December in the Gregorian calendar. In various monasteries, Lamas engage in dance and song honoring eight tantric deities known collectively as the Kagyed. The Lamas also pray to these divine beings, seeking their protection from malevolent spirits and blessings of good health and fortune.
As per an official announcement, this festival is observed by Buddhists and is particularly significant in monasteries like the Old Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery, and the Tshuklakhang Palace. The Kagyed Dance or Chaam is a distinctive Buddhist celebration in Sikkim. The festivities begin two days prior to the commencement of the Loosong festival, another significant event. Monks don elaborate traditional attire, wield ceremonial swords, and wear masks as they move in harmony to the sounds of drums and trumpets, narrating stories from Buddhist mythology, especially the life and powers of Guru Padmasambhava.
“The Chaam not only symbolizes victory but is also believed to bestow health and wealth upon those who witness it. The festival concludes with the burning of effigies made from flour, wood, and paper. Various performances are held during different festivals, yet they all share a common element: masks representing numerous human, divine, and animal faces that depict fascinating tales from Buddhist mythology,” the official statement concluded.
