The North-Eastern state of Sikkim is well-known for its rich culture. The performing arts of Sikkim are mixture of folk songs, folk music and folk dances. The range of performing arts, genres, and styles are huge in Sikkim. The population is segregated into three major groups namely the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalis, which makes it a multi-cultural state. Each of these communities has their own folk dance forms and each of them is different and each one is entertainingly wonderful. Some of the most popular dance forms of the state are listed below. Maruni Dance The oldest and most popular dances of the Nepalis associated with the festival of Tihar(Tyohar) or Diwali and various ceremonies and occasions. Usually performed by three male and three female dancers, it was originally preformed by male, where a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in time, female dancers are now performing such a central role. The steps performed by dancers look graceful with soothing songs competently supported by musical instruments such as Harmonium, Madal, Flute and Ghoongur in the background. Chutkay Dance Another popular dance form of the Nepalis is the Chutkay Dance, which is performed by a group of male and female dancers. It is a romantic dance form that enlivens the ambience with joys of life and feeling of happiness, which is shared during the harvesting season as well as on other joyous occasions. Tamang Selo Tamang Selo is a group dance of Tamang community. It is performed by robust foot tapping and convoluted sound and displaying Damphu instrument. Usually performed on all happy occasions, it emphasizes heartiness and vivacity of the community. Tamang songs known as ‘ Hwai’ are filled of emotions and are so popular that no Nepali amusement is considered complete without singing a Tamang song. Chu Faat Dance An age-old folk dance of Lepchas, Chu Faat Dance is performed in honor of the Mount Khangchendzonga and its four peaks, namely Mt.Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Simbrum and Mt. Narshing. These five ranges are believed to be the storehouse of five hidden treasures such as Salt, Medicine, Minerals, Sacred books and Food grains. Carrying butter lamps and green bamboo leaves, the dancers perform this ritualistic dance with the devotional songs. It is performed on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Northern Buddhist calendar every year. Kar Gnok Lok Dance A famous dance form of the Lepcha community, who are the earliest inhabitants of the land, Kar Gnok Lok depicts the sojourn of a group of migratory swans who take a flight from the warm plains towards the cold Himalayan region in the month of February and March and from cold region to the warm plain in the month of October and November. Literally meaning "Dance of Swans", this dance form is performed in honor of the seasonal migratory swan flight, which guide the Lepchas top begins sowing and harvesting their crops. Singhi Chaam Dance Also known as the Snow Lion Dance, Singhi Chaam Dance is a popular dance form of the Bhutia community. This dance is performed to pay homage to the sacred Mount Khangchendezonga and its four associate peaks. These peaks together resemble a legendary snow lion, an important cultural symbol of Sikkim. Mask Dance Mask Dance is the most famous dance of Sikkim and one can say it is almost synonymous to Sikkim. The Mask dance is divided into three distinct types,namely Enchey Chaam, Rumtek Chaam and Gouthor Chaam. Gouthor Chaam, is performed two days prior to Losar in the month of February. Rumtek Chaam is the most important religious masked dance that is performed on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the month of June. The dance presents eight signs of the Guru Rimpoche and is a colorful and fantastic dance form. Enchey Chaam is performed by lamas in the patio of 'Gompa' to celebrate religious festivals. This dance demonstrates flawless footwork with grace and the Lamas dress themselves with casually painted masks, ritual swords and dazzling jewels. Drums, trumpets and chanting of monks accompany the dance performance. It is annually celebrated on the 18th and 19th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar which corresponds with the month of December and January of the English calander.
