Singhi Chham

Singhi Chham or Kanchendzonga Dance is a dance form in Sikkim whereby the dancers perform in a lion costume that represents the snow lion. It is a dance of the Bhutia people, and was said to have been introduced by Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim, in the 18th century.[1] It is usually performed during the Panglapsool festival.[2]

In this dance, there may be two to four snow lions, each snow lion consists of two men in a lion costume, which is white with a bluish mane. The dance is accompanied by a single drummer.[3] It has religious association as the peaks of Kangchenjunga (Khang-Chen Dzong Pa), which is sacred to the people of Sikkim, are believed to resemble the legendary snow lion.[2]

See also

Lion dance

References

  1. ↑ "Singhi Chham Dance".
  2. 1 2 J. R. Subba (2008). History, Culture and Customs of Sikkim. Gyan Books Pvt. Ltd. p. 193. ISBN 9788121209649.
  3. ↑ Shobhna Gupta (2007). Dances of India. Har-Anand. p. 76. ISBN 978-8124108666.
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