Tashi Shoegpa (Sikkim)

Understand

Where Tashi Shoegpa (Sikkim) comes from

Tashi Shoegpa is the broader Buddhist-mask dance tradition of the Sikkimese monasteries, related to the Chhaam but with a specific focus on the procession and the celebration of the Sikkimese New Year (the Losar) and the state-festival of Sikkim. The dance is performed at the central monastery of Rumtek (the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa) and at the regional monasteries of the state. The form is one of the most distinctive regional traditions of the Sikkimese Buddhist culture and is regularly performed at the cultural programmes of the state and at the monastery festivals.

How it's practiced

Tashi Shoegpa is performed by monks of the Sikkimese monastery in a circle at the central courtyard of the monastery or at the open ground of the festival. The monks wear the elaborate mask of the protector deities and the embroidered silk costume of the Tibetan tradition. The dance is vigorous, with the small warrior-steps of the Cham vocabulary. Music is the long horn (the rong-chen), the large cymbals and the small cymbals of the monastery. Costume is the elaborate Tibetan silk costume with the painted mask. Performances are at the central courtyard of the monastery and at the cultural programmes of the state.