Loading
Loading
Performing Art · Sikkim
Tashi Shoegpa
The Sikkimese Tibetan Buddhist monastery-dance — performed at the Losar and the Tsechu festivals with the monks of the monastery in the masked dance of the protector deities, in the tradition of the Sikkimese state festival.
Understand
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.
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.
The Sikkimese Tibetan Buddhist monastery-dance — performed at the Losar and the Tsechu festivals with the monks of the monastery in the masked dance of the protector deities, in the tradition of the Sikkimese state festival.
From discovery to practice
Experience it
Want to watch Tashi Shoegpa (Sikkim) performed live? Tell us when and where you'd like to experience it, and we'll confirm the details.
Bring it to your event
Every performer WRIKSH connects you with has been personally verified. Tell us the occasion — a community celebration, a college festival, a government program — and we'll find the right group.
Explore further
Hire performers of Tashi Shoegpa (Sikkim) for your event
