1.3.

CEREMONIAL DANCES :There are two kinds of ceremonies: religious and social. The religious ceremonial dances have ritualistic overtones and are celebrative in character, while some of the dances have fascinating symbolism, others only celebrate important religious occasions (Pani, 2000: 28).

 Marooni Dance: Marooni dance is the most popular dance of the entire Nepali Ethnic communities of Sikkim. It is performed to celebrate Diwali (Tihar) festival from the evening of the Laxmi puja and lasts until the Ekadasi of the festival. This dance is not only confined to singing and dancing but dance dramas like the" Vijaya Bharat", "Sorati", and "Ghantu" fall within its ambit. Maraoni dance includes songs, music and dance and relates to four different types of movement as explained in the Natya Veda of Bharata. These four movements are (i) sacred emotions and feelings, (ii) gestures (angika), (iii) songs (bhasika), and iv) clothes (asarya). The dance is full of emotions. Karuna, Birani, Khiyali and Bivasa are the main ragas, which express tender feeling of heart. The other ragas like Garra, Tappa, and Chakara depict the experiences of day-to-day life. The other ragas of Samala, Sarati, Bivasa are based on the ancient social or mythological stories. These are actually dance dramas. The dance drama called Soroti takes a whole night for its proper rendering

These dance dramas contain singing, dancing and acting. Each item of clothes to be worn by the dancers (Maroonies) and the jester (Dhatwaray) should be according to the certain laid down ancient rules as mentioned in the Natya Sastra. Three types of musical instruments i.e. Madal (drum), flute and cymbals are used. The main characters taking part in the dance undergo fasting before the performance of the dance. They all assemble at the house of the Guru and offer prayers to the Ganapati (Madal). The guru start playing the Madal in a slow tempo and then the decoration of the Maroonies (dancers) start. The Maroonies are adorned with different items of ornaments and clothes according to the songs sung on the occasion. The Madals too are decorated with marigold flowers (photo enclosed).

The Marooni dance is performed on the courtyard of every house. Sakhi or Sasi songs are then sung to play obeisance to all the gods and goddesses of the earth, the sky, the under world and of all the four directions of the earth. The jester keeps alive the dance with his gestures and humor as the dancing goes on. When the dance comes to an end the family members of the house collect the scattered flowers to keep them in safe custody until next year. The dancers thus visit house after house. In simple solemn ceremony the spirit of various deities are invoked. They sing blessing songs for the household, long life and well being of the family, good health of the elders and prosperity. They say that they have come for this by the order of Bali Hang the Kirata King and not by their own. They ask forgiveness from the gods of heaven for them in errors and pay their last respect to the god of heaven (Gurung and Lama, 2004: 46-58).

(b)

Kagyed Mask Dance: Before Losoong festival starts, monks in the monasteries perform a ceremony dance (chham) called "Gutor". "Kagyed" means the eight teachings of the Guru are depicted in the dance forms. These dance forms are the most important part of the "Gutor ceremony" and is held on the 28th Day of the 4th Month (December-January) at the monasteries at Enchey, Tsuklhakhang, Phodong, Rumtek and other old monasteries. The other religious dance or Chhams that are performed prior to Losoong are Rolchham (Cymbal Dance), Tshamche (Animal headed mask dances), Shyak (Dances of horned animals), Namding (Dances of winged birds/animals), Thakshobalop (Dances of tile beasts), Dhur Chhams (Skeleton dances), Shanag (Black Hat Dances), ect.. The dancers wear coloured wooden masks, other costumes and perform the dance with typical leg, head and body movements like the animals (photo enclosed) (Bhutia, 2007).