RITUAL DANCES: The social scientists define ritual as a symbolic enactment of a myth. Each of the ritual is steeped in metaphysical symbolism contained in the myth behind it. If the symbolism of the myth is rightly understood, the ritual will appear as a poetic enactment; not an empty religious act. Myths are stories or beliefs that attempt to express or explain a basic truth. Most of the Mythological literature is full of epic poems steeped in fascinating symbolism. Many folk dances have been inspired by the mythology or legends (Pani, 2000: 10).

(a)  

Khainjari Bhajan and Balun:The Khainjari and Balun dances of the Higher Khasas (Bahuns and Chettris) contain verses of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These dances are performed by 5 to 15 numbers of male members, during the religious and social festivals when the episodes of the epics are recited to the rhythmic, beating of small hand drum called Khainjari. Balun is generally staged in an open space so is the Khainjari. Before the performances of these dances the names of the gods and goddesses are invoked. Long bamboo poles are fixed on the courtyard. Earthen lamps are lit on the sacred papaya fruits, which are hung on bamboo poles before the performance of the dance. Each man in pair move round the poles narrating the Bhajan to the rhythmic beats of the drum, comes forward and goes backward touching each others back. In the case of Khainjari Bhajan there is a leader of the group who narrates the verses of the Ramayana and asks others of the group whether it is true or not? (photos enclosed) (Gurung and Lama, 2004: 44-45).

(b)

Sakyo Rum Faat:It is a ritual dance of the Lepcha tribes of Sikkim, is an example of dances inspired by local legends. It is performed during the month of November. The dance is performed as a food offering worship of the seven immortal couples of "Mayel Kyong". The Lepchas believe that seeds of all kind of agricultural and horticultural crops were brought from the seven immortal couples. They also believe that the birds were sent to them for guiding them for sowing of seeds. To express their gratefulness they offer all kinds of food to the immortal couple of "Mayel-Kyong" during this festival. They sing and dance to celebrate the festival (for details of legend see folk tales section) (Gurung and Lama, 2004: 73-76).

Both men and women participate in the dancing. They dance in rows moving around the terrace. The musical accompaniments are provided by Palitkeng (flute with four holes), Pen tong (flute), Pen tong (Bigger flute with four holes), Nibryok Palit (double barrel flute), Satsang (Sarangi), Tanbuk (Vina), Tang Dar (a small round drum), Chakpurjang (Longish drum), Born Pochuat (a kind of whistle), Tangue (a small instrument made of bamboo and played by tongue) and Sahnai (a kind of Sahnai) (ibid: 124).

(c)

Tendong Lho Rum Faat: It is a ritual dance of the Lepchas of Sikkim and is also inspired by local legends. It is performed on the 8th August every year. Realizing its importance the Sikkim Democratic Front Government has declared state holiday since 1997. This festival dance is connected with a legend of deluge that nearly swallowed Sikkim, which was ultimately stopped by Rum (God) and saved Sikkim from drowning. The dance is performed as a worship of the Tendong hill. The local legend associated with this annual dance performance runs as follows: 

Rongnue, which was later, called Teesta and Rangit were born at the sacred lap of the Himalayan Mountains. They grew up together happily and as their youth bloomed they began to love each other secretly. But some how people got to know about this and started talking all sorts of things about it. They then decided to leave the place of their birth and go far away down to the meeting place of the hill and the plains. This place was called "Pazook" by the Lepchas (Peshok), which means covered by dense forest near the Teesta Bazar. Both did not know the actual path leading to the place. So they decided to take guides with them separately. Rongnue (Teesta) the female caught hold of Paril-Bu a snake and Rungit the male caught hold of a bird called Tut-Fu (Danfey). He at first hesitated but then agreed to be a guide.