Cultural mask dance attracts tourists at Sikkim

RUMTEK - The traditional mask dance performed by Buddhist monks at a monastery in Rumtek in Sikkim was witnessed with admiration by a large number of tourists.

The dance was performed by lamas (monks), in the Gompa (monastery) courtyard, to celebrate a religious festival.

“I really enjoyed myself. This whole environment is so peaceful and tranquil and this gives us a good insight about culture which we read about and feels great about to be here,” said Amit, a tourist.

Every alternate year a weeklong Vajrakilaya (dubchen) puja with traditional Chham performances is organised during the fourth Tibetan month (May -June). The mask dance provides a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world.

Rumtek monastery was originally constructed by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 1740 and continued to be the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim. (ANI)