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The Chham dance is one of the most magnificent dances forms
of the Buddhists, and is performed by the Lamas residing in the
monasteries of Lahaul &
Spiti, Ladakh, Kinnaur
and other areas. This dance, also known as the 'devil dance', is performed
in the courtyards of the monasteries before a large gathering of
spectators on some festival or a cheerful occasion. The villagers are
allowed to witness the dance and they take it as an entertainment with a
religious fervour.
Significance
The main purpose of this dance is to propitiate the deity, kill the 'evil
king' and protect the people from the wrath of natural calamities,
diseases and epidemics and ensure health, happiness and prosperity for the
people of the area. The Chham dance has a spiritual and religious
significance too, which the Tibetan performers as well as the spectators
understand equally well. Killing of the 'evil king' is only symbolic,
signifying "killing of one's own self, which is believed to be
inflicted with so many evil tendencies".
A Lama Dance
The Lamas dance in slow, circular, languorous movements in the courtyard,
with their outsized masks with grotesque expressions in addition to the
beat of drums, 'cymbals' and long pipes, adding to the exotic aura of the
mysterious land. The dancers wear costumes made of brocade silk in bright
colours like red, blue, yellow, pink and green with an elaborate headgear.
The masks, made of wood and papier mache with a thin coat of plaster, are
prepared by the Lamas themselves and like the Tibetan paintings and
sculpture, know no deviation from the rules and norms precious robes and
masks are the property of the monasteries and are carefully stored in a
room under the charge of a 'Kendan' (keeper).
Legend Behind Wearing Masks
It is believed that the purpose of putting on masks of grotesque
appearance is to make spectators aware of the numerous dreadful monsters
that are met by the soul after quitting the earth. These masks are made
after many imaginative figures of monsters, dragons, beats, devils, evil
spirits and skeletons. According to a popular belief, the departed soul is
frightened by such like terrifying figures and the lamas or some saints
come to its protection and guide it to the safe end.
Deities & Rituals
The figures usually portrayed in the Chham dance are of 'Yama', the Lord
of death and his demons, the second Buddha or 'Padmasambhava', the god of
wealth, the protector of horses and other animals, the great tempter and
so on. All evil forces are considered to be exorcised at the end of the
prayer and the dance ceremony presided over by the senior Lamas.
A clover blade, topped by the head of a 'Khyunk' (hawk) bird, is a
typical ritual called "Phurbu". It is one of the most important
weapons of tantric deities used by the Lamas for exorcising evil spirits
or pinning down the demons. This magic dagger is either made of wood
preferably 'Khadira' or steel or even cast in bronze.