Mask Dance is the most famous dance of Sikkim and one can say it is almost synonymous to Sikkim. The Mask dance is divided into various types, Enchey Chaam, Rumtek Chaam and Gouthor Chaam. Gouthor (winter) Chaam, is performed two days prior to Losar in the month of February. Rumtek Chaam is the most important religious masked dance that is performed on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, parallel to the month of June. The dance presents eight signs of the Guru Rimpoche. Rumtek Chaam is colorful and fantastic, which allures many pilgrim and visitors.
Enchey Chaam is preformed by lamas in the courtyard of ‘Gompa’ to celebrate religious occasions. This dance illustrates flawless footwork with grace. Lamas costume themselves with casually painted masks, ritual swords and dazzling jewels. Drums, trumpets and chanting of monks accompany the dancers. It is annually celebrated on the 18th and 19th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar parallel to the month of December – January.
