Bachhyam (religious tantric dance) and Shyabru dance have become special attractions in the pujas organized at the monasteries in Tartung and Sermathang villages of Helambu.
What you should know
The Chhechu Puja, celebrated according to ancient Buddhist traditions, is currently in full swing in Helambu, the land of Hyolmo.
Bachyam (religious tantric dance) and Shyabru dance have become special attractions in the puja organized in the monasteries in Tartung and Sermathang villages of Helambu.
The atmosphere was festive as local men and women dressed in traditional costumes and held hands and danced in a circular circle in the Shyabru dance. The dance was performed to the rhythm of sacred instruments in the presence of the Lama Guru.
According to the Hyolmo Buddhist tradition, the Lama Guru performed the Bachyam dance wearing the headgear of the goddess and the deity. According to Nimagyaljen Sherpa, the chairman of Helambu Rural Municipality, the aim of this puja, which is being held in various monasteries across the municipality, is to maintain world peace, human welfare and social harmony. 'The Chhechu Puja, which began on Thursday, is a tradition that will last for seven days.' On the last day of the puja, Monday, the Lama Guru distributes spiritual nectar water by performing chhewang (abhishek),’ said the Sherpa.
On this occasion, people pray for happiness, peace and prosperity throughout the year. On Sunday, the Tahongsa community performed Chhechu Puja at the Kesare Sang Phinchog Urgen Chhechuling Monastery in Sermathang, Helambu.
The Chhechu festival is not limited to just the happiness of the New Year, but is also considered a symbol of eradicating diseases, defeating negative forces and spreading positive energy in the society, informed Hyolmo Cultural Research Donor Tashi Dongba Hyolmo. ‘There is also a popular belief that a secret treasure is hidden for the future in the Helambu region, where Guru Padmasambhava (Rimpochhe), the founder of the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism, is believed to have meditated and practiced,’ said Hyolmo.
He said that the Chhechu festival, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, has been making an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of ethnic and cultural heritage.
Candidates have also reached the Helambu region of the House of Representatives 2 constituency to seek votes by participating in the Chhechu Puja despite the cold. Candidates Vanshlal Tamang of the Congress, Yubaraj Dulal of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), and former minister Sher Bahadur Tamang of the UML danced to seek votes.
These three main competitors are well-known faces in the district. Locals living in the city and outside the city have returned to their villages to celebrate the festival. The atmosphere in Helambu is festive with gatherings between family, relatives and friends, communal eating and dancing.
