Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata, Ministry of Culture, Government of India presents documentary MIK LA KO M – Agricultural and War Dances of the Limbus in Sikkim. The Limbu ‘Yakthung’ are indigenous and native to the Himalayan Limbuwan region of the Indian subcontinent, what is now Eastern Nepal, Western Sikim, Kalimpong (India) and Western Bhutan.
The original name of Limbus is Yakthung, Yakthumba or Yukthumba. Limbu males and Limbu females are called “Yakthumma” or “Yakthungma”. Ancient texts state that “Yakthumma” or “Yakthungma” is a derivative from Yaksha and some interpret its meaning as the “Yaksha winner”. In Limbu language it means “heros of the hill” (Yak – hills, thung or thum – heroes of mighty warriors).
Apart from Nepal, the Limbu population is also located in the eastern and western districts of Sikkim. A smaller number of scattered throughout the cities of Darjeeling, and Kalimpong in West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan, Burma and others have recently migrated to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the United States and other countries.
Like other tribal cultures, dancing is an important aspect of life among Limbus. There are many kinds of dances of Limbus but in this documentary agricultural and war dances were documented.
War dance form is known as ‘Nahangma’. This is performed during - ‘Nahangma’ their religious function. Before Nahangma dance, Manggena traditional ritual is performed at home where all biological relatives participate.
During Manggena (ritual), stone refer as god with red tika offered is put on banana leaf. A large adult black homegrown pig is killed and present to phedangba. A Junglefowl is given to each person according to match with person's age and gender same as of their Junglefowl. Person who cannot be present due to problems will be done by their closest family member on their behalf. Phedangba say vision of each person when they present their own Junglefowl and later Phedangma beheaded the Junglefowl and sprinkle the blood. They eat their own charcoal burned Junglefowl liver with salt eaten with rice. The rest of meat are prepared for meal Bhutuwa or mixed yangben with rice for dinner. After the Manggena, Nahangma is performed that his spirit has become strong and reached at the top of Chuklung and returned from Chuklung. Chuklung means top of Himalayas. However, this can be done by only those who have no father. In this dance, only adult males and "Shamani" priests can take part. During the dance, they carry a Phedza in their right hand and a domesticated young adult male Junglefowl in their left hand or sword in their right hand and a shield in their left hand, or an arrow in their right hand and a bow in their left hand. The traditional rituals are done according to the tribes and clans. Some tribes will not eat chicken or buff or mutton while some tribes have different way in celebrating war dance ritual.
These forms of dances closely depict the life, social relationships, works and religious affiliation of the Limbus. They represent the rich culture, customs and heritage of their land through intricate movements of their bodies.