Just to think I developed interest in other cultures of foreign shores when my own Lepcha culture was so full of life and mesmerizing. Every step I take towards my culture and every stone I turn I find more motivating and amazing features which needs deep thoughts and understanding. So I just surrendered to this captivating experience and let it carry me away deep into the unexplored corridors of Lepcha culture.
“Chongey” or the annual Lepcha archery competition is an important occasion for most Lepchas seeking for an adventure with a cultural colour. And it has been one event that has seen equal participation by Juktenmoo, Buddhist, Christian and all the “in between” Lepchas. If I can recollect well, the kyoungs (Lepcha village) of Damsang Lyang have more eagerness to indulge in this event rather than their counterparts in Renjyoung Lyang where Buddhist festivals find more prominence in the villages. There are historical and cultural reasons for being so but nevertheless this festival has a special importance for all Lepchas.
The annual CHONGEY competition of Ngassey Kyoung was marked this year with the ONGS slowly taking over from where the elders left. The festival opened with a Prayer by the Minchyu Mun and of course the Dungeet Vom was also sung. Padma shree Ren ST Tamsang did not rest on his laurels but went up ahead and played his flute which enthralled the spectrum of Rongs gathered in the event.The entire event held on the small patch of rice fields near the Mayel Lee was conducted by youngsters, Chyo Tshering and SumPundee, eager and enthusiastic rongs from the Kyoung. It was a Kodak moment to see small children barely out of their mother's laps dancing to the tune of CHU LEP KA BAMBOO Ho...and on an equal note it was kind of nostalgic to see the "not so young but ok" anoms make it to the stage with their well practised Surongla Saknyee (..in fact- heard that they have been doing this dance for so long that they no longer need to practice...).Ok rice harvest is long over but that did not stop the gathering to pick up their memories and perform a rice harvest dance....fun to see the youngsters trying to pick up the steps which their well practiced parents had used long time ago to court each other....(maybe)...My MIL (mother-in-law) Renyu Marymith Lepcha rocked (as usual) with her solo song....awesome voice...Oh yes there was this song called Ho Lho sa Pundee performed the graceful aneus in graceful Dumvuns.Then again the SHERABU (Hunters) dance also managed to liven up the day with the gathering joining in at..pey pey pey...dinon dinon dinon....
The results of the day---Mongbol Busty team walked away with the First and third prize while Bongbusty managed a second merely preventing a sweep out....in the chongey....While Song tshering, handsome dude from the Ngassey Kyoung won the prize for the shot put..(comon we lepchas have a traditional version of this Olympic event.....maybe those sick Greeks stole it from us and gave it their own stamp)...The Ngassey branch of RONG ONG PRONGZUM was established on the day and the taking of oath event was inspiring to see youngsters so eager to work for the Tarwath (development) of the Rongs......
The day came to a glorious end with group songs and dances. Full points to Chyo Tshering and Sum Pundee for making the day interesting and lively.....thats the way we Lepchas do it...Beat us if you can...
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