In tune with Tradition

“It’s not just a dance troupe. It is an endeavour to preserve and promote the cultural identity of our native land and to encourage the younger generations in Leh and Ladakh to maintain the sanctity of the art form,” says Dolma of Mahabodhi Cultural Troupe,as she along with her group of 20 dancers introduced her troupe at the Press Club,Sector 27.

“About eight different dances will be showcased in the city to generate income for sustenance of Mahabodhi Centre,an NGO. Among the most popular dance forms are Shondol,which is a royal dance performed by women,and Chang,that has men dancing around a traditional wine cup,” says Dolma,as she makes us meet the troupe that has ladies dressed pretty in perak,the traditional head gear,and sulma,which is a shawl. The men in katop,a traditional cap and belt,flaunted miniature tools like needle and knife.

The dance performance is scheduled to take place as part of the SAARC Folklore Festival,that will start on December 3. “We have brought our dance to Chandigarh to make people aware of our tradition and to invite them to the valley. They should help us get better education and assist our students to understand their cultural identity,” says Rigzin Angmo,a member of the troupe,adding that the group is looking for more venues to showcase their dance.