the land of the lepchas ....mayel lyang

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Hunger strike in Kolkata

check out the link for fotos of Lepchas in Hunger Strike in Kolkata

http://picasaweb.google.com/sushillepcha

Mayel Lyang...a View

Lepchas of the world

Dungeet

RONGSA CULTURE

1. The collective form of the original ten Lepcha families who are claimed to have descended from the primogenitors of the Lepcha race, Fudong thing and Nazong Nyu. These ten families later became the original ten clans and are also associated with the folktale of Azor bongthing and the slaying of Laso Mung. The Lepcha refer to this collective form in every cultural as well as social aspect of lives. –RONGKUP KATI

2. The Lepcha syllabic scheme also the book of grammar rules for Rong aring. It has been described as the Power of words and as such enables a Lepcha to improve his fluency, force and rhythm of his speech. Using this set of rules Lepcha are known to have made 540 different sounds by using just one alphabet “K”. LAZAONG

3. Lepchas of yore prepared these manuscripts which fall under different categories some merely recording of facts while others are literary works but the most important of all – some of them are holy to the Lepcha and as such have very high religious value. NAAMTHAR

4. The Lepcha medicine man or the Lepcha healer. He is known to restrict his medicinal practices and prescriptions only to Lepcha community, and he does not share or offer the same to the outsiders. He believes that if his secret traditional knowledge of using plants is disclosed to any unauthorized person, the plants under use would produce adverse effects, and he may encounter ill-fate generated from the rage of the supreme deity of medicinal plants in the forest. This non-sharing attitude must have been one of the strongest reasons for the decline of this archaic system of medicine. MAON DAOK

5. The annual lepcha worship of Mount Kongchen Chu (Khangchenjonga) originally performed by the Bongthing of Nung village in Dzongu which later was adopted into Pang Lhabsol, the festival of Unity among the Lepchas and the new comers Bhutias of Nye Mayel Lyang. This festival was conducted in secrecy by the latter Buddhist Chogyals to appease the Gods of Lepchas. CHU RUM FAAT

6. The collection of ancient mythology, legends, and other folklore which includes stories of birds, animals and every creature in the nature narrated by older members of the family in the evenings. These stories also include tales that impart knowledge and education to the youngsters about the way of life and the primary traits required for survival as a Lepcha. LUNGTEN SUNG

7. The figurative form of Lepcha language used by Lepcha Mun and Bongthings while offering prayers. TUNGBAOR RING

Ngassey Chongey

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...

NAAM AAL SA KHAMRI

khamri to all

well here we are finally... the bull year has ended with all its misgivings and achievements...the baggage is left behind. I guess we have come a long way and we shall with all our efforts and endeavors go on.....this is the way it was and it shall go on no matter what.

With all my hopes pinned on this SUTHONG NAAM (tiger year) i move forward cheerfully. All our muns and bongthings have agreed that SUTHONG NAAM usually is the best year for the RONG SUKDUM and maybe thats one reason why i keep my fingers crossed. After all LASO MUNG PUNU was not slaughtered in a day. Even the mighty AZOR BONGTHING took 12 long years to ensure that the terrible demon is finally dead. So will we from this myth, endeavor for years to see our ENGS make it to the top. Another LASO MUNG PUNU dies every time our RONG ANUMS and ANOMS touch the pinnacle of success. Overcoming the stereotypes and labels Rongkups have to move on and keep one's achievements ahead.

In the movie MATRIX the protagonist (NEO) clearly states when enquired by MORPHEUS-"i dont believe in destiny because i dont like the idea that i am not in control of my life". There are choices my ANUMS ANOMS and engs....the only thing we have to do is make the right ones. And to do that we must be informed and must have some knowledge about the choice. So this is where our efforts coming to play. And this is where i say pledge for the new SUTHONG NAAM that your efforts will always be there and this will keep the entire community moving. A single good choice made by you can affect the entire ROngkup Community in positive ways that you can't even imagine.

SO keep them coming.....aachhuley