Limbu community worries to preserve Chyabrung

By Thakur Senehang,Terhathum, Aug. 8: The traditional Limbu musical instrument known as the Chyabrung is a significant cultural symbol of the Limbu community.

 It is played during auspicious events such as weddings, festivals and homecoming ceremonies, and is often accompanied by dance. 

A wooden drum with thin animal skin stretched over both sides, the Chyabrung does not use metal fittings.

 The Chyabrung dance, a popular Limbu community dance, is performed in a circular formation while singing the ‘Mundhum’, a traditional Limbu song.

Manadhwaj Limbu of Chainpur Municipality in Sankhuwasabha said that finding a Chyabrung dance group requires travelling long distances.

He said that due to the previous generation not passing down this skill, it is now in danger of disappearing.

The basic rhythm of the Chyabrung dance is called Kasarqpa. The dance is performed in various formations, including circular, semi-circular, and straight lines.

 Participants move their feet in unison to the rhythm while engaging in interesting hand movements.

 Despite the decline in traditional practices, some areas, like the Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipality –4 in Taplejung, have seen youth becoming actively involved. Amrita Sawa from this area said that a club has been formed to learn the Chyabrung dance.

In the Chyabrung dance, movements imitate various animals such as the rooster, parrot, peacock, pigeon, snake, butterfly, deer and monkey.

 The Mundhum songs sung during the dance describe life and the world. To preserve the Chyabrung and Mundhum, some local authorities have considered allocating funds in future budgets.

 Arjunbabu Maboahang, the Mayor of Laligurans Municipality, said that they have included policies and budget preparations for the preservation of Chyabrung.

According to the Limbu community’s religious texts, the Mundhum, the practice of playing the Chyabrung dates back to the time of Soudunggen Lepmuhang, starting from the creation of the world and the development of human civilization. 

The instrument is named Chyabrung because it produces sound of ‘Chyang’ from the right side and ‘Brung’ from the left side.