Silam Sakma statue unveiled

By Hari Prasad Koirala,Urlabari, dec.1: A statue of Silam Sakma has been built at the Limbu religious pilgrimage site, Aambari in Urlabari-9, Morang.

 Suman Thaklung made the statue in memory of his mother.

In remembrance of his late mother, Laxmi Maya Hukpa Chongbang (Thaklung), her son spent around Rs. 350,000 to construct the Silam Sakma statue.

 The Thaklung family unveiled the Silam Sakma and handed over its responsibility of preservation to the Kirat Yakthung Chumlung Urlabari Municipal Chapter on Saturday.

During the unveiling ceremony, her son Suman Thaklung said, “My mother was always concerned about preserving Limbu art and culture. So, to keep her memory alive, we built the Silam Sakma in her honour.”

In areas with a dense Limbu population, it has become customary to welcome guests at public ceremonies by offering them an attractive Silam Sakma instead of garlands.

Made by hand-weaving colourful threads into a four-sided design and placing tassels on the edges, Silam Sakma is crafted using bamboo frames.

Men and women wear Silam Sakma on their chest while participating in social or public events. It is used in Tongsing rituals, which hold an important place in Mundhum and Limbu traditions.

Most Limbu organisations feature the shape of Silam Sakma in their logos. It is also used in home decor. Although rooted in Limbu culture and tradition, it is also used by people of other communities.

According to Banu Subba, President of Yakthung Urlabari, the Limbu word ‘Silam Sakma’ symbolically means blocking the path of death.

He said, “‘Si’ means death, ‘Lam’ means path, and ‘Sakma’ means to block. Therefore, Silam Sakma is regarded as something that prevents the path toward death. It is closely associated with the famous Tongsing Takma ritual.”

Subba added, “Earlier, it used to be made from metal and leather. It was used to protect oneself from weapon strikes. Later, it began to be used in tantric rituals and worship. It was believed to ward off negative forces. It was also made of bamboo and cane. Eventually, it came to be made using thread and bamboo. In Tongsing rituals, Silam Sakma is given to participants to keep in their homes. It continues an important cultural tradition.”

Silam Sakma is regarded as a protective shield for life. Earlier, during rituals, it used to be kept in every household. In recent years, it has begun to be used for welcoming guests and during public ceremonies, Subba added.

 “It is worn with the belief that it will ensure the safety of honoured guests.”

The Tongsing and Yagrangsing rituals are considered extremely important in Limbu cultural practices. Silam Sakma is made and used in these rituals. Tongsing is performed for the welfare of human life.

Yagrangsing, on the other hand, is performed to bring peace to the soul of someone who has died an untimely death. “The symbol of Silam Sakma used in these rituals is also used in public programmes and in daily life.”

Tongsing and Silam Sakma are rooted in the philosophy of the Yehang tradition.