Sisekpa Tangnam is a significant and revered festival that holds great cultural importance within the Yakthung Limbu community. This annual celebration takes place on the first day of the Sisekpa la, during the 7th month of the Yele Tangbe, which typically falls in the vibrant month of mid-July. The essence of Sisekpa Tangnam lies in a fascinating belief held by the Yakthung Limbus that Sakchyong, known as the king of starvation, can enter their homes, causing a scarcity of food and leading to starvation among the members of the community.
To dispel the negative influence of Sakchyong, the Yakthung Limbu people engage in a series of rituals and ceremonies during the festival. Prior to the crucial event of chasing away Sakchyong, individuals meticulously gather an assortment of cereals, vegetables like corn cobs, cucumbers, chilies, and tomatoes, as well as flowers and leaves of paramsing. Additionally, they procure or pyabo, various sacred items, and weave a rope from these materials, incorporating garlic and other symbolic elements collected beforehand. These symbolic ropes are then hung on the doorways of houses as a protective measure.
As the day transitions into evening, the community comes together to prepare a communal meal consisting of rice, meat, and local liquor, which is offered as a gesture of respect to Sakchyong before his expulsion. Night heralds the onset of the festival’s most dramatic rituals, as ang tyalo or pine-wood fires illuminate the surroundings, casting a surreal glow over the proceedings. Participants arm themselves with nanglo, a traditional rice-threshing tool, and various other implements, ready to embark on the hunt for Sakchyong within the confines of their homes.
Guided by elder members chanting the Mundhum of Sakchyong, each corner of the household is methodically searched, illuminated by flickering flames and punctuated by the rhythmic beating of the nanglo. The air is filled with fervent cries of ‘lande peyeo Sakchyonge,’ urging the unwanted guest to depart. As the momentum builds, the community collectively propels Sakchyong out of their homes, symbolically evicting starvation by hurling firewood and lighting materials into the distance. This cathartic moment is underscored by heartfelt invocations to the earth, sky, and the divine beings of the Yakthung Limbu, invoking blessings for prosperity, longevity, and well-being.
In this ritualistic dance of chase and liberation, the Yakthung Limbu community not only celebrates the triumph over adversity but also reaffirms their deep-rooted connection to tradition, spirituality, and unity. The festival of Sisekpa Tangnam stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring resilience and communal spirit that define the rich tapestry of Yakthung Limbu culture, underscoring the significance of collective action in overcoming challenges and ushering in a future filled with hope and abundance.
