1 digital video file (ca. 5 min.) : digital, stereo., H.264 file.
Summary
Lemah and Beh describe kinds of martial dances - often performed at tsechus and during certain rituals. The Lemah is a dance particularly associated with Punakha, and normally describes how the eight pazap groups are called to Punakha to take part in the celebrations remembering the famous victory over the Tibetan army under the Zhabdrung in 1639 - a memorial particularly associated with the Punakha Drubchen. Punakha was the seat of the Zhabdrung, and before the Punakha Drubchen could start all the Penlops (from Trongsa, Paro and Dagana) and Dzongpoens (Wangdue, Thimphu etc.) had to pay taxes (bulwa or byu) {see the scene in the Coming of the Zhabdrung, 2005}. The words sung in the Lemah dance contain a narration describing the whole story associated with the paying of these taxes and the other things associated with those times. It s rather like the Tam in Ngangbi Lhakhang, giving a description of those times. Each group singing Lemah will have a praise-song to their particular deities, for example the Bab Lemah (from Thimphu {Babesa}) talks of the deity from Semtokha - which is Legung Djarok Dongchen - the Raven-headed Mahakala. To paraphrase the words: It is an auspicious time here, and everything is as it should be. We have come to Punakha, together with our deity, the Raven-headed Mahakala from Semtokha to participate in the Drubchen. Last year we had a wonderful time at the Drubchen, and this year we will do the same, at this time of the auspicious waxing energies of the first part of the month. Extracted from Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu - Published by RAPA. All eight Lemah songs are reproduced (in Dzongkha) in this booklet. As in this picture, the Lamah singer points his bow and arrow to the four directions before he begins to sing. The Beh dances were introduced by the Zhabdrung after the victory over the Tibetan forces in 1639. They are much more martial in aspect, and more wrathful in their wording. Each of the eight Gewogs has its own Beh wording. To refer again to the Bab Gewog: When Mahakala becomes incensed with anger, he turns into the wrathful Raven-Headed Mahakala, and then he roars like a thunder-dragon; that is, when his shouting voice most protects the Buddhism of Bhutan. All evil spirits are vanquished....Beware!!!! (these last words are shouted as a war-cry). Extracted from Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu - Published by RAPA. All eight Beh songs are reproduced (in Dzongkha) in this booklet.
This is footage from the day before the tape's ID code.
The Nabji Drup begins after dark with the entrance of the GAPO-LA - the oldest man - who carries a phallus and engages in lewd banter with the audience.
Nabji Drup, First Day (evening of Dec. 24, 2005): There was a procession of relics during the afternoon which was attended by a few dances, the Beh and the Gomo Zhi. The Drup only started after dark - leading up to the Mewang Fire Ritual. Entry Procession of relics to Nabji Lhakhang: Beh - Martial Dance ; Gomo Zhi - Dance of the Four Kings Atsara Cham - Dance of the Atsaras ; Zhanag Ging Cham (Mewang) - Black Hat [dance] and Ging Dance followed by Fire Ritual.
Access (note)
Open.
Event (note)
Videotaped in performance at the Nabji Lhakang (courtyard ground level, looking towards the 2nd gate), in Trongsa, on Dec. 24, 2005.
Source (note)
Core of Culture.
Biography (note)
The festival is held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism in the 8th century and to commemorate the establishment of the Nabji temple. -- Bhutan Travel Club website.
Title
Beh. Nabji Drup: First Day [electronic resource].
Imprint
2005.
Country of producing entity
Bhutan.
Series
Bhutan Dance Project, Core of Culture.
Access
Open.
Event
Videotaped in performance at the Nabji Lhakang (courtyard ground level, looking towards the 2nd gate), in Trongsa, on Dec. 24, 2005.
Biography
The festival is held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism in the 8th century and to commemorate the establishment of the Nabji temple. -- Bhutan Travel Club website.