Arrow singing and dancing Da-gzhas

Folk arrow singing and dancing Da-gzhas in Tibet is a unique artistic form that is the most visible in Nyingchi areas. In line with ancienttraditional customs, seniors toss up Qiema(powder made from zanba and butter), the symbol of auspiciousness, to the sky while holding an archery contest to pray for gods’ blessings. They dance and sing while holding the bow and arrow high. The words and chants accompanying the dance have little practical meaning, but express strong feelings, an important artistic tool serving the content.

The Male performance of Da-gzhas

The Female performance of Da-gzhas

The performance of Siron Drungtze

Wild yak singing and dancing “Siron Drungtze”

Siron is a place in Tibet while Drungtze means wild yak singing and dancing. It was said that Siron Drungtze was composed according to the 5th Dalai Lama’s dream. It is performed at the end of the sixth month anc in the early days of the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar at the Gzhas Po(the opening ceremony) and Tashi Tenzin(the closing ceremony) of the Shoton Festival. With blessing, auspiciousness and success implied, it was performed during festivals in the olden days.

This performance requires seven male performers, two “wild yaks” which need two performers each,”Ajan”(or “Agerva,”lead dancer),a cymbal and drum player. The wild yak performance is mainly dancing, accompanied by talking and singing. It mainly reflects the wisdom, talent and courage of the hunter and the joy of conquering the wild yak, itsunique characteristics and different response before and after being conquered.

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