It looked a virtual riot of colours at Old Rumtek Monastery, 26 km from the state capital Gangtok, on Tuesday, December 17, when many masked Buddhist monks performed a special dance before visitors from within India and abroad.

The masked Kagyed Dances performed at monasteries on the 28th and 29th Days of the 10th month where themes from Buddhist mythological are enacted and there is a symbolic burning of the forces of evil and inviting an auspicious new year.Kagyed dance (Monastic dance) precedes the Lossong festival that marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan year during the month of December.

This dance is performed symbolizing the destruction of the evil forces and hoping for peace and prosperity to flourish in every house of Sikkim. Kagyed dances enact a variety of themes from the Buddhist mythology and culminate with the burning of effigies made of flour, wood and paper.

Through these mask dances, teachings of Lord Buddha and other religious values are presented to people, evil spirits and misfortunes are warded off and a new year is ushered in. These masks are usually that of various animals and deities, with whom, as per the local people here, one meets after death. The masks not only enthrall the locals but even the foreign tourists who are the practitioners of Buddhism and find seeing the dance as a blessing.

David Lacina, a visitor from Czech Republic said "A totally new experience. The music and dancing together is extremely strong experience In Europe we hear a lot about Buddhism, but is not practiced widely. I would definitely like to come for this colourful event in years to come. "

Performed by the lamas in the 'Gompa' (monastery) courtyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect footwork and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels jump and sway to the rhythm of echoing drums, trumpeting horns and chanting of monks.

Another visitor from England, Paul Smith said, "A culturally enriching experience, in such a special occasion ahead of the Tibetan new year. Buddhism is a peaceful culture and others should emulate this peace. "