Limbus are one of the ethnic groups of Nepal, Bhutan, West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim and other Himalayan states of India. The word “Limbu” is derived from three Limbu words, Li=Bow,Toong= Arrow and Abu= Shooter OR Li + Toong+ Abu= Bow and Arrow Shooter. Limbus are courageous, hardworking and open minded. At the same time they are carefree, emotional and laidback.
The West Bengal Limbu Development Board is created for the overall development of the limbus of the West Bengal. At present the West Bengal Limbu Development Board is looking after the overall development of the limbus of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Siliguri, Bagdogra, Doars, Jalpaiguri ,Alipure and Jaigoan.
The Limbus have their own Holy Scripture: Their holy Scripture is called Mundhum . They are basically worshippers of nature or animists. Tagera Niwa Phuma or Yuma is the prominent goddess.
1. Language: Limbu/Yakthungpan
2. Script : Sirijonga script
3. Religion: Yumaism. The Limbu religious priests are Limbu Phedangma, Samba, yeba and yema(female).
4. Dances : They are as under; i) Dances after nature, e.g. Ke Lang,(chyabrung dance) ii) Agriculture Dance, eg.Yalang (Dhan nach or Paddy Dance), Ookma, Yialakma iii) War Dance : Only males and Limbu Shamanistic priests take part in this dance iv).Mythological Dance of Shamanistic Priests performed by Phedangma,samba,Yeba and Yema(Yemalang is bijwani dance or female shaman’s dance.
5. They have their own unique songs called hakpare, palam etc.
6. Festivals: Limbus celebrate various festivals and auspicious occasions. They are as follows;
• Chasok _Thisok (Harvest Festival): It is a harvest festival celebrated during the blooming of Phunchhing (Cherry Tree) by offering food grains and other agricultural products when it gets ripe or is ready for food to Supreme Goddess Yuma.
• Phungsok Thim : This is a festive to offer food grains and other agricultural products by the Shamanistic priests : Phedangmas, Sambas, Yebas and Yemas to their guru diety, Mangs, Sammangs and Sammang Chyangs.
• Yokwa or Yumang : It is the worship ceremony of ancestors as well as nature divinities and mother earth before involving in agricultural activities and celebrated during the blooming of Phanngrek (Peach).Limbus pray for rain, favourable weather, bumper crops as well as avoidance of accidents or wounds and bruises while working and prevention of floods, epidemic diseases and other natural calamities.
Musical Instruments: Chyabrung or Hongsing ke : It is a long (2.5 feet long) cylindrical hollow drum, usually sling from Player’s Shoulder on straps and rests at hip level. It is beaten with a stick to produce deep resonant sounds for different rhythms.
Folk Songs: Limbus have a rich tradition of singing folk songs. The folk songs of Limbu can be classified into groups as follows;
• Dialog Songs – Khyali
• Love Songs ___i) Shrakpa Palam Samla, ii) Palam Samla iii) Domkey Ookma Samla.
