CHOEKOR
Celebrated By: The Monpa Tribe.
Held On: Eve Of Holi, (March).
Rites & Rituals
After the crops are sown and when there is little agricultural activity,
in the seventh month of lunar calendar, a rite known as "Choekor"
is organized in the villages by the whole village community with the aim
of providing supernatural protection to the crops sown, for good harvest
and to drive away evil spirits, which may cause harm to the village
community.
The Celebrations
Voluminous holy books such as "Ka-gyur", "Bum", "Gye-tong",
"Nyi-thri", etc. are read in the village temple by engaging
village priests or monks from the monastery. On the last day, a procession
is taken out round the agricultural fields and the village carrying images
of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist pantheon, and holy books on their backs.
The procession is headed by two Kong-Yoks and behind them follows some
people dressed as 'Arp' (Army), 'Mem-dhakpa' (Gunman), 'Kyenpa' (Clown),
'Azara' (Indian ascetics).
Next comes one or two persons carrying religious flags followed by the
monks or village priest, and then by men and women carrying images and
holy books. The participants halt now and then where the monks recite a
blessing for the benefit of the newly planted crops. The participants in
the procession are offered tea, Chang, popcorn, etc by the villagers on
their way. With the completion of encirclement round the village and
fields they return to the temple. Thereafter, the rest of the evening is
spent on drinking tea, Chang, goods foods, singing and dancing.
