Dancing in the Clouds: The Mani Rimdu, Dumche and Tsogchen Festivals of the Khumbu Sherpas

The Mani Rimdu or ritual of consecrating pills with the Mani Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum was introduced in Khumbu in the nineteen twenties. Because of the elaborate dances performed at the conclusion of the ritual as a thanksgiving ‘party’ and a gift to the local population, the Mani Rimdu has become an important feature of Sherpa Religion and Culture. Due to the social changes taking place in Khumbu, however, there is a danger that in the future the Mani Rimdu rituals and dances could deviate from the original tradition established by the Dza Rongphu Lama Ngawang Tenzin Norbu. It is extremely important to record all details of the history, organization, rituals and dances of the Mani Rimdu festivals before they totally disappear. The Dumche festival, which is a religious and social gathering in remembrance of the first great Sherpa Lama Sangwa Dorje, has its origins in the seventeenth century. As with the Mani Rimdu, changes are creeping gradually into the festival. The present book Dancing in the Clouds contains accurate information about the history, organization, and rituals of the Mani Rimdu, Dumche, and Kyarog Tsogchen festivals, as well as a short history of the Thangme Gompa and its head Lamas. It will be of great benefit not only for westerners but also for the new generation of well educated Sherpas to learn the background and meaning of the celebrations they habitually attend.