Growing up in a small Lepcha village called Kimrong, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rich cultural traditions of my people. Unlike children today who have access to recorded music and digital devices, my childhood was filled with simple joys of singing and the deep connection to music of my ancestors. Now when I think of those days, my heart feels like stone, weighed down by the memories that will never be the same again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a young Lepcha kid, I was told that our community was blessed with the art of music by the Narok Rum<\/em> (God of music). I learned the traditional songs from my elders, who passed down these treasures through oral tradition. There were few Lepcha songs I used to listen frequently from my grandparents and parents and I love them those days. The development on internet, digitalization is a recent phenomenon which impacted my people and places and I didn\u2019t even realize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once, the lyrics were just words to me but now when I can understand those lyrics, each words resonates deeply, unfolding layers of emotion, taking me back to old days. Today, we have a lot of Lepcha music with a fusion in it but I long for that old music which was once sung by my grandparents. I find it hard to select a particular Lepcha song for this article as all songs are beautiful in its own way. I am sitting in a chair, writing article near the window as sunlight streams in and birds sing outside, listening collection of Lepcha songs, creating a serene and inspirational atmosphere of my creative endeavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the vast landscape of music where melodies intertwine and lyrics resonate with our deepest emotions, I often find myself reflecting on the songs that have shaped my life. While all songs carry their unique charm and meaning, there is one Lepcha song that stands out to me above the rest. Tu Sa Komar Tey<\/em> is a Lepcha song by Renue Hildamit Lepcha and Ren<\/em> Mikmar Tshering Lepcha, which basically is about whose miracle is it that has brought this magnificent Earth into existence, Tu sa komar tey, Zombouling arey zuk boo tu sa komar tey<\/em>. The singers are amazed with the creation of earth with the vibrant life it has which evoke a sense of wonder and gratitude which left them with the questions Zombouling arey zuk boo tu sa komar tey<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I often marvel at the intricate balance of nature \u2013the delicate ecosystems, the majestic mountains, the vast oceans-all of which seem to work in harmony. Who, I wonder, orchestrated this symphony of life? Setut aachong Aarum Sukdum Lyang arey <\/em>means pure and beautiful earth. As the singers mention about the concept of \u201cpure earth\u201d, I am reminded of the beauty and fragility of our planet. The lush forests, clear rivers, and pristine landscapes are reminders of the Earth\u2019s inherent purity. Yet, I also recognize the challenges we face in preserving this purity. Human activity has left its mark, and it is our responsibility to protect and restore the natural world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zer abour bur aam zong, Chu bee kayu sa, Sukdum Ka, <\/em>just like gold blooming, these mountains and hills of ours in this world. It evokes a vivid image of nature\u2019s splendor, where the richness of gold symbolizes beauty, prosperity, and the vibrant colors found in the natural world. Lepcha community has been embracing this beauty and it has led to a deeper connection with environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a kid I always wondered how beautiful the world is. I read and heard a lot about the creation of earth interpreted through various religious and philosophical lenses but I still wonder Zombouling, arey zuk bu tu sa komar tey<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I find most fascinating about earth is how it is a happening place. Every day, life unfolds in myriad ways. From the bustling cities filled with human creativity and innovation to the serene landscapes where nature thrives, there is an undeniable vibrancy that permeates our world. As a scholar I love observing how people interact with their environments, how cultures evolve, and how communities come together to celebrate life. The song doesn\u2019t talk about the Laso Mung Kup<\/em> who terrorized the Lepcha community and how they fought against him. It is believed that everything we have today is also because of the Laso Mung Kup<\/em>, the clans, months, weeks, and festivals. There has been a new Lepcha musical band named LasoMung Kup<\/em> band, a Lepcha folk fusion band formed in 2018 giving tribute to the Lusomung<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes I feel the earth is not the same anymore as it has been described in the song. It has become a challenging place to live due to various socio-economic and environmental issues. However, there are many things that inspires to live longer, family, music, breathtaking landscapes, foods and health benefits. Life is a gift in this beautiful earth, we human beings are born into a complex web of relationships, emotions, and experiences. The miracle of life is not just in our existence but in capacity to love and connect with one another. I find joy in the simple moments then, sharing laughter with friends, sharing beautiful songs, singing along, working in the fields which was accompanied by the music and dances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the memories I have created along the way. Each moment, whether joyful or painful, has shaped who I am today. I realize that this earth is not mine alone; it belongs to all of us. We are part of a grand tapestry, each thread contributing to the beauty of the whole. This song doesn\u2019t just let me think of how and who created this beautiful earth but fills my heart with the responsibilities to protect the tyer orey <\/em>(anything valuable), create unforgettable memories, appreciate what you have, and most importantly to love earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zombouling, zuk bu arey tu sa komar tey<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earth, we love you! Aachulay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yogel Lepcha<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Growing up in a small Lepcha village called Kimrong, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rich cultural traditions of my people. 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