| Description |
Chun-di-ru is an indigenous song of Choekhorling community that is revered as part of the cultural identity of the south-eastern Bhutanese community. Oral tradition traces the practice to the establishment of monarchy system in Bhutan. Since the content of the lyrics praises he ornaments worn by Azhi (Queen) Sonam Tshotsho. Sources recollect that the song was said to originate from either Bumthang or Trongsa, then the capital city of Bhutan in early 1900s. The song is similar to a Zhung-dra (an indigenous folk song) which is normally danced in a standing position with women forming a single row, though men can also participate in the dance if they choose. While there is no specific platform to showcase the song, locals say it is performed in all community ceremonies as well as for visiting guests. The song had been neither documented nor the lyrics written down until recently. The tradition has been transmitted orally, making it an endangered cultural element since elders have witnessed youth paying less interest and rarely participating. The song is listed as a performing art.
Chondi-ru is one of few indigenous songs that represents and identity of Choekhorling community within Choekhorling Gewog (block), Nganglam Dungkhag, in Pemagatshel Dzongkhag (district) of southeast Bhutan. The song has a historical connection passed down as orally from forefathers to the present generation. According to oral accounts, the song originated from Bumthang or Trongsa during the First King Ugyen Wangchuck’s reign. Supposedly, the song composed by Armo (maid) Her Majesty’s attendant who offered her baby to Her Majesty by praising her splendid ornaments she was wearing. Since then, the song was preformed and sung widely by the attendants, as well as by business men and commoners. Tax collectors and traders are assumed to have carried the existence of the song and its performance to communities. The song has since completely disappeared from folk recollections of Bumthang and Trongsa.
Judging by the song’s lyric and comparing it to other songs of various nearby communities: of Trashigang district and Martshala under Samdrub Chholing Dungkhag, Samdrupjongkhar district; the Chundri-ru lyric has a mixture of classical Bhutanese language Dzongkha, and some typical Tshangla language terms used for ornaments, the tune is quite distinctive as well. Besides the Chundi-ru song, there are also a few old songs which fall under the classification of Boe-dra (folk song) and Zhung-dra (the indigenous folk song) of spiritual, enjoyment, praise and romantic content.
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| Social and cultural significance |
Chun-di-ru is considered not only an indigenous song of Choekhorling community but an endangered song as expressed by the locals. The dance has its own unique choreographies that can undoubtedly represent the community. The dance also helps in presenting cultural diversity and enriches folk dances genre of the country. |
| Transmission method |
Historically, performers wore costumes such as men-tha or old designed Kira (Bhutanese womens dress) with white Won-ju (inner shirt), and black Tego (outer jacket) using Thing-khab (holding pins), Chu-dang (traditional waist belt), je-ru (necklaces) and had bare feet.
The Song and Performing Steps:
Generally, Chundi-ru song comprise ten stanzas of lyrics. The first couplet calls Her Majesty’s name as Azhi Sonam Tshotsho and describes her beautiful ornament she was wearing. The following couplet is nonetheless a chorus ended with the word Chundi-ru, naming the song as Chundi-ru. The second stanza calls Her Majesty’s name and praises her dangling silky hair which is again followed by a chorus. Similarly, the third stanza describes the ornament Ba-tu (crown like ornament) that decorates head and Dong-ra (earrings), zi-kom (necklace), Thing-khab (shoulder pin), Nam-za (cloth), Ku-ching (belt), Dong-kheb (front wrapping cloth piece) and finally Tshog-lham (boot).
The unique steps to the dance are also part of its place of pride in the community. While singing the first couplet, they lift right hand along with the right leg synchronizing the tune. In the following chorus couplet, making a partner they clash their right feet together and after turning around, again they clash their feet turning at the opposite direction. Using the similar steps, they perform till the end of the song.
The transmission mode is basically either involving oneself in the performance while elderly women are dancing and one has to memorize the lyrics of the song. |
| Community |
Women of Choekhorling gewog, Nganglam Dungkhag. Southeast Bhutan
Data collected by: Yeshi Lhendup, NLAB |
