This particular Sendak was held after my grandmother's funeral, and it reflects the deep cultural and spiritual practices aimed at guiding the spirit and protecting the living.
Sendak is a post-funeral rite practiced primarily by the Nyingmapa Buddhist community in Sikkim. Performed after the deceased's body is cremated, this ritual addresses the presence of the Sett, a spirit associated with Lord Yama, the God of Death.
The Sett is believed to linger in places where the deceased spent time during their life.
The Sendak ritual begins with the careful preparation of an altar, where offerings are made to the deity, and permission is sought to begin the sacred rites
Setting up the altar for offerings to the deity and seeking permission to begin the ritual.
Next, a young monk acts as the messenger, guiding the offerings to the deity and Lord Yama while the lead monks recite prayers.
The primary purpose of the Sendak ritual is to drive away the Sett and protect the family from potential misfortune.
A young monk acts as the messenger, performing his duties by guiding offerings to the deity and the Lord of Death while the lead monks recite prayers.
Offerings, including a bladder filled with eggs, blood, and internal organs—typically from a large animal like a buffalo—are made to appease Lord Yama.
This intense ritual takes place at night, with monks and male family members moving through the home and neighborhood, casting fire and white stones while chanting "Cho" prayers to maintain their strength.
Monks chant prayers, invoking the God of Death, also known as Sett.
The ritual’s intensity is marked by the burning of offerings in a sacred fire set outside the home.
The idol of the Sett, accompanied by prayer scrolls inscribed with the deceased's name, stands alongside offerings of meat, a bladder, eggs, and alcohol, which are believed to appease him. The display also includes a pictorial representation of Sett with his army.
The Sett's idol, accompanied by prayer scrolls inscribed with the deceased's name, stands alongside offerings of his favorites: meat, a bladder, eggs, and alcohol to appease him. The display includes a pictorial representation of Sett with his army.
The Sacred Fire: All offerings to the deity and the Sett are burned in this fire, set outside the home.
The ritual's power is such that even an insect struck by a stone may die instantly.
As monks deliberate on the path to guide the Sett out of the home, the idol is positioned to face west, aligning with the setting sun.
This ensures that the spirit leaves the home, symbolizing the end of its influence.
Monks deliberate on the path to guide the Sett out of the deceased family's home, ensuring the Sett idol faces west, in alignment with where the sun sets from the home's perspective.
To complete the ritual, the monks and family members lead the Sett out of the home, accompanied by crying rituals designed to scare the spirit away.
Traditional weapons like the 'Hashya', 'khukuri', and 'Banphok' are used to frighten evil spirits and protect the family.
These weapons are also effective in creating noise, known as 'Halla,' to ward off any remaining threats.
Our Chombu Ajyung reciting the prayers.
Leading the sett out of the home, starting the crying rituals to scare the Lord away.
Local weapons like the 'Hashya', 'khukuri' and 'Banphok' are traditionally used to frighten evil spirits and protect the family. They were particularly effective for creating noise, known as 'Halla,' to ward off threats.
The Sendak ritual is a profound and sacred tradition that exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of the Nyingmapa Buddhist community in Sikkim. Through careful rituals and offerings, the community seeks to guide the spirit of the deceased and protect the living, preserving their spiritual connection to the ancient practices of their ancestors.
Lungmying Lepcha, an eighteen-year-old from Gangtok, is an avid reader and an explorer at heart. Passionate about preserving her culture, she aspires to safeguard the stories and heritage of her indigenous roots through the field of literature. Follow her journey on Instagram @laamiklom.
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