ATSARA FESTIVAL CLOWN
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| Atsara Though Atsaras fool around in the crowd Atsaras' should have mastered the dances as they correct the dancers. They are through with the rituals and the dance sequence. Atsaras have multiple roles during a festival. Atsaras also explain the meaning of mask dances to spectators, entertain them when dancers are in the changing room, and help control the crowd. Atsaras also perform the Atsara Ngon Cham on the last day of the tsechu. The dance is an interpretation of the resurrection of legendary hunter Sharop Gyem Dorji. Through the dance it teaches people that even the most sinful is enlightened if he follows the path of Buddha’s teachings. The term atsara, according to Bhutanese scholars, is derived from the Sanskrit word Acharya (holy teacher) called dubthop in Dzongkha. Legends say that about 84 dubthops (Mahasiddhas), who had extinguished all defilements and afflictions, roamed the universe to subdue evil thoughts by mocking at worldly things. Colourfully dressed, eccentric in behaviour, and even vulgar and abusive in language, the dubthops used their wit and tricks together with their powers to uproot evil from the minds of mortals. The dubthops cultivated detachment from mortal feelings like embarrassment, hesitation, and reservation, as such they appear in these forms and are always vulgar.” Atsaras also symbolised spiritual protection. The balloon and the wooden phallus, which the atsara holds are symbols. The balloon represents the swine bladder, which the dubthops used to collect diseases sown by demons. The wooden phallus symbolises the genuine accomplishment of wisdom by the dubthops, and the tang-ti (rattle), represents khandoms (consort) of the dubthops. Atsaras feel spiritually lifted and happy performing their roles during the three-day tsechu although sometimes they have to face uncomfortable situations in response to their lewd and vulgar comments. |
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