Overview of the Paxiong Reba Festival
Paxiong, a village located on the eastern bank of the Quchin Zangbo River at the source of the Parlung Zangbo in Bomi County, Nyingchi, celebrates the Reba Festival, a historic event with more than 800 years of tradition. Originating from the era of the Kagyu school’s master Milarepa and his disciple Rechungpa, “Reba” in Tibetan refers to people wearing cloth garments, specifically denoting the traditional Tibetan dance – the Bell and Drum Dance.
The Festival’s Significance and Celebrations
Held annually on the 10th day of the eleventh Tibetan month, the Paxiong Reba Festival centers around the Reba dance. As winter sunlight reddens the village, each household selects an adult male dressed in festive attire, along with a well-adorned mount, to participate in rituals honoring Milarepa. Afterward, they mount their horses to circle the village clockwise, then gather for a communal lunch, sharing food and drinks while exchanging stories.
The Reba Dance Performance
The Reba dance, a composite performance art comprising bell and drum dances, acrobatics, and folk songs and dances, is prevalent in eastern Tibet’s Chamdo and Gongbo areas as well as in Yunnan and Sichuan’s Tibetan regions. The Paxiong Reba dance includes recitations, song and dance, comic dialogues, dance dramas, and acrobatics. Men wield bells, while women hold long-handled drums, creating an exuberant atmosphere with their vigorous dance moves accompanied by the joyful beats of drums and the clear sound of bells.
Unique Features of the Festival
The festival begins with men reciting epics or “bais,” a form of exaggerated storytelling that praises the homeland and ancestors while exposing and criticizing wrongdoers. The language is simple, vivid, and humorous, leaving the audience both laughing and reflective.
As the dancing progresses, participants form a circle, with men holding bells and women with drums, moving clockwise. The performance includes a lead dancer (“Repon”) and features various traditional dance steps and acrobatics showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Paxiong.
Festival Highlights
- Comic Dialogues and Reba Theatre: Interspersed throughout the dance are “Kasha” (comic dialogues) and Reba theatre performances, reflecting religious, historical, and real-life themes, contributing to the festival’s lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Closing Rituals: The festival concludes with the “Re Xie” dance, a collective dance accompanied by the erhu, signaling the end of the Reba Festival. The night ends with the “Guo Zhuo” dance, lasting until dawn.
Visiting Information
- Cultural Heritage: The Paxiong Reba Dance was listed in Tibet’s third batch of autonomous regional intangible cultural heritage in 2010.
- Community and Scenery: Paxiong Village, with over 30 households and 280 residents, is surrounded by dense forests and beautiful landscapes, offering a rich cultural and natural experience.
- Access: Approximately 60 kilometers from the county town, Paxiong is accessible by road. Visitors can drive or hire a car for about 200 yuan.
The Paxiong Reba Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of Tibetan culture, offering a deep dive into traditional dances, music, and communal joy unique to the region.
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