"I have taught,
performed, or researched many of the Nepali dances,” he says, adding that the
dances are, in essence, living history as they have been handed down through
time as a cultural and artistic heritage. Raghubanshi discusses some of Nepal 's most
intriguing dance forms with The Post.
Kartik Naach
King Siddhinarsingh Malla
initiated this dance during the Malla period. The dance is known as Kachhala Pyakhan in Newari and is
performed every year in the month of Kartik (October/November). This dance form
is nearly 380 years old and is a dance musical shown in various iterations over
2 to 27 days. This musical dance-drama has stories inspired by the Bishnu Purana. During Kartik Naach,
dancers are dressed in vibrant costumes roleplaying as Hindu Gods and Goddesses
such as Ganesh, Shiva, Barahi and Krishna . The
dancers are adorned with festoons around their necks. The dance depicts scenes
from stories about Sudama, Surdasa, Madhukaitava,
Baraha, and other mythological characters. Lord Krishna and his many
forms are also elaborately portrayed throughout the performances. "I
performed Kartik Naach from when I was seven years old till I turned 30. I'd
play Prahlad, Apsara, and all the
other major characters,” explains Raghubanshi. “Women do not participate in
Kartik Naach. Men cross-dress and transform into nymphs and deities."
Sakela Naach
This dance is popular
among the Rai and Kirat communities. The dance is performed by these communities
during Sakela Ubhauli and Sakela Udhauli, twice a year during Baisakh Purnima (full moon) and Dhanya Purnima. “The people from these
communities worship nature,” he says. During festivals, this dance is performed
as an ode to Mother Nature and as an offering for healthy crops.
The Sakela dance is performed in an open field
dressed in traditional attire. Sili refers
to the dance steps of the dance. The Silis mimic
animal movements, natural phenomena, and depict the intricacies of human
relationships with nature. The dancers carry crops and jhyamtas (hand-held
cymbals). They even carry a yak-tail
wisk known as Chamara, which is an
ancient royal insignia.
Samachakewa Naach
This is a popular dance
in the Mithila region. This dance honours the love and bond that exists between
siblings. “It weaves a beautiful embroidery of folk songs merged with the
legends from the Puranas,” says
Raghubanshi. During the Chhath festival, Sama Chakewa is celebrated in
districts from Tarai such as Mahottari, Sarlahi, Siraha, Dhanusha, and others.
The dance tells the story of Sama, Krishna 's
daughter who was falsely accused of wrongdoing. According to legend, Sama was
turned away by her father due to a misunderstanding, which in turn, transformed
her into a bird. Nonetheless, her brother Chakewa's sacrifice brought her back
to human form. The Sama Chakewa dance also heralds the arrival of colourful
birds that migrate from the mountains to the plains during the winter.
Dhime Naach
This dance is popular in
the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding areas among
the Newar community. “Dhime is a rhythm-centric dance where the ‘tal’ matters the most,” says Raghubanshi.
People dance to the music of the ‘Dhime baja’
(a type of drum) which sets a very energetic vibe during the festival.
This dance is performed
during festivals and after the farmers reap a good harvest. “Watching the
fusion of Dhime music and dance come together is a treat to the eye,” he adds.
Ghatu Naach
This is a popular form of
dance among the Gurung community of western Nepal . Ghatu dance tells the story
of King Pashramu and Queen Yambawati (also known as Champawati) and is peformed by Ghatusaris—the two main Ghatu dancers.
The songs in Ghatu allude to various folklore. The dance is mainly performed
during Baisakh Purnima.
There are numerous types
of Ghatu dances like Bahramase Ghatu
which can be performed at any time of year. This dance depicts daily activities
such as domestic chores and farming. The Sati Ghatu,
on the other hand, is performed only on Shree
Panchami in December/January or Baisakh
Purnima in April/May. Jhoda, another
indigenous dance form, is performed
alongside Ghatu. “For me, Jhoda is more fun compared to Ghatu, since it’s faster in rhythm,” he
says. The Kauda dance is also popular among the Gurung and Magar communities.
Only women perform the Ghatu and Jhoda dances.
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