Dancing is a universal art,but travellers would be hard pressed to find a rival excelling the gaity and vitality expressed in typical Nepalese folk dances. Every village boy and girl is taught to step and turn in graceful rhythm, expressing with body and hands the stories that accompany them in song. Most of Nepal’s 36 different ethnic groups perform their traditional dances, which center around either work duties, religious themes or the age-old story “boy seeks girl.” Religious dances are the most ancient; the lighter folk dances came about later and are performed for the sheer joy and entertainment of dancing, making them popular among the local people.
Centuries ago, nearly all community folk dances involved religious themes. Still today, many of the dances performed during festival times have been performed by the same families for years. The steps are passed down from father to son along with costumes, props and endless advice. Since women are seldom allowed to participate in festival dances, male dancers often dress and play the parts of females. One of Nepal’s classical dances, Maruni, is performed by male dancers in female dress during October Dashain festival.
Most festivals that involve elaborate dance performances occur during summer and autumn months. Gai Jatra and Indrajatra are two of the most lively. During Indrajatra, eight nights are reserved for traditional Lakhe dances, stage by seven groups throughout the Kathmandu streets. Traditional lakhe masked dances are related to the legend Navadurga, a powerful goddess who killed the demon Mahisasur to restore peace.
If you are not in the country during one of these festivals, you can see staged versions of Nepalese folk dances performed at hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara. One of the most lively numbers is the colorful Damphu dance, also known as Tamang Selo. Damphu is the name of a small one-sided drum with which male dancers lure their female counterparts.
The Khayali dance of western Nepal is a singing competition between a man and woman. This jovial contest is no joking matter for some; in traditional performances, if the boy wins, he can claim the girl as his wife. Viewers can see by the degree of enthusiasm the female puts into the performance exactly what she thinks of the idea.
If you are planning a visit to the scenic valley of Pokhara in western Nepal, take a night out to see the cultural dances performed by local talented troupes.
The beautiful art of dance is still alive and flourishing in this land, and is surely a sight you won’t want to miss, whether watching a professional performance or viewing the spontaneous gaity during festival time. You’re sure to discover a wealth of expression that reflects the joy of living found in the heart of every Nepalese.
