Introduction
Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country. So, various types of classical and folk dances are practised in Nepal.
Folk Dance: A traditional dance of a particular group of people or place is called folk dance. Folk dance is performed on folk music. The costume for folk dance is related to a particular community. It belongs to particular community, place or caste. Maruni dance, Jhyaure dance, etc are the examples of folk dance.
Classical Dance: The dance describing the character of the Gods, Goddesses and religious scriptures is called classical dance. The main spirit of the classical music is expressed by the dancer by moving the different parts of the body. It has been practised since ancient time. Classical dance is performed on classical music. It may not be based on any particular caste. It needs special costume according to the nature and requirement of dance. Charya dance, Panchabuddha dance, etc are the examples of classical dance.
Relationship among Folk Songs, Folk Musical Instruments and Folk Dances
Folk songs, folk musical instruments and folk dances are related to each other. They are the component of folk culture. They are complementary to each other. Folk song is sung in folk music and folk music is the base for folk dance. The folk musical instruments are used to produce folk music and add the flavour in folk song and provide the base for the folk dance. Similarly, folk dances express the meaning and spirit of folk songs and are performed according to the timing of folk music. Folk dances become more effective with the beat of the folk music and expressions and emotions shown in the folk songs. The folk dances make the folk songs and folk music lively. The whole performance of an artist is depended on these three components and hence we can say they are supplementary to each other.
Some Folk and Classical Dances of Nepal
Dhan Naach: This folk dance is practised among the Limbu community. The youths of the Limbu communityperform this dance during any Mela-parba. The song sung in this dance is called Palam.
Chandi Naach: The Rai community performs this dance playing Dhola-Jhyamta and singing Chandi song during the festival of Udhyauli and Ubhauli.
Ghatu Naach: It is practised among the Gurung, Magar and Dura community. It is based on the story of the King Parashuram and Queen Yammawati. The girls, whose menstrual cycle has not started yet, perform this dance.
Chaulo Naach: This dance is performed in the hilly area of Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal. It is performed in occasions organized in the month of Kartik. It is also called Chalo dance.
Kaura Naach: This dance is performed along with Kaura song and is in practice among the Magar community in most parts of Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province.
Madikhole Naach: It is practised in the Lumbini Province and Karnali Province of Nepal.
Mundhum Naach: Mundhum is the holy book of Kirants and the dance based on Mundhum is called Mundhum dance. It is practised in the hill regions of eastern Nepal. Fedaangwa performs this dance along with chanting Mundhum.
Deuda Naach: This dance is practised in the Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province and the dance is performed in circular group holding each other’s hand.
Hopcha: It is the folk dance of the Athpahariya Rai community of Dhankuta.
Charya Nritya: This dance is practised in the Newar community by impersonating the Gods and Goddesses.
Charitra Nritya: This dance is performed by impersonating the people of ancient stories, and it is practised in the Terai region.
Hanuman Nritya: It is practised in Baglung, Syangja, etc. People disguise themselves as Hanuman and dance.
Pancha Buddha Nritya: It is the traditional dance based on Buddhism.
Bhairav Nritya: This dance is practised throughout the country. People perform this dance wearing the clothes and masks of Bhairav.
Sorathi Nritya: It is the traditional dance of the Gurung community.
Maruni Naach: This dance is performed by the men wearing the dress of women. It is practised in the middle hilly region of Nepal by the Magar community. This dance is organized almost throughout the year.
Kartik Naach: This dance was initiated by Siddhi Narsingh Malla. It is demonstrated in the month of Kartik. So, it is called Kartik Naach.
Tarware Naach: It is the traditional folk dance of the Gandharba community.
Khyali Naach: This dance is performed on the basis of Khyali song. It is also called Pangdure dance.
Singaru Nritya: It is practised in the Lumbini and Karnali Province.
Rudrayani Naach: This dance is practiced in Khokana of Lalitpur district on the occasion of
Rudrayani Puja.
Salahes Naach: This dance belongs to Dusaadh and Musahar community living in the eastern Terai of Nepal. They perform this dance during the puja of Salahes, their favoured deity.
Jhijiya Nritya: This is a prevailing dance in Maithili community living in east and middle
Terai region. In this dance, women carry an earthen pot on their head and dance in group.
The pot which they carry on their head contains holes on it and fire inside it.
Saraya Naach: This dance is mainly performed in Gulmi, Syangja, Baglung, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, etc on the occasion of Dashain. It is danced in group in the temples holding
Khunda, Khukuri, sword or stick.
Sakhiya Nritya: This is a traditional dance practiced in the Terai region of Nepal by the Tharu community during Maghi Parva.
Balan Nritya: This dance is related to the character of Lord Krishna, Lord Ram, etc. It is performed in various occasions and festivals describing the religious fable with gesture.
Jharra Naach: It is danced striking the small bamboo sticks with each other and on its rhythm.
Pulukisi Naach: This dance is prevalent in Jyapu community of Newar. It is performed during
Indrajatra in Kilagal, Kathmandu. This is the symbolic dance of white elephant.
Jat Jatin Dance: This dance is organized in the Mithila region from Shrawan purnima to
Bhadra purnima. It is based on folklore of love between the hero Jat and heroine Jatin in which the moment of happiness and sorrow is expressed by the dancers. It is performed to please the deity Indra when there is not enough rain.
Importance of Folk and Classical Dance
☞It reflects our glorious culture and tradition.
☞It helps in preserving and promoting the typical culture of the country.
☞It helps in the tourism development as a source of entertainment.
☞It helps in the socialization and development of social harmony.
☞It develops art and skill in individuals.
☞Nepal is rich in folk and classical dance.
But many such dances are on the verge of extinction. It is essential to preserve them on time.
The following measures should be taken to preserve them:
☞New generations should be encouraged to participate in classical and folk dances
which are being extinct. For this, new generations should be sensitized about the
importance of such dances.
☞Classical and folk dances should be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges
and taught practically.
☞Regular competition of classical and folk dances should be conducted throughout the
country.
☞Electronic media like television, radio, FM, etc should give preference to such dances.
☞A visual documentary on ‘Folk Dances of Nepal’ should be made for their publicity.