Overview
Folk dance is the form of Dance that is performed by specific communities and reflects the socio-cultural and historical heritage of a particular group of people or region. Folk dances are generally not performed in theaters or concert halls, but rather in community settings like village squares, fields, and streets. These dances are typically performed in public, often at religious and cultural events and festivals. Folk dances are performed with traditional instruments. The folk dance plays an important role in the cultural heritage of a community, preserving and passing down traditions, customs, and beliefs from generation to generation.
Classical dance is referred to as dance that is characterized by its technical precision, fluidity, and grace. These dances describe the character of gods and goddesses and religious scriptures Classical dance often requires extensive training and practice as it places a strong emphasis on posture, technique, and control. It is typically performed in a theatrical setting and has a long background history. These types of dances are performed in classical music and their costumes, movements, and themes are inspired by historical periods or cultures. Some of the popular Dances of Nepal are described below:
Popular dances of Nepal
Nepal is a country with rich in cultural diversity, and its traditional dances reflect this diversity. From classical dances to folk dances, the country has a wide range of dance styles that are unique to different regions and communities. Some of the traditional, classical, and folk dances of Nepal are:
Classical Dances of Nepal
| S.N | Dances | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bajroyogini Dance | Performed by Buddhists in Kathmandu |
| 2 | Bhirav-Kali Dance | Dance dedicated to Lord Bhairav and Goddess Kali, Performed by Newar of Kathmandu and Pokhara |
| 3 | Charitra Dance | Popular in Terai Region |
| 4 | Charya Dance | Performed by Buddhist based on the stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhists deities |
| 5 | Devi Dance | Performed in Gaijatra and Indrajatra in Kathmandu |
| 6 | Hanuman Dance | Dedicated to Hanuman( Devotee of Ram), Popular in Baglung and Syanja |
| 7 | Hudkeli Dance | Performed by the Damai community of the Far Western Region on the basis of the stories of Purans |
| 8 | Lakhey Naach | Masked dance performed during Indrajatra by Newar communities of Kathmandu |
| 9 | Manjushree Naach | Dance dedicated to Buddhist Sage Majushree and his consorts Brada and Mokshada |
| 10 | Pancha Buddha Naach | Performed by Buddhists on the basis of the ritual s and teaching of Buddhism |
| 11 | Kumari Naach | Dance Dedicated to the well-known Living goddess of Nepal Performed in the Indra-Jatra Festival |
| 11 | Rakta Ganesh Dance | Dance dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesh |
| 12 | Arya Tara Dance | Dance in the honor of the consort of Amoghasiddhi, the green-complexioned Tara. |
Major folk dances of Nepal
| S.N | Dance | Performed By | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chandi Dance | Rai, Kirant communities | -It is performed in Udhauli and Ubhauli parvas. -Dance is performed by a group of dancers holding each other’s hands and forming a circle and moving the body with the beat of the drum. |
| 2 | Dandi/Phagu Dance | Tharus and other ethnic groups of eastern Nepal | It is performed in a group by striking their stick(Dandi) and producing a rhythmic music |
| 3 | Deuda dance | People of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces | It is performed in Circle by holding shoulders between adjacent dancers where feet are often moved back and front and the song is sung by the dancers |
| Dhan Naach | Rai, Limbu | -It is performed during the harvesting time of major crops -It is also performed in groups forming a circle or line and holding each other’s hands | |
| 4 | Dhimal Naach | Dhimals(fishermen) | -It is performed during the rainy season before going on fishing as well as in festivals by Dhimals (also called Majhis or fishermen) of eastern Nepal. |
| 5 | Dhime Naach | Newar(esp. jyapu) community | -It is performed by jyapu of the Newar community during the festivals and crops harvesting season. |
| 6 | Ghatu Naach | Gurungs of Western Nepal and other communities like Magar, Dura, Balami, and Kumal | It is performed by Prepubescent girls(Ghatusai) without any scar on their body. It is performed in Baishek Purnima. |
| 7 | Jhaure Naach | Gurung, Magar of western, Nepal | It is performed by young boys and girls expressing the joy of meeting their loved ones. |
| 8 | Sorathi Naach | Magar, Gurung of western, Nepal | It is a group dance performed over 16 days before Dashian by western Gurung, Magar communities |
| 9 | Kaura Naach | Magar, Gurung, Darai | It is originated in the Magar community of Rising Ranipokhari, Tanahun. It is one of the popular dances in Nepal and is performed by Gurung, Darai, Bhujel communities |
| 10 | Gauna Naach | Maithils | It is a popular dance from the Mithila region( Janakpur area). It is performed in various festivals as well as religious occasions |
| 11 | Mundhum dance | Kirat community | It belongs to the kirat community. Dance is performed by singing a song “mundhum” by a kirat priest(DOPA) |
| 12 | Charita dance | Tharus | It is a popular dance in the terai region. it is performed with the acts of characters from the holy scripts of the Puranas. |
| 13 | Chyabrung Dance | Limbu | It is performed by the Limbu community of eastern Nepal. It is danced to the tune of Chyabrung. |
| 14 | Hopcha Dance | Rai | It is a popular dance among the rai community of the Dhankuta region. |
| 15 | Maruni Dance | Magar | It is popular the traditional dance of the Magar community. It is performed during the Dashain and Tihar festival. Both male and female perform this dance wearing a colorful dress |
| 16 | Bethi Dance | It is performed with the involvement of Panche baja during the paddy planting and resetting time | |
| 17 | Balan Dance | Bahun, Chhetri communities | It is a popular folk dance among bahun and chhetri communities during various religious ceremonies |
| 18 | Sakela Sili Dance | kirat Rais | It is a popular dance from Kirat rai community which is performed in a large circle to honor of sakela, a deity in the kirant rai community. |
| 19 | Sangini Dance | Nepali Women | It is performed by Nepali Women during a festival of teej and Tihar |
| 20 | Sherpa Dance (Shyabru) | Sherpa, Yolma, Tamang communities | It is popular folk dance from the Himalayan region of Nepal. It is performed in various festivals and others celebrations and gatherings. |
| 21 | Jhijhiya Dance | Maithils | It is a popular folk dance in the Mithila region of Nepal and India. It is performed during the festival of Dashain, to offer devotion toward Goddess Durga |
| 22 | Jhankri Dance | Magar | It is dance performed during the time of Sawan Sakranti Festival, dominated in Magar traditions. |
| 23 | Matrikastam Dance | Newar | It is a masked Dance performed by the Newar community during the dashain festival |
| 24 | Mayur Dance | Western Magar (Kham Magar | It is form of dance where a dance pretends to be mayur(peacock) and perform the dance like movement of peacock. |
| 25 | Khukuri Dance | Hill people and Gurkhas | It is a patriotic dance performed by hill and military professionals by displaying khukuri . |
| 26 | Tamang Selo | Tamang | it is performed by Tamangs during rituals and various ceremonies. The dance is accompanies by a rhythmic beat of Damphu (a hand held Drum) |
| 27 | Tappa Dance | Magar, Gurung | It is a popular folk dance among the Magar community in the Rapti Zone. It is based on the rhythm of a hand drum, known as Tappa |
Measures to preserve folk dance:
- Public awareness Programs should be carried out highlighting the importance of folk dances.
- Folk dance competitions should be held on various regional and National levels.
- The Folk dance of each community should be equally respected and should be performed in every cultural program.
- Various local and National communities and organizations should be formed to preserve and promote folk dance.
