Myagdi folks worry over fading tradition of Deusi-Bhailo

Myagdi: The otherwise vibrant festive atmosphere in major markets including Beni bazaar of the district eluded bustle now- with only two groups performing Deusi-Bhailo during the ongoing Tihar festival.

Residents and shopkeepers have witnessed a notable decline in the number of groups performing traditional cultural dances and songs, thereby drawing concern over the diminishing tradition. Kiran Karki, a local entrepreneur at Indrenichowk of Beni district, lamented the absence of traditional charm in the market during the festival of lights and flowers.

Earlier, there used to be at least 10 troupes of Deusi-Bhailo celebrants performing dances and songs. The markets would turn into bustling and happening places, Karki recollected, adding that he only saw two groups performing the Deusi-Bhailo programme.

Karki attributed the shrink in the Deusi-Bhailo group to the increasing exodus of youths, especially skilled performers (artists) for foreign employment and abroad studies as well. ‘This year, the Aama Samuha and higher secondary school students’ were seen performing Deusi-Bhailo. The impact of the outflow of youths is starting to be seen in the culture of playing Deusi-Bhailo,’ he shared.

Gokul Sunar, chairperson of an organization of folk music artists, said there had been fewer younger women and men during the Tihar lately. According to Sunar, many young folks in the district have sought employment overseas while residents were busy with agricultural work.

With none to take forward the Deusi-Bhailo programme exuberantly and keep up with its sanctity, he worried about the disappearance of this joyous tradition believed to be practised since the reign of Bali Raja in Hindu legend. Skilled and esteemed artists such as Raj Kumar Pariyar, Soniya Pun, Gokul Pun, and Milan Thapa Magar among others have sought greener pastures, contributing to the dearth of artists for the cultural performances.

Addressing the talent shortage and conserving the tradition and customs of Deusi-Bhailo, Sunar said that they had trained a new troupe of artists. A typical Deusi-Bhailo group consists of 20-30 artists, he, who performs Deusi-Bhailo representing the Shining Dance Group, added.

Another cause for concern regarding Deusi-Bhailo is eroding cultural values, practices and sanctity. Songs were sung to the tune and beats of traditional musical instruments like madal, tyamko, sahanai, among others while dances were performed to folk songs.

Modernization has replaced tradition and extravaganza ruined originality in the cultural show. On the contrary, an association of Myagdi folks residing abroad has maintained the tradition of Deusi-Bhailo. They regularly organize Deusi-Bhailo functions in countries such as Portugal, Japan, South Korea, the USA, the UK and Australia among others.

Rahul KC, currently residing in the USA, described the Nepali Diaspora, especially those originally hailing from the Myagdi district celebrating their culture such as Deusi-Bhailo with great fervour in the foreign land. He recently noticed a gathering of Nepali groups, clad in ethnic dresses, singing original Deusi-Bhailo songs and dancing.

The Deusi-Bhailo once focused on entertainment and maintaining or fostering communal amity, is increasingly viewed as a fundraising opportunity. Artist Amit BC denounced this deviation, mentioning that playing recorded music diminishes the authenticity of playing live music and singing to the tune of traditional musical instruments. Deusi-Bhailo involves the storytelling of mythical references.

Another custom of Deusi-Bhailo is to describe the features of the houses and their owners, explain the reasons for their visit concerning historical anecdotes and offer blessings to the house owners, which creates a unique connection between the performers and house owners.

To preserve this tradition, community leaders and cultural experts stress the importance of maintaining the original form and content of Deusi-Bhailo. They also call for the new generation to engage in and uphold the unique heritage of Deusi-Bhailo, ensuring its original spirit in modern times as well.

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