Cultural Sakhiya Dance adds to festive spirit among Tharu people in Dashain

Nepalgunj (Banke): The traditional ‘Sakhiya’ dance has brought a festive atmosphere to Tharu settlements in Banke district during Dashain festival.

The Tharu people here have been enjoying the traditional dance since a few days before Dashain. It continues for a few days after Dashain ends.

In most Tharu-majority villages in the district, young men and women gather every evening to engage in the Sakhiya dance. Performed in groups in the evenings after completing their day-time activities, this dance reflects the spirit of mutual harmony and unity, preserving cultural values in the villages.

According to Dipendra Chaudhary, local Tharu leader of Maitahawa of Kohalpur municipality, the performance of Sakhiya has added to the festive spirit of Dashain. During the performance of dance, A Guruwa (a traditional healer) is portrayed and elders perform a role of its protectors.

According to Bikram Tharu of Baijapur of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, women dance while men play the ‘madal’ drum (Nepali folk musical instrument).

Four to five young men participate in this, playing the madal for one group dance, which typically includes 15 to 20 young women dancing. The participants dress in traditional attire, consisting of a white ‘fariya’ (sari) and a red ‘choliya’ (blouse), accented with red ribbons.

The manjira which is adorned with seven different colours along with various Tharu cultural ornaments is as additional attraction of the dance.

Various deities such as Demandaura, Ghotaili, Jaganthwa, Pasiya, Katkatuwa, Jinguni, Maduwa, Shiva-Parvati, the Pandavas, and Krishna are praised in devotional songs performed during the Sakhiya dance. The dance performers pray for peace, happiness, and security of the community through such devotional songs.

According to Tharu local leaders, this dance is called Sakhiya as it is performed in groups by young people and their companions. Once the dance concludes, the participants use the collected funds to enjoy delicacies as per the Tharu traditions.

The Dance is recognised in the Tharu community for its contribution to promoting communal bonds as well.

The Sakhiya dance, which is deeply rooted in the indigenous art, traditions, and cultural identity of the Tharu community, remains an important part of the community’s has been passed down through generations during Dashain.

RSS