Suwen Shakya Lakh, a young talent from Hille Bazar in Dhankuta Municipality-1, is making waves with his dance skills. During school holidays, Suwen takes to the bazaar streets dressed as a ‘mukundo’ to showcase his dancing prowess. He’s not alone in this newfound enthusiasm; lately, there’s been a surge in teenagers’ interest in the traditional Lakhe Naach dance.
Suwen, a third-grader at a local school, shares his motivation for diving into this vibrant art form. “I really like it,” he says, referring to the Lakhe Naach. This traditional dance involves wrapping a large piece of cloth around the face and adorning a ‘mukundo.’
Similarly, 15-year-old Sano Shrestha is proving to be equally skilled in this ancient dance form. Sano embarked on his dancing journey after receiving training just last year. “Dancing is fun because everyone looks at you,” he enthusiastically declares. Ivanjung Rana Magar, a local familiar with this dance, shares that he was drawn to it after watching his friends perform.
Dijesh Shakya, President of the Jhigu Newari Society, remarks on the recent surge of interest among the younger generation in Newari culture, including musical instruments and dance forms. The Lakhe Naach dance incorporates traditional instruments like the ‘dhan’ drum and ‘jhyamta’ to complement the song, enriching the dance’s cultural essence. Santosh Shrestha, Secretary of the Jhigu Newa Society, notes that Lakhe Naach began in Hille around a decade ago, and its commencement varies depending on the location. In Dhankuta, the dance starts on different days, with the market area’s performance initiating from Ghantakarna or Gathemangal. Lakhe dance kicks off from Hillema Nag Panchami.
Roshan Shrestha, President of Neva de Dabuka, highlights that generations have danced in Dhankuta’s market area. The dance commences from Gantakarna and culminates during Krishna Janmashtami. Roshan points out that numerous people up to the age of 50 have actively participated in these dance traditions. Lakhe dances are also performed in locations like Sidhuwa, Pakhriwas, and Mulghat in Dhankuta, with performers receiving compensation at the doorstep. Leaders stress the importance of dancing for cultural preservation rather than solely for financial gain. Legend has it that the Lakhe dance tradition in the Newar community originated from dressing as demons, inspired by Kansa’s use of his sister Putana to harm Lord Krishna.
These dances are particularly prevalent from Nagapanchami to Rishipanchami. Shakya, President of Newa Jhih Puch, explains the belief that individuals adorned with demon skulls and Kalika robes are not permitted to burn lacquer. In Dhankuta, performers even come from places like Chainpur in Sankhuwasabha and Dharan in Sunsari to participate in Lakhe dances.