Diverse Culture Assisted By Classical And Folkdance

 Nepal’s diverse culture has been assisted by diverse dances too. Song, dance and musical instruments have very close relationship. In the absence of one the other one seems to be incomplete. A based on ancient treatise is a classical dance and the dance based on people’s traditions is folk dance. Classical dance is performed in accordance with classical song or instrument. Similarly, folk dances are performed in conformity with folk song. Some examples of classical and folk dances are given below:

Dhan dance: This dance is common in Limbu Community. Among Rai people also this dance is popular. In fair and festival one person catches other’s hand while performing this dance.

Kaura dance: This dance is performed on the basis of Kaura song. This is the dance of Magar living in western region of Nepal.  

Madi khola dance: This dance is common, specially in mid-western region . The song in the dance is called palam.

Chandi dance: The  Rais with the help of dholak and Jhyamat while singing a Chandi song perform this dance in Undhauli and Unbhauli festival.

Dandi (fagu) dance: This dance is performed in Holi by striking sticks. This dance is common in the eastern and central terai.

Gauna dance: This dance is based on Mithila tradition and popular at Janakpur area common in the eastern and central terai.

Deuda dance: This dance is popular in the central and far- western region. They make a round circle and one’s shoulder touches other’s shoulder while dancing.

Mundhum dance: Based on the Mundhum of Kirat, this dance is common in the eastern hilly region of Nepal. Fedangwa/ Fedangma of Nakchhod (priest) recite Mendham in a musical tone and people dance.

Chyabrung dance: This dance is also based on the Limbu Community living in the eastern hilly region of Nepal. It is danced in the rhythm of chyabrung.

Hopcha: It is a traditional classical dance of the Rai community. This dance is common in the Rai community of dhankutta district.

Charya dance: Acting as the fods and goddesses, this dance is common in Kathmandu valley.

Ghatu dance: This dance is common om the Gurung Community. The god is aroused in the unmarried young girls (age ranging from 11 to 18/19 year) by the Guru Aama and Guru Ba and then the dance is performed.

Bhairab dance: By becoming the image of god Bhairab this dance is performed. It is common in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Sorathi dance:  This dance is also traditional classical dance of Gurung Community.

Hanuman dance: A persin becomes Hanuman, an army of god Ram, and performs the dance. This dance is common in Bangulung and Syngja.

Charitra dance: People act as the characters of mythology. This dance is in vogue in the terai area.

Maruni dance: This dance is common generally in eastern hilly region. The male in the guise of female perform this dance.

Khyali  dance: This dance is based on Khyali song. It is also called Pangudure dace.

Tarware dance:  this dance traditional folk dance of Gandhava Community.

Chhokra dance: This is common particularly in the fair-western region.

Singaru dance: This dance prevails in the mid-western region of Nepal.

Hunkeli dance: this dance is based on mythology. It prevails in the far-western region of Nepal.

Pancha Buddha dance: This dance is based on religious tradition of Buddha.

Devi dance: This dance is demonstration especially from Gaijatra to Indra jatra in the Kathmandu Valley. This is a specific dance of Bhaktipur.