Our Traditional Dances

Simply a dance is the regular movement of feet and body in a pleasing way. Some music and dance are very closely related. Music is incomplete without song and song without music is not very pleasing. Similarly, dance should be accompanied by songs and music. The combination of song, music and dance is very important. They not only captivate our heart but also remove our boredom, anxiety and agony. We feel relieved. There are two kinds of dance: classical dance and folk dance. Classical dance is based on ancient classics; whereas folk dance is based on folk song and music. Some of the examples of classical and folk dances are described below:

Ghatu Naach

It is popular among Gurung community. Unmarried 11 to 19 years old girls go to their guru who invokes the goddess into them who are performing the dance. The dancers sing the mantras.

Deuda Naach

This dance originally belongs to the Mid Western and Far Western Region. It is performed forming a circle shoulder to shoulder and by holding hands of the adjacent dancers.

Sorathi Nritya

This is a dance prevalent in the Gurung community. It is danced in a circle. The dancers also dance playing Madal hanging down from their waist.

Maruni Nritya

This dance is growing popular in the eastern hills. It is performed by men in the disguise of women.

Devi Nritya

This dance continues from Gaijatra to Indrajatra in the Kathmandu valley, especially in Bhaktapur.

Hanuman Nritya

People disguised as Hanuman, who was the devotee of Ram, perform the dance. It is in practice in Baglung, Syanjha, and other districts in the region.

Dhan Naach

Dhan Naach is usually practiced in the Limbu community. It is performed during the harvest, the season of the major crops. Young Limbus enthusiastically participates in the dance. They dance holding each others hand to form a circle or line. The song sung on this occasion is Palam. Sometimes, to perform this dance.

Chandi Naach

This dance is prevalent in the Rai community. While performing this dance Chandi song is sung with Dhol- jyamta. It occurs during the festival of Uddhauli and Ubbhauli.

Dandi Naach

This dance is prevalent in the east as well as the central terai. It is performed on Phagu Purnima. It is performed on Phagu Purnima. It is performed by hitting two sticks. It is called Phagu Naach also.

Gauna Nritya

This dance on Mithila tradition It is very popular in Janakpur region is displayed on religious occasions.

Kaura Naach

Kaura naach is popular among the Magars of the western region. It is accompanied by Kaura song.

Charya Nritya

Based on the story of gods and goddess, this dance is prevalent in the Kathmandu.

Madikhole Naach

This dance is practiced in the Midwestern region.

Hopcha Nritya

This dance is in popular among the Rai community of Dhankuta. It is a traditional classical dance.

Singaru Nritya

This is practiced in the Mid- western hills, especially in Jajarkot district.

Panchabuddha Nritya

This is a dance based on the Buddhist tradition.

Chhokara Nritya

This dance is popular in the far western region of Nepal. It is somewhat similar to Maruni dance.

Tarware Naach

It is a traditional folk dance of the Gandharvas.

Khyali Naach

Khyali Naach is called Pangdure dance also. It is also based on Khyali song. It is danced to the music of the Khainjadi and mujuras festivals and poojas.

Bhairab Nritya

This is a classical dance in which the dancers assume of the guise of Bhairab. It is practiced in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Mundhum Naach

This dance belongs to the kirant community. It is popular in the eastern hills. Phedangma or Nakchhong (priest) sings Mundhum during the dance.