Bhojpur youth work to preserve Lakhey dance

By Our Correspondent  Bhojpur, Aug. 3 : Interest of local youth has increased to Lakhey dance, which has been in practice in Bhojpur for almost 200 years. They are motivated to preserve the traditional Lakhey dance with the intention of protecting their culture. 

Santosh Shrestha of Bhojpur Municipality- 9 said that they started dancing Lakhey based on the teachings of their ancestors, as well as the feeling that they should revive their tradition and culture.

The local elders were afraid that when most of the youth fly overseas as migrant workers and when their ancestors were getting old, the dance culture would not be preserved. But recently, the elderly said that they were happy when a few  youth of local Newar community and other communities started showing their interest in Lakhey dance.

Nabin Budhathoki, a youth from Panitanyaki in Bhojpur Municipality- 9, who has been participating in Lakhey dance since his childhood, said that he loved to dance Lakhey.  "I know how to dance Lakhey, what clothes to wear and how to play the instruments. Since my family belongs to the Newar community, my parents do not stop me from dancing in this form.

Lakhey dance that started about 200 years ago from Taksar in the district is now popular among the Salpasipilcho Kulung and other Newar communities.

Prabin Suwal, a resident of Bhojpur Municipality- 8, said, "Young people mix modernity in some things, including dancing and singing in the old and present Lakhey.”

On the other hand, the dance is also considered as an indicator of arrival of the winter season. 

The ancestors used to believe that the Lakhey dance indicates that the rainy season is ending and winter is approaching.  It  is also seen as the beginning of the festival as Dashain, Tihar and other great festivals come along with Lakhey dance. 

Now, in most areas of the district, there is a custom of dancing Lakhey. The drum, jhyali, clothes worn by the Lakhey dancers can be bought in the local market, but  other goods like Makundo (mask) and Chammar (yak tails) must be brought from other districts.  According to a local Surendra Dev Bal, it costs Rs. 100,000 to buy all the materials for one set of costume for Lakhey dance.

Locals said they would be happier if they get  necessary support from the local government, civil society, other concerned bodies in protecting and promoting the Lakhey dance.