Devi dance performance begins in Kathmandu

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept 7 : The public performance of the Di Pyakhan (Devi dance), which is performed on the occasion of Indra Jatra, has begun. 

The dance was performed at Kilagal on Monday, sending a message that the preparations for the Devi dance for this year have been completed. 

Dancing of seven gods with seven instruments and seven rhythms is the specialty of this dance. 

Rehearsal of the dance had begun since Shrawan Sukla Charthuti after performing worship called Ghagalasi. This worship is performed to get the devotional power of the goddess to the dancers.   

Devi dance is performed in front of Kageshwori Mahadev Tempe before the erection of Indradhwojnthan.  

The annual festival of Indra Jatra has officially begun with the erection of a long wooden pole called Indradhwojnthan.   

On the day of Indra Jatra, the Devi dance is performed in front of Jasideval. Living goddess Kumari also observes this dance when her chariot reaches Jaisideval. 

The dance is also performed at Bangemudha and Indra Chowk the day after the Indra Jatra and it is performed at Kilagal on the last day of Indra Jatra when the dance itself comes to an end. 

The seven dancing crews of Devi dance are Bhairav, Kumari, Chandi, Daitya (demon), Kankal, Vetal, and Kayak.  

The colorful mask dance gives the message of victory of good over evil.  Normally, other traditional dances show the goddess killing the demon but in Devi dance, the demon is shown running away to stay safe from the goddess.   

Pulukishi, Aakash Bhairav, Lakhey, and other mask dances are performed in front and back of the Kumari chariot on the day of Indra Jatra. 

The Devi dance is performed at several places in several styles and postures wishing for peace, good health, and safety from natural disasters.