Youth preserving Jhamre, Salaijo, Kaura in Palpa

By Rekhiram Rana,Tansen, Apr. 8: The youth of Palpa have taken initiatives to preserve the traditional dances and songs like ‘Jhamre’, ‘Salaijo’ and ‘Kaura’ which are on the verge  of extinction.

Young generation people have started practicing ‘Jhamre’, Salaijo’ and ‘Kaura’ dances of the Magar community to preserve them. 

Earlier, these dances and songs were popular in the local Magar community. The young generation is learning from the previous generation to preserve the folk dances and songs.

With the extreme influence of western culture, the traditional culture has been on the verge of extinction and with the intention of preserving the disappearing folk culture, the youth of   Kaseni, Rupse, Chidipani of Mathagadi in the district are learning it 

from the seniors.

The ‘Jhamre’ dance performed in the rhythm  of Madal and Damphu has reached the point of extinction, said Hom Bahadur Rana, a youth from Mathagadhi-3, Kaseni. 

 It is becoming difficult to find people who can sing ‘Salaijo’ in the traditional rhythm, he added. He said that the conservation campaign was started because the traditional dances and songs, previously popular among the Magars, are disappearing.

 The songs that are sung only by the older generation have been taught to the younger generation for a few 

years, he added. 

In order to educate the young generation, the practice of dancing and singing along with playing Madal, Damphu and Khaijadi has increased during fairs, weddings and festivals in the village.

 According to Netrakala Rana, president of Koseli Dharadi Women’s Group,  ‘Kaura’ dance is practiced and performed only in special situations. 

‘Salijo’ and ‘Jhamre’ dance popular in the Magar community is related to entertainment and about pure love story, while ‘Kaura’ dance is related to worshiping goddesses 

and penance. 

The old traditional songs and dances have helped  increase mutual harmony and friendship while providing entertainment at the same time, she added. 

Tek Bahadur Rana, 66, expressed his dissatisfaction that these types of history and culture connected with human consciousness were gradually disappearing.

 He said that if the young generation did not pay attention to preserve their art and culture, the Magar community’s identity would be lost soon. 

Besides, these dance forms, the ‘Ghatu’ and ‘Maruni’ dances are also popular in the Magar community. According to locals, these dance forms are also gradually disappearing.