Lakhes begin dancing in Dhankuta

By Kabiraj Ghimire,Hile, Aug. 22: Dhankuta’s traditional Lakhe Jatra has begun in Hile from Monday. During the Jatra, people, dressed as the mythical creatures Lakhe, dance around the Hile marketplace, much to the merry of spectators and bystanders. The dance is performed by members of the Newa communal organisation Jhigu Newa  Samaj every year.

In other Newa settlements, including those in other parts of the Dhankuta district, Lakhes usually come out from the day of the Gathemangal. But in Hile, they appear in front of the people from Nag Panchami.

According to the Samaj, efforts of the local youth are to be credited to managing and sustaining the culturally and traditionally significant dance.

This year, the first day of the dance experienced rain and fog. However, that could not dampen the reveller’s spirits who staged the dance with full excitement and enthusiasm.

During the Lakhe Jatra period, the dance troupe goes around the Hile market playing musical instruments and presenting the Thak Thuke and Ropai dances. The festival also includes various comical programmes that reflect the ethnic culture and customs. 

The Jatra ends the day after Krishna Janmastami.

Most of the Lakhe dances in Dhankuta are performed in the marketplace. Apart of Hile, Siduwa, Pakhribas and Mulghat are also famous for Lakhe performances.