Youth preserving musical instruments

By Our Correspondent,Kawasoti, Aug. 21: The Newar community of Nawalpur district has come together to preserve their culture. Known for their rich art and culture, the community is working to preserve their traditional practices and pass them on to the younger generation. 

They are focusing on preserving the traditional Lakhey dance festival, which is an important cultural ritual for the Newar community, reflecting their identity and heritage.

Ramchandra Shrestha, Chairman of Shika Newa Guthi Kawasoti, has initiated a campaign to preserve the Lakhey dance along with traditional instruments like Dhime Baja, Madal and Jhyali.

 He said, “The Lakhey dance and Dhime Baja are cultural treasures of the Newar community, but with modern influences, there is a risk of losing these traditions. Thus, we have started this preservation campaign.”

Advisor to Shika Newa Guthi, Jhak Narayan Shrestha, said that by teaching children musical skills and traditional dances, they learn quickly and help continue the tradition through the younger generation. 

Despite the preservation of language and culture within the Kathmandu Valley, Chairman Shrestha highlighted that outside the valley, these are in danger of disappearing. Therefore, there is a need to teach these skills to preserve the Lakhey dance, Dhime Baja, Madal and Jhyali.

Jayarama Shrestha from Devchuli said that they celebrate the Lakhey Jatra as part of their cultural preservation efforts.

 This festival involves a procession with traditional drums and musical rhythms, featuring the fearsome Lakhey characters and other mask figures who perform in the traditional Newari rhythm.

 The enthusiasm for preserving these traditions is commendable, especially given the influence of Western culture on the younger generation.

Lakhey is showcased daily from Nag Panchami to the day after Krishna Ashtami. The dance represents the mythical demon Kansa and involves masked figures performing in a dramatic, intimidating style with traditional Newari music.