Over 200 artists play Dhime Baja and perform dance in Dharan

By Nisha Rai,Dharan, Dec. 22: For the first time outside Kathmandu, Dharan hosted a historic large-scale joint Dhime Baja (a traditional Nepalese drum of the Newar community) and Dhime dance performance, along with a cultural exhibition.

The event, named Yomari (a delicacy of the Newar community) 2024, was held in collaboration with Ward-3 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City and Pasa Khala Dharan. 

More than 200 artists performed the joint Dhime Baja and dance at the event.

The programme was organised with the aim of preserving the century-old tradition of Yomari and Newar cuisine, along with passing on Dhime Baja and Newar dances to the new generation, while making a positive impact on society, said coordinator Amrit Acharya. The event was directed by Sudan Munikar.

In addition to the joint Dhime Baja and dance, the celebration featured cultural performances, including the Lakhe dance and Thakthuke dance (traditional stick dance of Newar community), along with Yomari, which was prepared in every household. 

The event was organised to promote tourism and preserve cultural practices, Acharya added.

Yomari Purnima is a festival celebrated by the Newar community on the full moon day of the winter month. 

Yomari is made from new-harvest rice flour and filled with chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds and it is nutritious which helps to keep one warm. It is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The festival also marks the end of rice harvest. The festival holds significant importance for the Newar community.