Kumal community takes initiative to preserve culture

By Amar raj Naharki,Tanahun, Apr. 26: Kumal community leaders have taken an active role in safeguarding their cultural heritage and are working to preserve traditional music, dance, songs and costumes. This cultural preservation campaign is being led by Kumal Samaj Nepal, with support from the Social Development Office, Tanahun. 

As part of the initiative, the Kumal Samaj Nepal District Action Committee Tanahun has decided to organise a programme aimed at passing down the fading Paudure dance to the next generation, according to Alok Kumal, President of the Social Development Office, Tanahun. 

He said the conservation campaign was launched in response to the decline of traditional practices because of the growing influence of the internet, foreign films and imported music. 

“The decision to organise a generation transfer programme was made because most youths are unfamiliar with the Paudure dance,” said Kumal. 

The Kumal community primarily resides in Bhanu, Vyas, Shuklagandaki and Bhimad municipalities, as well as Ghiring Rural Municipality. The total Kumal population in the district is 8,727. Traditional Kumal cultural expressions such as Paudure, Hemphai, Ghatu, Jhyaure and Kauraha are now at risk of disappearing. As part of the cultural preservation effort, the community plans to officially hand over the Paudure dance.

Rita Kumal, a resident of Andheribhanjyang in Byas Municipality-10, said a Paudure dance heritage transfer programme will be held in the Kumal village of Kalesti, Vyas Municipality-9, from April 28 to May 4. According to the society, the Ramayana section of the Paudure dance features songs and performances depicting the life of Ram from his birth to his exile. 

Similarly, stories from the life of Krishna are told in the "Krishna character" section of the performance. The week-long generational handover programme will also provide training on the Kumal language, customs, festivals, traditions and values. The society further shared that Dal Bahadur Kumal will coordinate trainers for Kumal communities scattered across various municipalities in the district.