Lakhey dance performances make Taplejung, Dhankuta markets lively

By Our Correspondence,Taplejung/ Dhankuta, July 30: A fun-filled mini fair has begun in Phungling Bazaar, the district headquarters of Taplejung, with the aim of energising the local market. The fair has been organised on the occasion of the Lakhey Jatra festival.

The fair has been set up at Tokmedanda and near Birendra Chok in Phungling Bazaar.

 It includes various entertaining games and activities, such as the traditional ‘Rote Ping’ (Ferris wheel).

 The event at Tokmedanda is organised by the Dokhu Youth Club, while the fair at Birendra Chok is being held on the premises of Hotel Genuine by a local club.

The organisers said that the fair was launched to boost commercial activity in the market and provide entertainment to the general public. 

According to them, the fair features entertainment and musical performances designed for all age groups, including children, teenagers, youth, and adults.

However, gambling-related games and activities have been strictly prohibited. 

Taplejung Police Chief and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bed Prasad Gautam said gambling activities could lead to disputes and negatively affect peace and security, hence they imposed a ban on them.

Local business owners are hopeful that hosting the mini fair simultaneously at two different locations in the town will help activate the market.

 According to Bikash Gautam, President of the Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the fair is expected to attract crowds of fair lovers, which could boost business activities across the entire Phungling Bazaar.

In light of the Lakhey Jatra festival, the market’s opening hours have also been extended to support the ongoing fair, the Lakhey dance performances, and local trade. Shops, which usually close by 8 pm, will now remain open until 10 pm.

 This extension is expected to contribute, even if slightly, to market vibrancy, Gautam added.

The Lakhey festival began last Thursday with traditional rituals observed on Ghantemangal. 

Since then, the Newar community has been performing the Lakhey dance in the evenings. These performances have added to the lively atmosphere of the market. The Lakhey Jatra will conclude after Krishna Janmashtami.

Meanwhile, the traditional Lakhey festival of the Newar community began in Hile Bazaar of Dhankuta on Tuesday. Like every year, the Lakhey dance is being organised by the Jhigu Newa Society Hile on the occasion of Nag Panchami. 

The Lakhey procession typically includes beating of drums and cymbals, along with energetic dances (Thakthuke Naach) that showcase ethnic culture and traditions while parading around the marketplace.

The Lakhey festival concludes the day after Krishna Janmashtami, which commemorates the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Kansa. 

Although in other places, the Lakhey begins from Gathemangal, in Hile it starts from Nag Panchami, as informed by DJ Shakya, president of Jhigu Newa Society Hile. 

In other areas of the district, the Lakhey dance had already started, with Dhankuta Bazaar being the most prominent for its grand Lakhey celebrations.

Besides Dhankuta and Hile, the Lakhey dance is also performed in other places such as Sidhuwa, Pakhribas, and Mulghat of the district. 

 In recent years, the younger generation has been increasingly involved in the Lakhey tradition. From dancers to those playing drums and cymbals, most are youths. Local Santosh Shrestha said that as the older generation is aging, they have passed on the knowledge, and the younger generation is now actively working to preserve their culture.

Lakhey dance has also begun in Ilam.