Taya: Macha dance contest on August 16

By Our Correspondent

Pokhara, Aug. 4: The annual Taya: Macha dance competition, traditionally held in Pokhara, will take place this year at Shishuwa in Pokhara-30.

 The event is being organised by Newa Khala, Shishuwa and initiated by Newa Khala Kaski, and is scheduled for August 16.

According to Arjun Kumar Tamrakar, the main organiser and coordinator of the event, under the main theme ‘Preserving and passing on art and culture to future generations,’ the competition is being held for the first time in the former Lekhnath area, coinciding with the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. This year, a total of 35 teams are expected to participate in the competition.

Separate Taya: Macha dance groups consisting of men and women will compete in the event.

 In the men’s category for the competition, the first, second, third and fourth place teams will receive Rs. 111,111, Rs. 77,777, Rs. 55,555, Rs. 25,555 respectively.

According to coordinator Tamrakar, in the women's category, the first, second, third, and fourth place winners will receive Rs. 40,000, Rs. 30,000, Rs. 25,000, and Rs. 20,000, respectively. 

Likewise, each participating team will receive Rs. 15,000 as a participation prize. It has also been mentioned that necessary preparations and agreements are being made among all Kacha: Khalas to ensure the event adheres to the required guidelines, rules, and conditions. 

According to Chairperson Palikhe, while 30 teams competed last year, this year the number has increased to 35. 

The competition is held in different areas of Pokhara each year. 

In previous years, the competition was hosted in locations such as Naya Bazar and Bindabasini.