Dashain concludes, Sakhiya dance continues in Tharu community

By Santosh Dahit, Dang, Oct 2: Dashain has concluded in the Tharu community with the formality of 'Gawalya Tika'.

As per Tharu rituals, Dashain concludes with the tradition of offering 'pittar' (shraddha) to ancestors on the day of Navami, followed by the Gawalya Tika. 

According to Tharu cultural expert Rohit Chaudhary, Dashain begins with the day of Ghatasthapana in the Tharu community. On the eighth day, a dhikri made from rice flour is worshipped, while on the ninth day, pittar is offered in the name of the ancestors.

Then, Dashain is formally concluded by applying Gawalya Tika to the village.

However, even after Dashain is over, the Sakhiya dance tradition continues for about a week, Chaudhary said.