Sarai dance performed to bid farewell to Dashain

By Rekhiram Rana,Tensen, Oct. 8: In various parts of Palpa, the traditional Sarai dance was performed to bid farewell to this year’s Dashain festival. 

After dancing with weapons such as swords, spears, khukuris, shields, and daggers kept in temples and Kotghars (ritual weapon houses), the festival officially came to an end. 

Similar dances were also performed in the neighboring districts of Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, and Pyuthan.

On the day of Kojagrat Purnima, it is customary in this region to perform the Sarai dance at temples, Kotghars, Durga temples, hill shrines, and Mauladevi temples to mark the conclusion of Dashain.

The worship of Goddess Durga, Devi, and Bhagawati, which begins from Ghatasthapana at temples and Kotghars, is concluded after the Sarai dance.

People also perform rituals of offering Jamara, Phulpati, and Tika during this time.

Kojagrat Purnima is considered the final day of Dashain. On this day, the dance performed by clashing or displaying traditional weapons inside temples and Kothghars is called Sarai.

The dance was performed this year in places such as Lipindevi, Baughagumha, Rainadevi Chhahara, Mujhung, and Masyam of Palpa.

According to Rukmangata Bhattarai, Chairperson of Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality, locals dance to the rhythm of panche baja, shouting ‘Wakhkhai!’ as they strike swords, spears, and daggers together. 

After the dance, the worship of the goddess is concluded. He added that some of the weapons used in the dance are four to five centuries old, which are cleaned and displayed only during the Sarai ritual.

Chairperson Bhattarai further said that, according to tradition, these weapons will not be used again until next year’s Dashain. 

Historian Nirmal Shrestha said that Sarai dance is believed to have originated as a form of military drill during the days of Baise-Chaubise states and the Sen dynasty period. He said, “In the time of the Baise-Chaubise kingdoms and the Sen rulers, this dance was performed as a pre-war training or rehearsal among different groups.”

Although the number of people performing the Sarai dance has declined in recent years, there is a growing interest among the younger generation in this traditional dance involving weapons.

Dinesh Rawal of Tansen-5, Lipindevi, said that more youths are learning how to handle weapons and showcase their skills through the dance. He said, Sarai is a brave and challenging dance, performed by those who possess both skill and courage to wield weapons.” Many also participate in it for fun and cultural enjoyment.

Local residents of Palpa said that Sarai dance is a significant and historic aspect of Dashain, reflecting the region’s rich tradition and valorous heritage.