Palpa gears up for Ghatu Nach

By Our Correspondent, Rampur (Palpa), May 2: Preparations are underway for performances of Ghatu Naach in settlements across the eastern region of Palpa.

The Magar community, which has preserved this tradition for centuries, is once again organising the dance this year. 

Preparations have been made to perform Ghatu Naach in Nisdi Rural Municipality from Friday, the day of Baisakh Purnima, in areas including Dunidanda ward- 3, Bhorma, Khoplak, Maulathar and Bhirpani ward -4, as well as Belauji, Banglang, Gabudanda and Kharkadanda ward- 5.

Meanwhile, in Batasa, Nisdi–7, the dance began three days earlier and is set to conclude on Friday, Baisakh Purnima. Ghatu is also performed in places such as Jalpa Dholimara in Purwakhola Rural Municipality.

According to Sumitra Thada, the traditional rhythm of Ghatu was initiated last Sunday in Bhorma, and formal performances will take place for three days starting on Friday. She added that the dance has been carried forward under the leadership of 74-year-old Parbati Thada. Although Ghatu is traditionally led by a female, in Belauji, Nisdi-5, it is led by 78-year-old Humbahadur Sunari.

Yambahadur Saru said that preparations are in place to continue the tradition under his leadership this year as well.

The Sati Ghatu form is performed in this region. It is named after the custom of a queen committing sati following the death of a king. The songs narrate the story of King Parashuram and Queen Yampawati, and the dance is based on this storyline. Alongside the singing, participants enact roles in accordance with the narrative.

In Ghatu, the Guruama begins the song, followed by other women participants, while young girls, known as Ghatusari, perform the dance. The performance begins with the invocation of the names of all deities through song.

According to Bhawani Sara Saru, a Ghatu dancer, the dance is performed with prayers for the well-being of the village and the safety of all.