Social Studies Note for Grade X (Folk and Classical Dances of Nepal - Unit- 3)

Social Studies Note for Grade X

Lesson- 4

Folk and Classical Dances of Nepal

Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country. So, various types of classical and folk dances are practised in Nepal.
Folk Dance:

A traditional dance of a particular group of people or place is called folk dance. Folk dance is performed according to folk music. The costume of a particular community becomes the costume of folk dance. It belongs to particular community, place or caste. Maruni dance, Jhyaure dance, etc. are the examples of folk dance.

Classical Dance: 

The dance describing the character of the Gods, Goddesses and religious scriptures is called classical dance. By the movement of different parts of the body, the main spirit of the classical music is expressed by the dancer. It has been practised since ancient time. Classical dance is performed according to classical music. It may not be based on any particular caste. It needs special costume according to the nature and requirement of dance. Charya dance, Panchabuddha dance etc. are the examples of classical dance.

Relationship among Folk Songs, Folk Musical Instruments and Folk Dances

Folk songs, folk musical instruments and folk dances are related with each other. They are the component of folk culture. They are supplementary with each other. Folk song is sung in folk music folk music is the base for folk dance. The folk musical instruments are used to produce folk music and add the flavour in folk song and provide the base for the folk dance. Similarly, folk dances express the meaning and spirit of folk songs and are performed according to the timing of folk music. Folk dances become more effective with the beat of the folk music and expressions and emotions shown in the folk songs. The folk dances make the folk songs and folk music lively. The whole performance of an artist is depended on these three components and hence we can say they are supplementary to each other.

Some Folk and Classical Dances of Nepal

a.    Dhan Naach: This folk dance is practised among the Limbu community. The youths of the Limbu community perform this dance during any Mela-parba. The song sung with this dance is called Palam.

b.    Chandi Naach: The Rai community performs this dance playing Dhola-Jhyamta and singing Chandi song during the festival of Udhyauli and Ubhauli.

c.    Bhairav Nritya: This dance is practised throughout the country. People dance wearing the clothes and masks of Bhairav.

d.    Sorathi Nritya: It is the traditional dance of the Gurung community.

e.    Maruni Naach: This dance is performed by the men wearing the dress of women. It is practised in the middle hilly region of Nepal by the Magar community. This dance is organized almost throughout the year.

f.     Kartik Naach: This dance was initiated by Siddhi Narsingh Malla. It is demonstrated in the month of Kartik. So, it is called Kartik Naach.

g.    Tarware Naach: It is the traditional folk dance of the Gandharba community.
Khyali Naach: This dance is performed on the basis of Khyali song. It is also called Pangdure dance.

h.    Singaru Nritya: It is practised in the Province No. 5 and Province No. 6.
Rudrayani Naach: This dance is practiced in Khokana of Lalitpur district on the occasion of Rudrayani Puja.

i.      Salahes Naach: This dance belongs to Dusaadh and Musahar community living in the eastern Terai of Nepal. They perform this dance during the puja of Salahes, their favoured deity.

j.      Jhijiya Nritya: This is a prevailing dance in Maithili community living in east and middle Terai region. In this dance, women carry an earthen pot on their head and dance in group. The pot which they carry on their head contains holes on it and fire inside it.

k.    Saraya Naach: This dance is mainly performed in Gulmi, Syangja, Baglung, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, etc. on the occasion of Dashain. It is danced in group in the temples holding Khunda, Khukuri, sword or stick.

l.      Sakhiya Nritya: This is a traditional dance practiced in the Region of Nepal by the Tharu community during Maghi Parva.

m.  Balan Nritya: This dance is related to the character of Sakhiya Nritya Lord Krishna, Lord Ram etc. It is performed in various occasions and festivals describing the religious fable with gesture.

n.    Jharra Naach: It is danced striking the small bamboo sticks with each other and on its rhythm

o.    Pulukisi Naach: This dance is prevailing in the community of Newar. It is performed during Indrajatra
in Kilagal, Kathmandu. This is the symbolic dance of white elephant.

p.    Jat Jatin Dance: This dance is organized in the Mithila region from Shrawan purnima to Bhadra purnima. It is based on folklore of love between the hero Jat and heroine Jatin in which the moment of happiness and sorrow is expressed by the dancers. It is performed to please the deity Indra when there is not enough rain.

Importance of Folk and Classical Dance

a.    It reflects our glorious culture and tradition.

b.    It helps in preserving and strengthening the typical culture of the county.

c.    It helps in the tourism development as a source of entertainment.

d.    It helps in the socialization and development of social harmony.

e.    It develops the art and skill in individuals.

Nepal is rich in folk and classical dances. But many such dances are on the verge of extinction. It is essential to preserve them in time. The following measures should be taken to preserve them:

a.    New generations should be encouraged to participate in classical and folk dances which are being extinct. For this, new generations should be sensitized about the importance of such dances.

b.    Classical and folk dances should be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges and taught practically.

c.    Regular competition of classical and folk dances should be conducted throughout the country.

d.    Electronic media like television, radio, FM, etc. should give preference to such dances.

e.    A visual documentary on 'Folk Dances of Nepal ' should be made for their publicity.