KATHMANDU:

It was an amalgamation of the rich cultures and traditions from all over the country at

the Nepal Academy Hall, Kamaladi on December 20, where the Ninth Nationwide Folk Dance Competition 2065 was organised by the Sadhana Kala Kendra. It was held with the intention of preserving unique cultures and traditions which are in danger of going out of practice.

A total of 10 groups presented their dances in typical attire in rich colours and adorned with their typical jewellery from their part of the region. It was made even more interesting with the unique traditional instruments being played and folk songs accompanying the dances. Along with the dances it was the various little ingredients like the yak or exclusive special type of outfits that added to the charm and representations of lifestyle of these regions.

The jury which consisted of Bhairav Bahadur Thapa, Ram Sharan Darnal, Bhakta Singh Bagada, Honey Shrestha, Narayan Devi Pradhan and Ram Krishna Duwal chose the winners. Each group gave attractive performances and some of them turned out to be really good as there was a tie between two groups and both were declared as winners.

The chief guest for the programme Kavi Kesari Dharma Raj Thapa and gave away the prizes.

Senchyang Sanskritik Parivar from Ilam that performed the Maruni dance and Saat Muhane Deurali Tamu Samaj from Tanahun with their khukhuri dance shared the shield for the top spot and also the winning prize of Rs 50,000. Besides that five other prizes (Rs 10,000 each) were also given. — HNS