Kathmandu, January 18

The former Bhairavs and Ganeshas  persons performing traditional ritualistic dances of the two Hindu deities by wearing masks and donning the attires of deities  were honoured at a function in recognition of their contribution in giving continuity to the rituals.

Former Bhairavs Indra Bahadur Shakya, Subaratna Shakya, Deepak Shakya, Bal Purushottam Shakya, Shyam Shakya, Bhairav Shakya and Raju Shakya were honoured.

Likewise, former Ganeshas who were felicitated include Ganesh Shakya, Purushottam Shakya, Kanhaiya Shakya, Sanju Shakya, Praman Raj Shakya and Kapil Ratna Shakya.

The former Bhairavs and Ganeshas performing from 1950 to 2011 were provided Rs 96,000 each for each year that they performed.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa stressed the need to preserve the traditional culture of unity in diversity.

CPN-UML Vice-chairman Asta Laxmi Shakya said the tradition related to Kumari, Bhairav and Ganesh was Nepali traditional culture and that the world was trying to know more about it.