Preparations for Navadurga Bhawani Naach begin

  • Because of strict rules and regulations of training the new generation is reluctant to participate in the naach

Lalitpur, November 24

Preparations for Navadurga Bhawani Naach of Thechho are in full swing, in Lalitpur.

Navadurga Bhawani Naach is performed in Bhaktapur as well.

The cultural dance bears special significance in the Newari community. This year, the Naach will be performed at Mul Dabali (main stage) of Lachhi in Godawari Municipality-12 as per the tradition for two days staring December 3.

There are only 34 Guthiyars (trustee members) of Navadurga Bhawani Devi Guthi. Of them, 11 are being trained for the cultural event.

According to Bhakta Lal Mali, president of Navadurga Bhawani Devi Guthi Conservation Committee, all the 34 Guthiyars have to bathe and be neat and clean every day during the training. “They need to get their nails cut by someone from Khadhi community whose traditional occupation is to cut others’ nails, and get Ala (a kind of red colour) applied on their feet.

The training is being carried out from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at different places. “The Mul Guru (chief priest) has sacrificed the animal at the Damganani Tole where the temple of Natya Guru (dance teacher) has been established,” he said.

Participants are being trained on Lord Bhairav, Kali, Barahi, Kumari, Ganesh, Bhramyani, Bishnu Devi, Mahalashyami, Singhini, Binghini and Mahadev dances.

“This time, the Guthi is short of eight members who would otherwise help in the training,” shares Mali. He said lack of enthusiasm in new generation for the cultural show had brought about the situation.

Dharma Raj Mali, the chief dance trainer, said performers of the Naach should bathe daily, maintain strict diet regime and sleep alone. “There are strict rules and regulations of the training. Also, the participants have to attend the training daily and this could be the reason why the youth are less interested in it,” Mail said.

Jitendra Mali, 37, a teacher from Tanani Tole, said he had decided to assume the role of one of the deities during Naach as youths looked less bothered about preserving the Newari culture.