SATV, Kathmandu, Sept. 07 - A community Dhan Naach (Ya:lang), a traditional Limbu dance, was organised in in Phungling of Taplejung on Saturday to mark the 38th anniversary of the Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, the ethnic organisation of the Limbu community, and the Lakhe Jatra festival.
Organised by the Taplejung chapter of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, the event was attended by elected representatives, government officials and people from different communities, ranging from young people to senior citizens.
Saroj Kangliwa Limbu, district secretary of Chumlung, said that not only Limbu people but also citizens from other communities, including Rai, Sherpa, Newar, Brahmin and Chhetri, took part in the Dhaan Naach and enjoyed the celebration. He further added that young men and women, adults and senior citizens from the Limbu community took part in the dance dressed in traditional attire and wearing traditional jewellery.
The anniversary of Chumlung was celebrated through the dance and an exchange of greetings, he said.
Dhan Nach, an important traditional cultural practice of the Limbu community and popular among eastern Nepal’s communities, is performed by participants holding each other’s hands and dancing in a circle or in lines.
Participants sing Palam songs in a juhari or dohori-style exchange in the Limbu language while dancing.
The dance is particularly performed during wedding ceremonies and various occasions of joy and sorrow in the Limbu community. The people of all ages traditionally participate in the dance with their maternal relatives, in-laws and other extended family members.
The tradition of performing Dhan Nach during various festivals, celebrations, fairs and local markets has continued for generations.
Earlier, the Taplejung chapter of Yakthung Chumlung had also organised a Dhan Nach during the Ropain Jatra, held as part of the Lakhe festival.
It is believed that presenting different communities’ cultural traditions during festivals and celebrations, while encouraging people from different communities to participate together, helps preserve indigenous customs and culture.
