Tourism Info Nepal

Grand Display of Navadurga Dance at Nagadesh in Madhyapur Thimi

Grand Display of Navadurga Dance at Nagadesh in Madhyapur Thimi

The courtyard of Ganesh Temple in Nagadesh, located in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-7, has come alive with the vibrant Navadurga dance. Hundreds of women holding ceremonial plates are lined up to offer prayers to Navadurga, creating a mesmerizing spiritual atmosphere.

Dating back to the pre-Malla era, the Navadurga dance, deeply rooted in tantric traditions, commenced last Sunday across various localities within Madhyapur Thimi. Today, the Navadurga deities were brought from Balkumari to Nagadesh with great fanfare, accompanied by traditional musical processions and white fabric laid on the path to honor their arrival. A grand worship ceremony and a performance of the Navadurga dance were conducted following their arrival.

Organized by Khwapring Navadurga Sankalp Bhojan 2081 in collaboration with Bhaktapur Development Support Association, the event featured elaborate arrangements, including offerings of 84 varieties of food and the traditional “Dyo Bwokegu” ceremony. This marked the first time such a large-scale event, costing approximately NPR 8 million, was hosted in Nagadesh.

The celebrations involved offerings of two goats and two pigs as part of the traditional sacrifices, and ceremonial costumes were provided to all participants, including the deities, drummers, and musicians. According to Vijay Shankar Pradhanang, Chairman of Bhaktapur Development Support Association, the event witnessed participation from over 1,500 individuals, including residents and those who have migrated to Kathmandu and Lalitpur.

Local resident Binod Koju highlighted the significance of the Navadurga performances, stating that their presence brings prosperity, economic growth, and well-being to families while driving away negative energies and fears.

The dance, which started in Digutole of Madhyapur Thimi, has been performed in various locations, including Bhulakhel, Bahakha Bazaar, Chapacho, and Balkumari, before arriving in Nagadesh. The Navadurga deities, representing Ganesh, Kumari, Singha, Dumhsa, Brahmayani, Maheshwari, Vaishnavi, Barahi, Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Tripurasundari, and Bhadrakali, were ceremoniously worshipped.

The festivities will continue until Sunday, culminating in the Machamarne Jatra, after which the Navadurga deities will return to their shrine in Bhaktapur, marking the end of this year’s celebrations. The event highlights the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Madhyapur Thimi and their continued importance in fostering communal harmony and prosperity.

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