In a dedicated effort to preserve their cultural heritage, the Newar community residing in Triyuga Municipality has reintroduced the traditional Lakhe dance.
Starting from Monday, the day of Rishitarpani Purnima, the Newar community has commenced the Lakhe dance in Gaighat Market, the central hub of the municipality. According to Gyanendra Shrestha, Chairman of Newa Jigu Puch Udaypur, the community has collectively begun dancing.
The Lakhe dance, which involves eight traditionally crafted Lakhe masks, is being performed across various areas including Gaighat Market, Bokshe, Rajabas, Chuhade, Bagaha, Deuri, Jogidah, Mothyai, Asari, and Bhathikharka. This initiative aims to celebrate and sustain the ancient dance form, as shared by Gopal Shrestha, District Secretary of Newa Jigu Puch.
The dance will continue from Rishitarpani Purnima until Krishna Ashtami, as per the Newa Jigu Puch. Ratan Shrestha, an 87-year-old resident of Gaighat, emphasized, “We have been performing the Lakhe dance to preserve our ancestral traditions and protect our cultural heritage.”
Hari Shrestha, President of Newa Deyu Dabhu Gaighat, highlighted that their ancestors migrated from hilly districts such as Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Ramechhap, Kathmandu, and Kavre to the Terai region, continuing the practice of Lakhe dance annually.
Resident Bhagawat Shrestha expressed concern over the diminishing presence of Lakhe and stressed the need for its preservation. Dinesh Shrestha, Treasurer of Newa Jigu Puch, noted that the influence of Western culture on younger generations has led to a decline in the Lakhe dance, underscoring the importance of its conservation.
