Madhyapur Thimi is set to host the Thimi Baila Pyakhan, a traditional dance, from Tahanni, Ward No. 5, beginning on the second day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra (Gulaga Dwithiya) and continuing for four nights.
This cultural event, performed annually starting the night after Gaijatra, returns to Tahanni after a 21-year hiatus. Training for the dance, locally known as Pyakhan, commenced on Guru Purnima.
The Thimi Baila Pyakhan features five key deities: Nhyapa Bhail (the primary Bhairav), Lipa Bhail (the secondary Bhairav), Jyapung (a divine entity), Nhyapa Dagin (the primary goddess), and Lipa Dagin (the secondary goddess). The roles are portrayed by Ashok Prajapati as Nhyapa Bhail, Balmukunda Prajapati as Lipa Bhail, Ayush Prajapati as Nhyapa Dagin (Kumari), Sahil Prajapati as Lipa Dagin (Mahalakshmi), and Krishal Prajapati as Jyapungcha (Harishiddhi). The Vice President of the Thimi Baila Pyakhan Management Committee, Balram Prajapati, provided these details.
Under the leadership of Sri Gopal Prajapati, a living cultural treasure of Thimi, the traditional dance and musical training are being conducted by Krishna Bahadur Prajapati, Bal Krishna Prajapati, Chandra Bhakta Prajapati, and Prem Krishna Prajapati. The musical ensemble includes around three dozen musicians playing traditional instruments such as Dha Baja, Bhushya, Muwali, and Punga. Additionally, a team of around 50 artists and support staff will participate in the Baila Pyakhan, according to Vice President Prajapati.
According to legend, the residents of Thimi were once tormented by evil spirits, not only at night but also during the day, causing farmers to fear tending to their fields. The king, after consulting with tantric experts and scholars, introduced the Thimi Baila Pyakhan—a dance involving individuals embodying the fierce deity Bhairavnath. This ritualistic dance, performed in a wrathful manner throughout the town, was believed to drive away the spirits permanently.
