Nepali Folk Dances

:: Maruni ::

It is one of the oldest and popular group dance forms of the Nepali community, usually performed by three male and three female dancers. In good old days, the role of Maruni, essentially a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, female dancers are now performing such a central role. It is performed during the festival of Tihar in the courtyard of each house. The steps of the dancers look very graceful in the background of soothing songs ably supported by musical instruments such as Harmonium, Madal, Flute and Ghoongur.

:: Chutkay ::

Through this romantic group dance, performed by a group of male and female dancers, joys of life and feeling of happiness is shared during the harvesting season and on some other happy occasions.

:: Dohori ::

This group dance of Gurung community is usually performed by three male and three female dancers. In a traditional setting, after a hard days work, the dancers would assemble at 'RodiGhar' (a sort of entertainment centre) and exchange their views through songs and dance. The musical instruments used are Madat Flute and Ghoongur.

:: Jeurum Silly ::

By means of this group dance of Rai community, performed by one man and four women, feelings of family members and friends is expressed on the occasion of a girl's marriage. The dancers aim to protect the Lakshmi (prosperity) of the house. Youth and old alike also join the dancers. Dhol and Jhamta are the two musical instruments used.

:: Tamang Selo ::

This group dance of Tamang community with robust foot tapping and elaborate sound and display of Damphu instrument is performed on all happy occasions. It highlights vigour and vitality of the community. Tamang songs known as ' Hwai' are full of human emotions. These are so popular that no Nepali merrymaking is considered complete without singing a Tamang song.

:: Lakhey (Mask) Dance ::

This group mask dance of Newar (Pradhan) community is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring peace and prosperity. The musical instruments which support the dance form are Khe( Dhol), Jhali and Dhimay.

:: Naumati ::

In this beautiful group dance of Damai community nine kinds of musical instruments are used to perfection. These are two types of Senai ( Shehnai), Turhi, small and big, Damaha (Nagara) of two types, Tuyamko (Small Dhol) of two types, Dholki and Jhyamta (cymbal). The Naumati Baja is a regular feature during the wedding and other auspicious occasions.

:: Chyap-Brung Dance ::

Chyap-Brung is the traditional musical instrument of the Limboo community. It is like a Dholak in shape but much bigger in size. During the course of group dance, male dancers hang the instrument around their necks with the help of a rope and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and a stick on the other. Such a manoeuvre produces two different sounds which echo boldly in valleys and mountains.

:: Dhaan Nach ::

This group dance performed by four men and four women with the backing of harmonium, madal, flute and ghoongur shows the symbol of good and firm spirit of farmers against rain and scorching heat. In order to break the monotony of routine field work, men and women attempt merrymaking through song and dance. It is a ritualistic dance performed by the youth and old alike in traditional costumes, since time immemorial.

Folk Dances

Lepcha Folk Dances | Bhutia Folk Dances | Nepali Folk Dances