THIMI: The famed Neelbarahi dance of Bode, featuring 19 deities and celebrated over three days and four nights with divine and Tantric rituals, began last night in Bode, Madhyapurthimi Municipality-8.
The dance, which commences at midnight the day after Gaijatra, starts from the Bode Akha Dyo Chhen (the deity house) and continues through various squares and neighborhoods of the city.
Locals worship the deities as the dance progresses through the night, said Ramesh Thapa Shrestha, ward chair of Bode, Madhyapurthimi-8 and patron of the Neelbarahi dance.
Each morning following the overnight dances, locals gather to worship all 19 deities. This process continues for four consecutive nights and mornings. The Neelbarahi dance is believed to invoke the Tantric energy of Neelbarahi Devi, empowering the participating deities through ritual performance.
Meanwhile, after a 12-year interval, the Bhaila Pyakhan (Bhairav Dance) has also resumed in Nagdesh, Madhyapurthimi-7. Beginning the day after Gaijatra (Bhadra Krishna Dwitiya, also known as Gulaga Dwitiya), the Bhairav dance will be performed for four nights until Panchami.
The Bhaila Pyakhan features two Bhailas—Nhapan and Lipa—as well as two Dangis and one Janajyapun, portrayed in traditional costumes. A group of around 100 participants, including Dhan, Muhali, and other instrumentalists and assistants, are involved in the performance.
Organized by the Shree Nagdesh Historical Cultural Bhaila Puch, this year’s Bhairav dance will be performed across different locations and settlements in Nagdesh. Each night, the deities of Bhairav are empowered with Tantric energy before being ritually danced.
Likewise, the Salcha Pyakhan (horse dance) also began last night from Pobutal in Madhyapurthimi-5. This four-night performance will cover areas including Bhulakhel, Ddigutol, Balkumari, and Chapacha.
The dances of various deities will continue throughout the night for four days across the three major towns of Madhyapurthimi.
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