Nepal has a rich variety of folk and classical dances due to its diverse cultures, religions, languages and ethnic groups. These dances are an important part of Nepali culture and identity. Classical dances are based on religious stories and myths and have strict techniques, while folk dances vary by region and community and express aspects of their way of life. Some major classical dances include Bajrayogini Nach, Bhairav-Kali Naach, and Charitra Naach. Major folk dances include Dhan Naach, Dandi Naach, and Deuda Naach. Efforts are needed to promote and preserve these dances through public awareness events, competitions, and community organizations.

1. Lesson: 3.4
Nepali Folk Dances and Classical
Dances
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2. Scanning
• Nepal is rich in folk and classical dances
because of its cultural, religious, lingual and
ethnic diversities. These both types of dances
are popular and also have enriched the
Nepalese way of life. If they disappear, our
identity would also be endangered. However,
we must work unitedly to upgrade their
importance and save them from foreign
influence.
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3. Meaning of Dance
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• Dance is a series of regular movements and steps
of feet and body that is performed in a artistic
way. It is usually performed with song and music.
Hence, there is direct relationship
between/among song, music and dance. Both the
songs and dance become more impressive and
expressive due to the beat of music. Just similarly,
a dance can crate perfection to a song or a music.
A dance is also medium to refresh us by removing
our anxiety and boredom.

4. Classical Dance and Folk Dance
• Nepal is rich in folk and classical dances. A dance
based on ancient classical or myth (fairy tale) is
understood as classical dance. It has religious
origin because it picks up its themes from
religious stories or legends. It is followed from
ancient time and its dancing steps are more
technical. For example, it focuses strictly on
artistic movements of hands and fingers balanced
with facial expression. Folk dance, on the other,
refers to the traditional dance that is based on a
culture of a certain place people or their way of
life. It may not have particular steps to be
followed.
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5. Classical Dance
• The dance which is composed based on a
particular religion usually using an established
form and supposed not to be played on
electric instruments. Classical music is
generally considered to be serious and to have
a lasting value.
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6. Major Classical Dances of Nepal
1. Bajrayogini Nach
2. Bhairav-Kali Naach
3. Charitra Naach
4. Charya Naach
5. Devi Naach
6. Hanuman Naach
7. Hudkeli Naach
8. Lakhey Dance
9. Manjushree Naach
10. Mundhum Naach
11. Panch Buddha Naach
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8. Differences between classical dance and folk dance
Classical dance Folk dance
1. It is the dance which is
performed with the help of music
usually and established form
which is believed not to be played
on an electronic instrument.
1. It is the traditional dance which
is performed in a particular area
or country with the help of folk
music and song.
2. It is based on the description of
classical songs or music.
2. It is based on the folk culture of
any caste and belong to particular
tribes.
3. It requires particular types of
steps for a particular dance.
3. Folk dance is completely free in
style and body movements as per
the wish of dancers.
4. It needs special costume
according to nature and
requirement of dance.
4. The costume of a particular
community becomes costumes of
folk dance of the community.
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9. Major Classical Dances of Nepal
• Bajroyogini Naach: Popular in Kathmandu Valley,
this dance is practised by the Buddhists.
• Bhairav-Kali Naach: Popular in the Kathmandu
Valley and Pokhara, this dance is performed by
wearing masks and disguising themselves as Lord
Bhairav and Goddess Kali.
• Charitra Naach: This dance is based on the
themes of the mythological stories of the Purans
and is practised in the Terai Region.
• Charya Naach: Practised in the Kathmandu
Valley, this dance is performed on the story of
gods and goddess
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10. • Devi Naach: This dance is performed during Gaijatra and
Indrajatra in the Kathmandu Valley.
• Hanuman Naach: Widely pracised in Baglung and Syanja,
the dancer performs the dance by disguising
himself/herself as Hanuman (the devotee of Ram)
• Hudkeli Naach: The Damai Community of Far western
Region Practise the dance on the basis of the stories of
Purans.
• Lakhey Dance: It is a masked dance performed during
Indrajatra in the valley, mainly by the Newars. The king of
devils (Lakhey) chases away the evil forces who trespass
this domain and protects the city dwellers in this dance.
• Manjushree Naach: Lord Swayambhunath is worshipped
by Manjushree, the god (perhaps goddess) of knowledge
during the dance.
• Mundhum Naach: Famous among the Kirants of the far-
eastern part of Nepal, the dance is performed when the
priest recites the Mundhum or religious hymns.
• Panch Buddha Naach: It is performed on the basis of the
rituals and teachings of the Buddhism.Lesson: 3.4 (2nd Period) 2076/02/08 10

11. Major Folk Dances of Nepal
• Chandi Naach
• Dandi Naach
• Deuda Naach
• Dhan Naach
• Dhimal Naach
• Dhime Naach
• Ghatu Naach
• Jhyaure Naach
• Maruni Naach
• Sorathi Naach
• Kaura Naach, etc
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12. Major Folk Dances
• Dhan Naach: Dhaan Naach is related to Rai and Limbu
community of our country. This dance is performed by
holding each other hands and forming a line or circle.
Palum, the song on the occasion is sung and danced
usually during harvest time of major crops.
• Dandi Dance or Phagu Dance: Phagu dance is related
to the Tharus and other communities of central and
eastern Nepal. In this dance, dancer strike their sticks
and produce rhythmic music. They ecorate themselves
well that identify their culture and tribe. It is danced
during Holi and other auspicious occasions.
• Deuda dance: Mid-western and mostly far-western
Nepal is popular for deuda dance. It is danced in a
circular manner by touching shoulders between
adjacent dancers. Feet move back and forth with the
song which is sung by the dancers.
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13. • Moondhum dance: This dance belongs to the
kirants and is popular in the eastern hills.
Phedangba/phe dangma or religious priests sing
it in the desired tune during the dance.
• Charita Dance: This dance belongs to the terai
community mostly. It is based on the theme of
epics and holy scripts of the Purans. It is danced
by symbolizing the themes.
• Chyabrung dance: It is related to the limbu
community of eastern Nepal. It is danced to the
tune of Chyabrung.
• Hopcha dance: This dance is popular among the
Rais of Dhankuta and other eastern hilly districts.
It is a traditional dance on auspicious occasions.
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14. • Maruni dance: This dance is popular on eastern
hills. Men dress up in Maruni costumes and
dance. Themes are humorous as well as religious.
• Chandi Naach: Chandi Naach is performed by Rai
or Kirant community. This dance is performed by
holding each other's hands and forming a circle
and dancing with the beat of the drum. It is
danced during Udhauli and Ubhauli parvas. To
provide a rhythmic step, Chandi songs like Sund,
Dhol and Jhyamta are played.
• Gauna dance: This dance is related to Mithila
traditional and is popular in the Janakpur region.
This dance is displayed on religious and festival
occasions.
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15. • Measures to preserve or promote classical and
folk dances:
i. Public awareness highlighting the importance of
classical and folk dances.
ii. Classical and folk dances should be performed on
every occasion of community and in every
cultural program.
iii. Regional and National classical dance
competition should be organized which helps to
preserve and promote it.
iv. Different tribes should form communities to
preserve and promote their classical dances.
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