Bardiya, October 12
Traditional Hurdungwa dance has brought festive cheer to Desauri Tharu settlements in Bardiya, where community members gather every evening to sing and dance to the rhythms of the madal and manjira.
The dance, an important cultural tradition of the Desauri Tharu community during Dashain, begins after the Hareri Puja, traditionally observed in August. Men and women gather in the courtyards of village leaders, known as Badghar or Matawa, to perform the dance collectively.
Tetiram Tharu of Bhaishahi village in Gulariya Municipality-12 said villagers had been performing Hurdungwa every night as Dashain approached. The dance begins with Lachhari songs, with participants taking turns singing verses and performing coordinated movements.
Similar gatherings are taking place daily in Motipur, Bansgadhi Municipality-6. Resident Ramkishun Tharu said preparations include repairing madals, selecting singers and organising dancing and musical groups.
The dance features two groups performing in turns. The lead dancer is called Mohiya, while the second-in-command is known as Pichgunya. Men traditionally dress as women to perform the role of Bathinya.
According to Tharu cultural expert Parshuram Tharu, the songs vary by time of day and include devotional themes associated with the Ramayana and Shiva-Parvati.
Bahadur Bairagi Tharu, chairperson of the Barbardiya Badghar Network, said the tradition begins with Hareri Puja and continues until about a week after Dashain.
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