“Nawadurga Dance” performance for blessings in Gokarneshwor (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: The performance of the historic and culturally significant Nawadurga dance troupe of Bhaktapur has begun at Deshe in Gokarneshwor.

Nawadurga Dance, which began on Monday evening, was also performed on Tuesday morning.

According to historical records and inscriptions, the tradition of Nawadurga dance was initiated during the reign of Lichhavi King Ananda Deva when he established Bhaktapur as the capital city through the blessings of Nawadurga Bhawani.

Historical Devi Dance in Gokarneshwor (Photo Feature)

To protect against enemies, disasters, and calamities, as well as to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity, in the leadership of the Banmala community, tantric rituals were performed to invocate deities and began the practice of the Nawadurga troupe’s “Nga-la-ke-gu” dance.

The Nawadurga deities include Khin-baja, Tan-baja, Kansha-baja, Mahadev, Ganesh, Brahmayani, Maheshwar, Bhadrakali, Kumari, Barahi, Indrayani, Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Bhairav, Gujyakali, Pujari Nakin, Bal Kumari, Dumha, Simha, Shweta Bhairav, and among others.

There is a religious belief that receiving Nawadurga Bhawani’s blessings in the form of offerings like curd and beaten rice, five-colored threads, holy water from the main vessel, and Mohani (black tika) can remove obstacles and promote good health.

It is also widely believed that welcoming the Nawadurga deities into one’s home brings peace and liberation from all kinds of fears and anxieties.

(Glimpses from the performance of Nawadurga Dance in Gokarneshwor)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet) 

Nepali version of the photo story