In Pics: Historic Navadurga dance at Gokarneshwor after 33 years

KATHMANDU: The Navadurga Gana Dance, which has historical and cultural significance in Bhaktapur and was discontinued after 2046 for various reasons, has been performed after 33 years in the Deshe of Gokarneshwor.

As mentioned in the history and inscriptions, when Licchavi king Anandadev established Bhaktapur city as the capital city through Navadurga Bhavani, to protect it from enemies, calamities, divine wrath, etc. and to spread happiness, peace, and prosperity, he invoked the Goddess through tantric method and introduced the Ngalakegu dance of Navadurga Gana under the leadership of Banmala caste.

For about eight months, this dance is performed in 21 different locations throughout Bhaktapur.

In Bhaktapur, Suryamadhi, Tachpal, Kwathandaun Gachhen, Dathutol, Inacho, Golmadhi, Yachhen, Taumadhi, Talako, Mulakhu, Gahhiti, Kwachhen, Tibukchhen, Bolachhen, Khauma, Itachhen, Balakhu, Tulachhe, Chochhen and Ichchhu are celebrated.

The Navadurga deities include Khinhbaja, Tansbaja, Kanshashabaja, Mahadev, Ganesha, Brahmayani, Maheshwari, Bhadrakali, Kumari, Barahi, Indrayani, Mahakali, Mahalaxi, Bhairava, Gujyakali, Pujari Nakin, Balkumari, Dumha, Simha, Shwetbhairava and others.

According to religious belief, when one’s day is bad, taking the prasad of Navadurga Bhawani, curd, five-colored thread, water of the original character, mohani (black ink), and the obstacle will be removed as well as the religious belief remains healthy.

Bringing Navadurga Devgan into the house is thought to bring peace and rid the home of all kinds of fear.

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-Saroj Basnet