Pokhara, 4 August । The 21st annual Kaski District Tayamcha Dance Competition is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 31st of Shrawan, at Shisuwa Bazaar in Lekhnath. Organized by the Shisuwa Newa: Khal and managed by Newa: Khal Kaski, preparations for the event are in full swing. This marks the first time the competition will be held outside of Pokhara city, a move the organizers believe will make the event historic.
The Tayamcha dance is a traditional Newari dance performed during the Gaijatra festival, a tradition observed by families who have lost a member within the past year. The dance involves a procession around the market with musical instruments. To avoid the dance procession extending late into the night on Gaijatra day, the competition is held on the following Saturday. The main organizer, Arjun Kumar Tamrakar, who is also the president of Shisuwa Newa: Khal, stated that this is a “golden opportunity” for Lekhnath to host the event.
This year, a total of 35 teams are expected to participate, comprising 27 male teams and 8 female teams. The prize money for the male category is set at NRs 111,111 for the winner, NRs 77,777 for the second-place team, NRs 55,555 for the third, and NRs 25,555 for the fourth. In the female category, the winner will receive NRs 40,000, with NRs 30,000 for second place, NRs 25,000 for third, and NRs 20,000 for the consolation prize. According to Ashok Palikhe, president of Newa: Khal Kaski, the competition is crucial for preserving and promoting local Newari culture, which is an integral part of Pokhara’s identity.
