Bhairav dance (2023)
Annapurna Cable Car 2023, Pokhara, Nepal
It was originated in Bhaktapur and brought to Pokhara while migrating. Although it was performed every 12 years in Bhaktapur, it is performed every 6 years in pokhara valley to better fulfill its cultural role. It was brought more than 236 years ago by Jitaram from Bhaktapur according to the guru Late Mr. Sarbagyaman Pradhananga . The rag (song) in this dance indicates that it was started at the time of last Malla King of Bhaktapur, Ranajit Malla.
There are 12 deities in this dance, namely Dagini (Dakini), Kwancha, Bhuccha, Bhairab, Kali Bhairab (Budi Bhairab), Indrayani, Barah (Varah), Kumari, Bishnuvi (Vaishnavi), Bramhayani (Brahmani), Maheswori (Gauri) and Ganesh (Ganesha). Bhairab leads and conducts the dance. Before the dance all performers bathe and wear ceremonial clothes and mask (Khawpa). After wearing the mask no performer can speak until it is taken out.
The dance is started at the Bhairab Temple in the evening and after a couple of rounds and puja it is taken to the hosting place where it is performed for around six hours including puja. At first all 12 gods dance. After the puja is complete then individual dance starts. First is Bhairab with Kwancha and Bhuccha which is like a child and adult play. It is called a Jyoti Naach. After that Bhairab, Kali, Indrayani and Barah come. It lasts almost one hour and called a Char Bhairab. It is an energetic dance and most people love to watch this part of the dance. Then come Kumari, Bishnuvi, Bramhayani and Ganga. Then Ganesh dances solo. Then come Kwancha and Bhuchha, again with their like childlike playing. At the end comes Dagini. In the closing act all 12 Bhairabs participate. Then the ending puja is performed and they return to the Bhairab Temple.
Source: Bhairab Nach Pokhara
Gallery
Year
2023
Camera
Sony A9
Lens
Sony FE 24-70
GM
Project
Self
Description
This captivating dance, featuring twelve deities, is a profound expression of cultural heritage and religious devotion. The ensemble includes Dagini (Dakini), Kwancha, Bhuccha, Bhairab, Kali Bhairab (Budi Bhairab), Indrayani, Barah (Varah), Kumari, Bishnuvi (Vaishnavi), Bramhayani (Brahmani), Maheswori (Gauri), and Ganesh (Ganesha), with Bhairab taking the lead role in conducting the dance. Prior to the performance, all participants undergo a ritual bath, donning ceremonial attire and masks (Khawpa) that symbolize their divine roles. Once adorned with these masks, a vow of silence is observed, preserving the sanctity of the dance until the masks are removed. This preparation sets the stage for a spiritual journey through dance, beginning at the Bhairab Temple as evening falls. The initial rounds, coupled with puja (worship rituals), transition to the hosting place, where the dance unfolds over approximately six hours, weaving through individual and group performances that are both intricate and deeply symbolic.
The dance commences with all twelve gods moving in harmony, setting a celestial tone for the evening. Following the collective puja, the dance progresses into individual showcases, starting with a playful interaction between Bhairab, Kwancha, and Bhuccha in a segment known as Jyoti Naach, symbolizing the dynamics between child and adult. The energy intensifies with the Char Bhairab, featuring Bhairab, Kali, Indrayani, and Barah in a vigorous display that captivates the audience for nearly an hour. The narrative continues with performances by Kumari, Bishnuvi, Bramhayani, and Ganga, leading into a solo by Ganesh. The dance circles back to the playful antics of Kwancha and Bhuccha, before culminating with Dagini’s entrance. In a powerful finale, all twelve deities reunite, their combined forces bringing the event to a close with a final puja. This cyclical journey from the Bhairab Temple and back signifies not just the end of an enchanting performance but the perpetual rhythm of devotion and tradition.