Since ancient times, Newar communities have been performing numerous dances wearing masks portraying gods, goddesses, and demons. These dances depict entertainment along with psychological and traditional sentiments.
Amongst all, the famous and intimidating dance is Lakhey Dance. Lakhey लाखे ( La-khe/ lakhey/ Lakhya ) is believed to be a demon residing in the forest who later became the protector of people from ghosts and spirits. Replicating and honoring this demon, the Lakhey dance is performed from Gathamuga Charey (Ghantakarna) to Krishna Janmashtami and Indra Jatra depending upon the communities own customs and tradition.
Lakhey is believed to arrive from South India in the 11th Century along with other deities. Though there is no exact evidence of its existence, every Newar community has its myths and anecdotes attached to Lakhey.
According to stories passed from generation to generation, there are many myths but the famous plot adjoins Majipa Lakhey of Kathmandu who appears in Indra Jatra, “During the human hunt in Majipa town, one Lakhey fell in love with a young girl. He often visited the girl disguising as a human. When he was caught, the King liberated him to live with his lover only if he pledged to protect the children of the Majipa.” Since then it is believed that Lakhey has been protecting the Newar town as a pact between him and the King.
Besides, there is also a belief that Hari Singh Dev brought Lakhey along with Taleju Bhawani. Some communities also believe this dance is performed as a victory over the fight between humans and Lakhey. Most of the stories also speculate Lakhey as the owner of abundant riches and power. So, Lakhey is often depicted as a member of the Yaksha Clan.
Lakhey dance is performed wearing a huge red mask (Khwapa) ( often made up of clay, cotton, wood, copper etc.) accessorized with a red blouse, skirt, handkerchief, and Ghangali ( belt with musical metal balls strung together). The ferocious mask with enraged eyes, carnivore fangs, and red/black or white wig is believed to inherit the spirit of a demon. The spirit present inside the mask automatically guides a man to dance.
Few Lakhey dancers have also encountered a spiritual trance in Ghangali; they have experienced their body shaking involuntarily after wearing it. Lakhey comes out along with musical instruments.
The most commonly used traditional instruments are Dha, Bhusyah, Dhime, Basuri, Khin, and many more depending upon communities. Lakhey dance though is common in every Newar community their myths, costume, and musical instruments vary from each other.
P.S: I have been way too criticized for writing this article, many have questioned how I am factually wrong though I have incorporated it through research-based books. I still choose to keep posting as it helps me to get critical acclaim from the learned one and gather the information that I can incorporate here later. So if you also have any critical acclaim please let me know, so I can add more quality content out of it.
Originally written for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzAlayCopQ
Picture credit: Samir Shrestha
Reference : Bajracharya.B, Pradhan.P (2076) Kirtipur Nagarpalika ko sanskritik biwaran
Shrestha.S, (2057) Kirtipur ko sanskritik ra puratatwik itihas
Good attempt.
ReplyDeleteThere are myths and there are facts. The notion of lakhey seems to be in between. However there is a reason it was established. Let's find this out.
Kumar Shrestha
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