Hanuman dance tradition in Baglung concludes after 21 months of performances

In Baglung, the Hanuman dance, a 300-year-old tradition preserved by the Newar community, was formally concluded after 21 months. This dance, which carries a vibrant history of three centuries, was revived on Bhadra 11, 2081 BS, after a hiatus of nine years. The performance was showcased 19 times before concluding at Hanuman Pauwa in Baglung Bazaar on Tuesday. The Hanuman Dance Preservation Council plans to perform it again in three years, according to its chairman, Tirtha Prasad Shrestha.

The tradition involves 13 pairs of young men, adorned with colorful face paint, a red band inscribed with “Shri Ram” on their foreheads, red attire on the upper body, white on the lower, and a tail attached to resemble Hanuman. They perform dances in ten different rhythms, a practice the Newar community has maintained for nearly 300 years.

A captivating aspect of the dance is the moment when the performers appear to be possessed by a heroic spirit, swaying as if in a trance. Priests involved in the dance attribute this phenomenon to the rituals performed during the event.

This year, like in the past, 42 youths participated in pairs, dancing to the music 19 times. The dance was performed during the inauguration, conclusion, Baglung Festival, bus park opening, and guest receptions, along with 14 neighborhood rituals.

The Hanuman dance, which began in Bhaktapur during the Malla era, has been preserved and performed by the Newar community in Baglung. Due to factors like the pandemic, the dance, which was traditionally performed every three years, was showcased 19 times over 21 months and concluded with a procession around Baglung Bazaar before the Hanuman statue was reinstalled at Hanuman Pauwa.

Due to the high costs associated with managing the dance, its frequency has gradually extended from three years to five, seven, and now nine years, explained Ishwar Prasad Malepati, the chief patron of the Hanuman dance. The dance is based on the Ramayana.

The history of the Hanuman dance in Baglung dates back to 1768 BS when Newar traders from Bhaktapur began performing it. After a period of decline, the tradition was revived in 2013 BS, according to Malepati.

The dance formally begins with rituals at the Bhimsen Temple in Narayanchowk, Baglung Municipality-3, followed by a procession to Hanuman Pauwa for the Hanuman worship. The recent series of performances started on Bhadra 11, 2081 BS, from Narayanchowk and were showcased at 19 locations, including Kinaratol, Radhakrishna Tol, Dhaulagiri Chowk, Awarod, Srijana Tol, and Galikot, concluding at Kalika Temple.

During the closing ceremony of the Hanuman dance, Baglung Municipality Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha remarked on the dance’s connection to Baglung’s identity. Participants, musicians, and patrons of the Hanuman dance were honored at the event.