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Lathi Nach or Jharra Nach also known as Tharu stick dance is a cultural dance of the Tharu people.[1] This dance is mainly performed during the Dashain festival. It is danced striking the small sticks with each other and on its rhythm. It is similar to Dandiya Raas, performed in the Indian state of Gujarat, but varies in movement and style.[2] In this ritual dance all dancers should either be men or women only, as they must wake up holy sprite goddess Durga.[3]
| Native name | लाठी नाच |
|---|---|
| Etymology | Stick dance |
| Genre | Cultural dance |
| Instrument(s) | Wooden stick |
| Inventor | Tharu people |
Symbolic meaning
editThe Tharu people, like many indigenous communities, have a strong connection with nature. The use of sticks in their dance symbolize their relationship with the environment, acting as an extension of their daily interactions with the natural world. It also symbolize the Tharu’s need to protect themselves and their crops from wildlife threats. Moreover, the dance carries profound cultural significance, taking center stage during festivals, weddings, and various celebratory events. It serves as a captivating means of artistic expression, skillfully conveying the community’s history and values.[4]
Tourism
editTharu Stick Dance has evolved into a notable attraction for tourists, offering them a window into the cultural richness of Nepal. It plays an important role in safeguarding and transmitting the Tharu’s distinct cultural identity across generations. Laathi Nach has become a popular tourist attraction in Nepal, particularly Chitwan.[5][6][7]
References
edit- ^ Lawoti, Mahendra; Pahadi, Anup, eds. (2010). The Maoist insurgency in Nepal : revolution in the twenty-first century. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-77717-9. OCLC 874200782.
- ^ "The folk dances enriching Nepali culture". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ "Nepali Dance: Classical and folk dances of Nepal". Mero Kalam. 2016-10-29. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Rue, Hayden (2023-11-27). "Tharu Stick Dance in Chitwan". Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ Linnard, Adam (2007-10-01). People Moving Matters: Theorizing Tourism and Migration on the Nepali 'Periphery'. SIT Digital Collections. OCLC 870512458.
- ^ Sharma, Bal Krishna; Phyak, Prem (2017-02-27). "Neoliberalism, linguistic commodification, and ethnolinguistic identity in multilingual Nepal". Language in Society. 46 (2): 231–256. doi:10.1017/s0047404517000045. ISSN 0047-4045. S2CID 152074396.
- ^ Dhakal, Narayan. Socio-cultural impacts of tourism in Third World countries : a case study of Nepal : submitted to Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Lincoln University as partial fulfilment of Post Graduate Diploma in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. OCLC 154199475.
External links
edit- Tharu Stick Dance, Nepal, outside at night, at Youtube
- Tharu Stick Dance in 2015 and in 2012 at same venue, inside, at Youtube
- Tharu Stick Dance of Gochhada nawalparasi, outside in daytime, at Youtube
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