KATHMANDU

Folk Lok, a community based arts program that responds to the needs of indigenous music groups in Nepal; in association with Taa Nani Dapha Khala organized "Dapha Calling: Revitalizing our heritage” on Saturday at Hanuman Dhoka.

This is the second edition of Dapha Calling. This musical event is a month long program and "Dapha Calling: Revitalizing our heritage” marked the beginning of the event. In the program, four different musical groups within the valley--Lubhu, Bhaktapur, Tokha and Teku-- came together to share and discuss the tradition of performing Dapha in Sakhimana Punhi. 

The event began with the offering of sagun that represents auspiciousness. Then, each group representing their places gave Dapha performance which was showcased during the time of the festival Sakhimana Punhi and they also shared the information about the rituals and activities performed on the day of Sakhimana Puhni.

Explaining about the importance of Dapha, Pushpa Palanchoke from Folk Lok shared, “The most significant aspect of Dapha is known as the classic tradition in Newah civilization and the musical instruments like Dhime and Dha is believed to be derived from the same. Moreover, singing is one of the important aspects of Dapha where more than 20 people from the community sing together to the tune of musical instruments Khin, Tah and Bhaucha. Although the origin of Dapha is a debatable subject, it is believed to be originated in 16 th century in Malla period.”