KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Hyaye Cultural Program was observed on Saturday at the premises of Nepal Hyolmo Society Service Association, Kathmandu, with the view of preserving the ancient cultures of the Hyolmo community.The program is annually organized in order to celebrate the cultural unity and preserve the ancient traditions that are on the verge of extinction. The occasion saw active participation of youths and elderly members.

The event further proceeded as per the rites and rituals of the community. A group of youths and elderly members sang cultural songs and performed a folk dance called ‘Shyabru’. 

Hyaye is an ancient tradition observed to express happiness and celebrate mutual harmony among each other post harvesting period. “As per the origin and evolvement of Hyolmo community, our ancestors share an intimate bonding with nature and agriculture. Hyaye is a significant occasion to commemorate this bonding with nature,” says Kinjo Omu Hyolmo, Advisor, and Nepal Hyolmo Society Service Association. 

“Nepal, popularly known as a multicultural and multilingual nation will only gain its true essence if the cultures are highly preserved. As Hyolmo is one of the 59 indigenous communities legally recognized by Nepal Government, the efforts made by the association to keep the cultures alive is praiseworthy,” asserted Vice-President, Nanda Kishor Pun.

“The participation of youth is highly important when it comes to preserving and reviving ancient cultures. We, as youths have contributed by performing Hyaye and learning to hum the songs of our ancestors. Around 40 of us have formed an organization through which we play our roles as youths of the community,” said Jimmy Hyolmo, President of Youth Club, Hyolmo Helping Hands.