Santosh Gautam
MYAGDI: The otherwise vibrant festive atmosphere in major markets including Beni bazaar of the district eluded bustle now- with only two groups performing Deusi-Bhailo during the ongoing Tihar festival.
Local residents and shopkeepers have witnessed a notable decline in the number of groups performing the traditional cultural dance and songs, thereby drawing concern over the diminishing tradition.
Kiran Karki, a local entrepreneur at Indrenichowk of Beni district, lamented the absence of traditional charm in the market during the festival of lights and flowers.
Earlier, there used to be at least 10 troupes of Deusi-Bhailo celebrants performing dances and songs. The markets would turn into a bustling and happening places, Karki recollected, adding that he only saw two groups performing Deusi-Bhailo programme.
Karki attributed the shrink in the Deusi-Bhailo group due to the increasing exodus of youths, especially skilled performers (artists) for foreign employment and for abroad studies as well.
"This year, the Aama Samuha and higher secondary school students' were seen performing Deusi-Bhailo. The impact of outflow of youths is starting to be seen in the culture of playing Deusi-Bhailo," he shared.
Gokul Sunar, chairperson of an organization of the folk music artists, said there had been fewer younger women and men during the Tihar lately. According to Sunar, many young folks in the district have sought employment overseas while local residents were busy in agricultural works.
With none to take forward the Deusi-Bhailo programme exuberantly and keep up with its sanctity, he worried over the disappearance of this joyous tradition believed to be practiced since the reign of Bali Raja in Hindu legend.
Skilled and esteemed artists such as Raj Kumar Pariyar, Soniya Pun, Gokul Pun, Milan Thapa Magar among others have sought greener pastures, contributing to the dearth of artists for the cultural performances.
To address the talent shortage and to conserve the tradition and customs of Deusi-Bhailo, Sunar said that they had trained new troupe of artists. A typical Deusi-Bhailo group consists of 20-30 artists, he, who performs Deusi-Bhailo representing the Shining Dance Group, added.
Another cause for concern regarding Deusi-Bhailo is eroding cultural values, practices and sanctity. Songs were sung to the tune and beats of traditional musical instruments like madal, tyamko, sahanai, among others while dances were performed to folk songs.
Modernization has replaced tradition and extravaganza ruined originality in the cultural show.
On the contrary, an association of Myagdi folks residing abroad has maintained the tradition of Deusi-Bhailo. They regularly organize Deusi-Bhailo function in the countries such as Portugal, Japan, South Korea, the USA, the UK and Australia among others.
Rahul KC, currently residing in the USA, described the Nepali Diaspora, especially those originally hailing from Myagdi district celebrate their culture such as Deusi-Bhailo with great fervor in the foreign land.
He recently noticed a gathering of Nepali groups, clad in ethnic dresses, singing original Deusi-Bhailo songs and dancing.
The Deusi-Bhailo, once focused on entertainment and maintaining or fostering communal amity, is increasingly viewed as a fundraising opportunity.
Artist Amit BC denounced this deviation, mentioning that the playing recorded music diminishes the authenticity of playing live music and singing to the tune of traditional musical instruments.
Deusi-Bhailo involves storytelling of mythical references. Another customary of Deusi-Bhailo is to describe the features of the houses and their owners, explain the reasons for their visit with the reference to historical anecdotes and offer blessings to the house owners, which create a unique connection between the performers and house owners.
To preserve this tradition, community leaders and cultural experts stress the importance of maintaining original form and content of Deusi-Bhailo.
They also call for the new generation to engage in and uphold the unique heritage of Deusi-Bhailo, ensuring its original spirit in the modern time as well.
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