Purkhyauli dance competition held to preserve tradition

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Beni, Apr. 27: The Purkhyauli dance competition was held in Annapurna Rural Municipality to safeguard, revive, and elevate the original art and culture of the Magar community.

 Spanning three days, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Magar community leaders and children in Ward – 2, Bhurung Tatopani, of the rural municipality.

Om Prasad Fagami, the Ward chairman of Ward - 2, emphasised the competition’s importance in preserving the cultural legacy of the Magar community and passing it down to the youth.

 Twelve groups from various wards within the rural municipality participated in the competition, which kicked off on Thursday.

Fagami said that the first, second and third place winners received  Rs.100,000, Rs.75,000, and Rs.60,000 receptively alongside certificates.

 Additionally, excellence in categories such as Madale Nach, Maruni Nach, Haimarne Group, Bhaka, Word Choice, Dress, and Discipline would be acknowledged with certificates and cash rewards.

Chandra Prasad Fagami, the former ward president of Ward - 4 Narchang, highlighting the importance of preserving the Purkhyauli dance, a cherished tradition of the Magar community that is at risk of fading into obscurity without being passed down to future generations.  He lauded the active involvement of elders in cultural heritage transmission.

Bharat Kumar Pun, the chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, hailed the competition as a tribute to traditional dance, owing to the vibrant engagement of people of all ages within the municipality. 

He highlighted the municipality’s commitment to promoting tourism through the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Chief Administrative Officer Amrit Subedi disclosed that the rural municipality allocated Rs.300,000 to ensure the success of the three-day competition. 

Organisers reported a collection of over Rs. 1.9 million  for the event, with contributions from both local and international residents of Bhurung Tatopani.