LAMJUNG:- The Ghatu dance based on Gurung culture, has added charm to the village. Along with preserving the culture, Ghatu dance has also attracted domestic tourists. Ghatu dance Panchami, which begins on Baisakh Purnima, is performed in Gurung villages. Purna Gurung of Marsyangdi-3, Dhangai said that Ghatu dance has added charm to the village. According to him, guests have come from Sanjapu, Mipra, Ghanpokhara, and Sildhunga in Marsyangdi rural municipality to see Ghatu dance.

Kamsarki Gurung, chairman of the Rock Garden Khanigaun Tourism Committee, said that the Ghatu dance festival is going on in Gurung village. He said, “Ghatu dances are going on in every village. It is fun when guests gather at the Ghatu. Guests are coming and going to see the Ghatu.” Ghatu dance is being performed in Gurung villages like Dhangai, Ghanpokhara, Siurung, Chapa, Mipra, Pasgaun, Singdi, Gilung, Hilletxar, Taghring, Shreemanjyang, Ghalegaun, Karapu, Bhujung, Gilung, Taghring, Ghermu, Hilletxar, Faleni, Dhodeni, Pachok, Pyaarjung Gaunda, Ilampokhari, Dudhpokhari, and others in Lamjung. Local mothers’ groups and youth clubs have managed the Ghatu dance in the villages.

According to scholars of Gurung language and culture, Ghatu dance is believed to have originated in the 15th century. In Ghatu dance, two girls, especially those who have not menstruated, are made to dance as symbols of the medieval King Parashurama and Queen Yamphawati. After that, they can dance as they wish, regardless of their age. Ghatu dance songs describe and act out the life of a person, birth, work, adornment, marriage, hunting, fishing, farming and war. Ghatu is especially performed during Sati and Bahramasa. It includes a special performance of Kusunda dance.

Ghatu Guru Buddhiras Gurung of Bhujung said that the story of Ghatu begins with love and ends with death and separation. He said, “After the king is killed in battle, the queen prepares to commit Sati by entrusting the household to her mother-in-law, wealth to her father-in-law, and her minor son Balkrishna to the throne of the king. “When they learn that the king is dead and the queen is about to commit Sati, the household pets, including dogs, cats, elephants, pigeons, and more, start crying.” He said that the moment when Yamphawati, or Ghatusari, cries when Sati is performed, will make everyone sad.

Ghatu dance is danced for three to five days. Where songs are sung, deity sighting, lovemaking, farming, counting flower varieties, playing nets, playing drums, bathing, hunting, marriage, fighting and going to Sati, including counting 12 hills, Ghatuguru Buddhiras said. According to him, in this, natural deities located in the east, west and north-south, including Hiunchuli, Barchuli, Deuchuli and Gangachuli, are invoked.