Author’s Note: This poem is primarily based on the women who are considered a backward class in the Terai (plains) region of Nepal. It depicts how these women are an example of strength and empowerment by their distinct dance; balancing six pots with fire on their head and swaying to the tune played by the men of their group.
In the dark under the starlit sky as I gazed; From my balcony, I spot a beam of light. With the sound of ghungroo and bangles; Bright colourful sarees humming through their way; approaching towards me in a joyful way . Filled with excitement my eyes lit; Oh, what a majestic sight it is. A woman so unbelievable; Possessing such strength and perfect balance; Even the patriarchy would-be mum. Six earthen pots; jhijiya; placed between bamboo ladder-like thing; panchamukhi jhijhiya; on five sides with like lanterns; perfectly balanced on her head. Then began the grooves to the song sung and played; by her mates on dhol and jhaeel ; dhamak-dhamak it went. Dancing with the group I understood, The folk song dedicated to the goddess of victory; Is performed on the day of Dusshera. By women with a specific belief and charm; that they and their loved ones are; Protected from negativity and harm. Rooted in tradition this Mithila folk dance; shapes a female's identity of the Musahar community, Once which was performed in the forests among tribes; Is now performed in a society within the city lives. The traditional dance performed with the motive of evil repulsion; On contrary, why does this society practice evil attraction?
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Barkha Gupta is an English teacher pursuing her PG from Delhi University. She is originally from Nepal.
