Music and Dances in Madhyapur Thimi

Ancient and traditional music and dance events still take place here on the occasion of the many different festivals. Mahakali dance is one of the most popular mask dances of Madhyapur Thimi which is based on a religion story from a Hindu Puran called Mahakali Mahalaxmi".

According to this, the three goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Kumari came down to the earth from heaven to vanquish the demons who had spread great misery among the local people. So the goddesses waged a great ware with the demons and defeated them, thus establishing peace and order on the earth.

Bhairab dance (Bhailaa Pyakhan) is another important dance of Thimi. It is said, Thimi was once haunted by evil spirits and the Tantrik performed rituals to evoke the deities to counter the evil spirits. After having solved the problem, the deities couldn't be appeased. Therefore, the Tantrik used another mantra to confine them to a certain area. Now, they are the destroyers of evil spirits and protect the town and local folks. In this dance, a Tantrik, two Bhairab and two kumaris dance. Dyoh Pyakhan of Bode as well as the Bhairab dance is performed after Gai Jatra for four days. Other dance. Such as Lusi Pyakhan, Nagagcha Pyakhan, Indra Apsara etc. are performed on the occasion of Gai Jatra while Mahakali and lakhe dances are performed on the occasion of Indra Jatra. According to people's belief, whenever the Lakheys have good meal, they dance with joy. Perviously, Lakhe dancers used to select victims for human blood sacrifices.

"Gunla", a Buddhist month according to Calendar of Nepal Sambat, falls on mid of July. Religious people visit Busshist courtyard by playing instruments called "Gunla Bajan", consisting of Dhah and Nayakhin, along with cymbals and clarinets (Dhah and Nayakhin are played in Bhairab dance and funeral trocession too). It is believed that the tradition dates back to early Buddhist Era.

Other instrument like Dhimay, Dapakhin, Pachhima, Konchakhin, Nagara, Dholak, Pastaakhin with cymbals are played in various occasions with or without Bansuri or Muhali. Dhimay is most popular and common musical ensembles of Thimi among other.