Bhaktapur A performance of Navadurga naach at Suryamadi, Bhaktapur, kicked off the Nga Lakegu Jatra festival today. The Newar community celebrates Nga Lakegu, which means ‘Catching Fish (Fishing),’ as a celebration that begins day after Maghe Sankraanti and lasts till Bhalbal Shrawan Asthami. The Navadurga naach is done in various locations of Bhaktapur during this time.
The Navadurga Gan, Goddess Durga‘s 9 forms, are represented by dancers dressed in masks. After the actors portraying Goddess Mahakali and Swet Bhairab depart the stage, ‘Simba’ and ‘Dumba‘, who play a female lion and a female tiger, respectively, are introduced. Traditionally, youngsters tease and play with the two characters, and the characters chase after them. If the characters apprehend them, the youngsters must pay a fee to be released. Hundreds of children chanting and shouting at Simba and Dumba at Suryamadi.
Encouragement of children’s participation may serve to strengthen their interest in Newari culture, so assisting in the preservation of the culture. “This festival aims to teach children about Newari culture and norms,”.
Suryamadi Dabali, Dattatreya, Kwathandau, Gachhen, Dachhutole, Nag Pokhari, Inacho, Golmadi, Yachhen, Taumadi, Talako, Pottery Square, Nasmana, Gahiti, Quachhen, Tibukchhen, Sukuldhoka, Durbar square, Khauma, and Ittachhen are among 21 various locations of Bhaktapur municipality where the Navadurga Devgan Before returning to the municipality, the performing company would visit Sanga, Changu Narayan, Nala, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Shreekhanda, Kharpu, and the surrounding areas.
The festival is unique in that you get to play a game with the god in addition to worshiping him. The goal of the game is to catch as many fish as possible. The god here is a fisherman, and the children are fishes. One of the game’s rules is that the deity cannot capture ladies or girls. After the game begins, the child begins to tease the god and runs around the streets. If the god catches the children, they twist their ears; if the god gets the young or the elderly, they demand money to let them go.