Tharu people celebrate Dashain with Sakhiya dance
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In Banke district, Nepal, Tharu people are performing the traditional Sakhiya dance during the Dashain festival.
The dance takes place in villages each evening, bringing communities together after daily work. Young men play the madal drum while groups of 15 to 20 women dance in traditional white fariya saris and red choliya blouses, adorned with colourful ornaments. The Sakhiya dance also incorporates religious elements, as performers sing devotional songs praising deities and praying for their community’s well-being.
Local leaders say the dance fosters unity and has strengthened bonds within the Tharu community for generations. A traditional healer, called a Guruwa, is represented during the performance, with elders acting as protectors. After the dance, participants pool their money to share traditional Tharu foods, continuing the celebration and preserving their cultural heritage. The name "Sakhiya" reflects the dance’s group nature, performed with friends and companions.
