Commercialization and concert culture alter traditional Deusi bhailo festival

Modernity and technology are rapidly transforming the Deusi Bhailo tradition during the Tihar festival in Nepal.

Traditionally, youth and elders formed groups to visit homes and sing melodic tunes accompanied by folk instruments like the Madal and Bansuri. These performers, known as Bhatyaune, narrated mythological stories and offered blessings to homeowners in exchange for Sida, which are traditional offerings of rice and sweets. This practice served as a communal bond that fostered harmony and passed down cultural heritage.

Harisharan Bartoula, a 98-year-old former narrator from Bhimfedi, Makwanpur, says the festival has shifted toward a commercial spectacle. He observes that loud speakers and DJs now dominate the streets, replacing traditional folk songs with Hindi, English, and rap music. Instead of visiting private courtyards to provide spiritual blessings, many groups now build large stages at intersections to host concerts. These events often block public roads and focus on collecting money rather than maintaining the original spiritual essence of the holiday.

Sociologists and cultural experts identify a lack of state cultural policy as a reason for this shift. Suresh Dhakal, a sociologist, attributes the change to the market's dominance over cultural preservation. He argues that without government oversight, the market reshapes traditions to prioritize profit and entertainment. Dr. Jagaman Gurung, a cultural expert, suggests that while the community can adapt ancient beliefs to modern times, they must preserve the original tunes and core identity of the festival to prevent cultural decline.