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Khalas: The Guardians of Newari Musical Heritage in Harisiddhi

In Newari culture, musical communities known as Khalas play a vital role in organizing and performing traditional music for cultural, religious, and social events. A Dafa Khala, in particular, focuses on traditional Newari music tied to these ceremonies, helping to preserve the rich musical heritage and ensure its continuity across generations.

Harisiddhi, an ancient Newari village originally called Jestapur, is steeped in rich religious and cultural traditions, with 90% of its residents belonging to the Maharjan community. Various groups, or Khalas, such as Dafa Khala, Dhime Khala, Dhaa Khala, and others, perform unique roles in the village's social and cultural fabric. Each Khala contributes significantly to maintaining and celebrating Harisiddhi's rich heritage.

Khalas: The Guardians of Newari Musical Heritage in Harisiddhi

Establishment
  • Founded by Mr. Dhanbir Maharjan (Bhanshii) and Mr. Sankha Narayan Maharjan (Ta Mi) after separating from Kye Thaa Dafa Khala.
  • The Khala begins actively participating in cultural and religious festivals within the Harisiddhi community.
Initial Years
  • Primary Instrument: Focused on performing with the Dafa (Khi), a traditional single-headed drum from the Kathmandu Valley.
  • Ko Khi Description: Made from wood with an animal skin top, featuring a unique hole for pitch modulation, creating a rich and resonant sound.
  • Believed to have derived its name from the Ko Khi, the only Khala in Harisiddhi to include it in performances.
Before 1980 B.S.
  • Introduction of the Flute: Added to enhance the musical experience, bringing a melodious layer and a fresh vibe to performances.
1980 B.S.
  • Expansion of Instrumentation: Incorporation of Western instruments such as clarinet, trumpet, drums, tenor horn, and silver rattle, creating a unique fusion with traditional Newari music.
  • New Identity: Transitioned to the Mahashakti Ko Khi Band Khala, enriching cultural performances and preserving musical heritage.
1990 B.S.
  • Jointly performed the drama GITI with Kye Thaa Dafa Khala, showcasing unity between the two groups.
2006 B.S.
  • Collaborated to organize and perform the dance Ekadasi Brata, a tradition maintained for decades.
Legacy
  • The legacy of the Ko Khi Dafa Khala continues to thrive, with rich musical traditions passed down through generations.
  • Significantly contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Harisiddhi.

Gurus of Ko Khi Dafa Khala: (122 Years of Legacy)

The legacy of Ko Khi Dafa Khala has been preserved through the knowledge and dedication of its esteemed Gurus, who have passed down their teachings from generation to generation. Their contributions have played a vital role in conserving the traditional rituals, norms, and values of the Kha:la:. Below is a list of the revered Gurus who have contributed to this rich tradition:

These Gurus have continuously nurtured the traditions and values of Ko Khi Dafa Khala, ensuring that its rich cultural heritage thrives in the present day.

Gurus of Ko Khi Dafa Khala: (122 Years of Legacy)
S No. Gurus Family Name (Kunna) Remarks
1 Late Mr. Sankha Narayan Maharjan Ta-Mi First Guru
2 Late Mr. Mojman Maharjan - Second Guru
3 Late Mr. Hera Kumar Maharjan Bhayo Third Guru
4 Late Mr. Hari Maharjan and Late Mr. Ram Maharjan Enbi and Bhasii Fourth Gurus
5 Mr. Dhan Bahadur Maharjan and Late Mr. Narayan Maharjan Lyabchen and Inbi Fifth Gurus
6 Mr. Dhan Bahadur Maharjan Lyabchen Current Gurus

Year-Round Dafa Performance: Timing and Traditions

The Ko Khi Dafa Khala, like other Khalas in Harisiddhi, plays an essential role in various cultural and religious events throughout the year. One of the key performances is during Gula Bhajan, which starts from Shrawan Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada and continues until Bhadra Krishna Pakshya Kushi Aushi, lasting for one month and performed in the morning. Following this is the Yola Bhajan, held from Bhadra Krishna Pakhsya Kushi Aushi to Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada (Gatastapana). This event is performed at night, where women from each Dafa Khala light “Itta (a traditional wick used in Newari culture for lighting lamps during religious ceremonies and worship in the temples)” between Dyegu Dhyo and Lachi, with the respective Khala following them, playing Dafa Bhajan. This, too, lasts for one month.

During the festive period of Nal Swaniu, which begins from Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada (Gatastapana) and continues until Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Saptami (Fulpati), each Dafa Khala visits the Ward Chairperson’s house and performs Dafa Bhajan at night for seven days. Afterward, Kartik Bhajan starts from Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Purnima and continues until Kartik Sukhlapakhsya Purnima, performed at night for one month. Finally, Magh Bhajan takes place from Poush Sukhla pakhsya Purmina to Magh Sukhlapakhsya Purnima, during which the bhajan is performed in the morning for another month. In addition to this, it performs at joyous occasions like weddings, Bratabanda, Satya Narayan Puja, and other auspicious ceremonies, offering both entertainment and spiritual hymns.

Monthly/Weekly Performance Schedule

Monthly/Weekly Performance Schedule
S No. Event Name Start Date End Date Duration Performance Time
1 Gula Bhajan Shrawan Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada Bhadra Krishna Pakshya Kushi Aushi 1 month Morning
2 Yola Bhajan Bhadra Krishna Pakshya Kushi Aushi Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada (Gatastapana) 1 month Night
3 Nal Swaniu Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Pratipada (Gatastapana) Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Saptami (Fulpati) 7 days Night
4 Kartik Bhajan Ashwin Sukhlapakhsya Purnima Kartik Sukhlapakhsya Purnima 1 month Night
5 Magh Bhajan Poush Sukhla pakhsya Purnima Magh Sukhla pakhsya Purnima 1 month Morning

Single Day Performance Schedule:

Single Day Performance Schedule
S No. Event Name Date Performance Time
Details
1 Lakhe Naach Shrawan Shukala Pakhsya Chaturthi Evening
  • Play the Baand Baja and Dafa.
  • The Lakhe will dance to the music played by the Baand Baja.
  • Dafa Khala will follow the Lakhe.
  • Starts from the Dafa Ghar and visits Sata Fala, Samle, Lachi, Kani Khaley, and more.
  • History: The Lakhe Naach tradition began to protect children from evil spirits.
2 Gai Jatra Bhadra Krishna Pakhsya Pratipada Day
  • Dafa Khala will play the dafa in major falcha of Harisiddhi Village.
  • Dafa Khala will collect the “Ke Pu” from its members.
3 Jyo Dhalbuyau Bhadra Krishna Pakhsya Ditiya Afternoon
  • Visit Lachi playing Baand Baja and Dafa.
  • Return to Dafa Ghar after the priest finishes swimming.
4 Krishna Janamastami Bhadra Krishna Pakhsya Astami Midnight
  • Perform the Dafa Bhajan at Dalchi Falcha.
  • Organize a “Chasi Program” for bhajan devotees at Falcha.
  • Pray and worship Narayan Mandir in “Inya Nani”.
5 Buwa ko Mukh Herne Bhadra Krishna Pakhsya Aunshi Day and Night
  • Daafa Members gathering in Daafa Ghar and moving towards Bungamati.
  • Dafa Khala will offer worship to God by playing Band Baaja / Dafa in Bungamati.
  • Departure from Bungamati to Karyabinayak while playing Band Baja / Dafa, followed by worshiping God through Band Baaja / Dafa music at Karyabinayak.
  • Dafa Khala will have Samay Baji at Karyabinayak.
  • Departure from Karyabinayak to Sunakothi Mahadev Mandir, where Dafa Khala will play Band Baaja/Dafa to worship God.
  • Departure from Sunakothi Mahadev Mandir to Harisiddhi Bhawani Mandir, where Dafa Khala will head towards Dafa Ghar while playing the Band Baaja.
  • In the evening, Dafa Khala will play the Dafa Bhajan at Dalchi Falcha.
  • At night, Dafa Khala will follow the Miku Mangka, playing Dafa or Band Baaja until the Matya session ends.
6 Indra Jatra Bhadra Shukla Pakhsya Purnima Midnight
  • Dafa Khala will follow the Miku Mangka, playing Dafa or Band Baaja until the Matya session ends.
7 Gathasthapana Asoj Sukhla Pakhsya Pratipada Day
  • Dafa Khala will gather at Daafa Ghar and will proceed to Pinga Jyo by playing Band Baaja.
  • Dafa Khala will have Samay Baji at Pinga Jyo.
  • In the Evening, Dafa Khala will play Dafa or Band Baaja until the Matya session ends.
8 Fulpati Asoj Sukhla Pakhsya Saptami Afternoon
  • Dafa Khala will gather at Daafa Ghar and will proceed to Khaley.
  • Dafa Khala will play the Band Baaja after the Fulpati ceremony in Khaley and heads towards the Ward chairman.
9 Dashain Nawami Asoj Sukhla Pakhsya Nawami Afternoon
  • Dafa Khala will gather at Daafa Ghar and perform “Dashain Puja” by worshipping the musical instruments.
  • The senior Daafa Khala will perform the ritual of Dashain Puja by playing the special Dashain Dhun with Khin Daafa.
  • Dafa Khala will proceed to Khaley, where “Mani Mey Puja” will be held.
  • After the “Mani Mey Puja” ceremony in Khaley, Dafa Khala will play the Band Baaja and then head towards the Ward Chairman.