Hudkeli Dance of Karnali Province, Nepal

We all know that dance will be incomplete without song and song will be incomplete without music. Song, music and dance are inter- related with each other. While talking about these things, we all know, Nepal is rich in its folk music, song and dance which can't be denied. While talking about folk dances, folk dance generally represents a traditional dance of a particular people or area. These dances are performed according to folk music and songs. We have numerous folk dances from all over the country. Some of the mostly practiced folk dances of different community are Dhan Naach, Chandi Naach, Dandi (Fagu) Naach, Kaura Naach, Madikhole Naach, Deuda Naach, Mundhum Naach, Chyabrung, Hopcha, Ghatu Nritya, Bhairav Nritya, Sorathi Nritya, Maruni Naach, Khyali Naach, Singaru Naach, Hudkeli Naach and so on.

Hudkeli Naach (dance) is one of those fascinating folk dance. It is performed on the basic of mythological stories and practiced in the Mid and Far- western region (Province 6 and 7) of Nepal. Hudkeli Naach is performed in different occasions like Pujas, Marriage, Baptism and many more. This dance is mostly prevailed in himalaya region of above mentioned provinces of Nepal. However, the pattern of singing and dancing of Hudkeli varies from region to region and community to community. 

Hudkeli dance or Hudke dance is a popular dance in the western part of Nepal. It is one of the most popular dances in the Far West and Midwest. Hudkeli dance is danced to the beat of Hudka. The Hudkeli song sung in the popular Deuda Vaka of western Nepal includes mythology, narrations of kings and emperors, and stories of old battles which is called Karkha or Bharat in the local language. This dance is performed in marriage ceremonies, pasni and other auspicious activities. Hood is a musical instrument that can be played with one hand like a drum. The dancer wears a white feta turban on his head, a white robe, and a red robe tied around his waist. In this dance, which is usually sung in epic tales, one person sings and the other accompanies in the Tandab dance. This dance is performed in a popular dance room in Uttarakhand, India. In Uttarakhand, Hudke dance is called Chhaliya dance. Hudkeli is a popular dance and song folk dance and song in West, Mid- west and Far- West Nepal. It is maintained among the Damai castes. It is also called Hudke dance. Hudkeli is also danced at weddings, celebrations, various cultural and political events. Hudkeli dance, which came to western Nepal via Kumaon, Garhwal, India, which used to be the territories of greater Nepal in past. This dance form is now also danced in Rajasthan, India. It can be said that this dance is accompanied by people of western Nepal from long time back.