Dapha Bhajan: Patan Museum’s Storytelling Today

Unveiling the Sacred Rhythms: Dapha Bhajan Comes Alive at Patan Museum

A unique cultural event is set to illuminate the rich heritage of Dapha Bhajan, a traditional Newa devotional music form, with a public storytelling and live demonstration session scheduled to take place at the historic Patan Museum. This engaging experience, designed to immerse attendees in the spiritual and artistic dimensions of this ancient practice, will run from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM today.

Organised by Baakhan Nyane waa, the event is a significant component of the ‘Patan Pailai Pailama’ initiative, a car-free communal movement spearheaded by Lalitpur Metropolitan City and bolstered by the support of the Nepal Cycle Society. This broader initiative aims to foster a more connected and sustainable urban environment, with cultural events like this serving as a cornerstone for community engagement and heritage preservation.

The core objective of the session is to provide a comprehensive introduction to Dapha Bhajan, delving into its profound historical and religious significance. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the tradition’s unique characteristics and its place within the cultural tapestry of Nepal.

Exploring the Essence of Dapha Bhajan

The event will meticulously explore several key thematic areas, offering a multi-faceted view of Dapha Bhajan:

The Identity of Nasah Dyah: A central focus will be on understanding the identity of Nasah Dyah, revered as Nrityanath. This exploration will shed light on the divine figures and deities central to the devotional narratives sung and performed within the Dapha Bhajan tradition. Attendees will learn about the spiritual context and the devotional reverence associated with these figures.
Distinguishing Features of Dapha Bhajan: The session will highlight what sets Dapha Bhajan apart from other devotional music forms. This will involve examining its unique melodic structures, lyrical content, and performance protocols. Understanding these distinctions will allow audiences to appreciate the specific artistic and spiritual nuances of this Newa tradition.
The Symphony of Instruments: A detailed overview of the musical instruments integral to Dapha Bhajan performances will be presented. Participants will discover the specific roles and sounds of traditional instruments, learning how they contribute to the overall sonic landscape and devotional atmosphere of the music.

To ensure a truly immersive experience, the informative discussion will be complemented by a live demonstration. This practical element will offer attendees a tangible insight into the performance of Dapha Bhajan, allowing them to witness the music and its accompanying rituals firsthand.

Esteemed Storytellers Guiding the Journey

The narrative of Dapha Bhajan will be masterfully guided by Pradhyumna Krishna Shrestha, a luminary in the field. Also known by his respected title, Patrabansha Rawat, Shrestha holds the esteemed position of chief guru for the Rato Machhindranath Mridanga Bhajan. Furthermore, his expertise extends to his role as a guru at the Bhimsen Mandir Dapha Bhajan, underscoring his deep connection and extensive knowledge of the tradition.

Assisting Shrestha in this cultural exposition is Shivesh Sharma. Sharma hails from a lineage of hereditary priests, a background that has deeply influenced his lifelong engagement with traditional arts. He has dedicated six years to the rigorous study of traditional music and is a regular performer, adept at playing the Khin and other traditional instruments. His musical contributions are a familiar presence during the vibrant Kartik Naach and other significant bhajan performances, adding another layer of authenticity and experience to the event.