The Asta Matrika Dance also called '' Gaan: Pyakhan'' is a traditional dance of
Lalitpur district and is performed on the day of Ghatasthapana, the first day of
Dasin festival. The dance is estimated to be 350 years old, introduced during the
Malla Regime in Kathmandu valley. The dance is performed by the Shakyas and Bajracharyas community. The dance depicts the eight
matrikas
Matrikas (Sanskrit: मातृका (singular), IAST: mātṛkā, lit. "mothers") also called Mataras or Matri, are a group of mother goddesses in Hinduism. The Matrikas are often depicted in a group of seven, the Saptamatrika(s) (Seven Mot ...
(or goddess), namely, Kumari, Indirayeni, Bhramayani, Maheswor, Barahi, Ganesh, Chamunda and Mahalaxmi.
Mythology
According to the mythology, king Nivash Malla saw in his dream a mother goddess dancing in the royal court at Mulchowk. On the next day he ordered to perform a similar dance in his kingdom.
In the early days, 13 dancers performed for 13 god and goddesses along with 13 dance teachers and musicians representing 13 Dev Gad. The god and goddesses are marked with different colors Simhini(white), Bhairav(blue), Ganesh(white), Kumara(red), Brahmayani(grey), Barahi(red), Indrayani(yellow), Mahalaxmi(yellow), Kaumari(red), Vaishanavi(green), Mahakali/Chamunda(red), Rudrayani(white) and Vhyagrihi(yellow).
References
External links
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Dance in Nepal
{{Nepal-culture-stub