Charya
Charya Nritya is a Nepalese ritual dance with a history going back more than 1,000 years. It is performed by Newar Buddhist priests known as Bajracharya as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals. The dancers represent various deities like the Five Buddhas, Manjushree, Vajrayogini and Tara. The song accompanying the dance opens with a salutation and describes the deity’s characteristics and accessories. It is a sacred dance that is performed in Buddhist temples during religious ceremonies and festivals. Charya dance is a form of meditation that is performed by trained dancers who are known as Charyapadas. The dance is accompanied by music and chanting, and it is believed to help the dancers achieve a state of inner peace and enlightenment.The origins of Charya dance can be traced back to the 8th century AD when the great Buddhist master Padmasambhava introduced the Vajrayana Buddhist teachings to Tibet and Nepal. He is said to have brought with him the dance and music of the dakini (female wisdom deities) from India. The dance form evolved over time and became an integral part of the Newar Buddhist culture.Charya dance is performed in the Kathmandu valley during the annual festival of Indra Jatra, which is held in honor of the Hindu god Indra. The dance is also performed during other festivals such as Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Buddha, and during the New Year festival of Nepal Sambat.The Charya dance is performed in a circular formation with the Charyapadas dressed in colorful traditional costumes. The dancers use hand gestures and facial expressions to convey different meanings and emotions. The dance movements are graceful and fluid, and they are accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as drums, cymbals, and flutes.The dance has a symbolic significance and is believed to represent the transformation of negative emotions into positive ones. The dance is a form of spiritual practice that helps the dancers to achieve a state of inner peace and enlightenment. The Charyapadas are highly trained dancers who undergo rigorous training in dance, music, and meditation to prepare for the performance.In conclusion, Charya dance is a unique and ancient form of dance that is deeply rooted in the Newar Buddhist culture of Nepal. It is a form of spiritual practice that combines dance, music, and meditation and is performed during religious ceremonies and festivals. The dance is a symbol of transformation and enlightenment and is an important part of Nepal’s cultural heritage.
