Sorathi Dance
Sorathi dance is a traditional dance form of the Gurung community in Nepal, primarily performed during the harvest festival of Tihar or Diwali. The dance is usually performed by a group of women dressed in traditional Gurung attire, which includes a colorful blouse and skirt, a waistband called ‘kachhad’ and a shawl or scarf called ‘phariya’.
The dance is performed to the beats of traditional musical instruments like the madal, dholak, and tungna. The dancers form a circle or a semicircle and move in a synchronized manner, swaying their hips and arms to the rhythm of the music. The dance is characterized by fast footwork and graceful movements, with the dancers occasionally breaking away from the group to perform individual steps.
The Sorathi dance is often accompanied by songs that tell stories of love, nature, and life in the Gurung community. The lyrics are usually in the Gurung language and are passed down from generation to generation through oral traditions.
One of the unique features of the Sorathi dance is the use of ‘Jhoomer’, a circular metal ornament worn by the dancers around their ankles, which produces a rhythmic sound when they move their feet. The sound of the Jhoomer is an essential component of the dance and adds to the overall festive atmosphere of the performance.
Apart from being a form of entertainment, Sorathi dance also has significant cultural and social significance in the Gurung community. It is an essential part of the community’s cultural identity and serves as a means of preserving and celebrating their traditional customs and values.
In conclusion, Sorathi dance is a vibrant and colorful dance form that embodies the spirit and traditions of the Gurung community in Nepal. With its fast footwork, graceful movements, and lively music, the dance is a joyous celebration of life, love, and nature.
