SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 18 - The traditional Lakhe dance of the Newari community began in Hile Bazaar, Dhankuta, on Monday. The Jhingu Newa Community of Hile organises the dance every year on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

The Lakhe dance involves walking around the market while playing drums and cymbals and performing dances according to ethnic culture and tradition. The Lakhe festival ends on the day after Krishna Janmashtami.

In Hile the Lakhe festival begins on Nag Panchami, said Dijes Shakya, president of the Jhingu Newa Samaj Hile.

In other parts of the district, the Lakhe dance has already started. Lakhe dances are performed more extensively in Dhankuta Bazaar than in other places. Apart from Dhankuta, Lakhe dances are also performed in places such as Sidhuwa, Pakhribas, and Mulghat.

Recently, the younger generation has become the dominant force behind the Lakhe dance. All the performers, from dancers to drum and cymbal players, are youths.