"lifetime commitment"

#11506719

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506720

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506721

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506722

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506723

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506724

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506725

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506726

24 August 2024

Locals and tourists from various parts of Kathmandu Valley watch the Nilbarahi dance festival in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, the Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. The goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, there is a lifetime commitment; once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. The dancers must possess an influential belief and power to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers and the musicians who participate in this dance belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506727

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506728

24 August 2024

Locals and tourists from various parts of Kathmandu Valley watch the Nilbarahi dance festival in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, the Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. The goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, there is a lifetime commitment; once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. The dancers must possess an influential belief and power to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers and the musicians who participate in this dance belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#11506729

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#11506730

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#11506731

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#11506732

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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#11506733

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

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Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#11506734

24 August 2024

Masked dancers, depicting various gods and goddesses of Nilbarahi, perform ritualistic and traditional dance steps during the arduous dance festival of Nilbarahi in Bode, Bhaktapur, on August 24, 2024. According to legends, Nil Barahi herself appears in front of the local denizens of Bode and teaches them the current dance style, which symbolizes peace after a war with demons. While doing so, the goddess also binds them with some rules, such as not having food or water during the dance performance and not talking with anyone during the entire performance, which lasts approximately 12-15 hours a day for three consecutive days. Additionally, the dancers must have a lifetime commitment. Once chosen, the dancers must dance for their entire life, regardless of what happens, even the loss of parents. There must be an influential belief and power within the dancers that enable them to dance for such long hours with the same devotion and energy. Whenever they start their dance, a kind of energy rises in the air. All 19 characterized dancers, as well as the musicians who participate in this dance, belong to the Shrestha community of Bode.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.