Nepalgunj, Oct 13: An atmosphere of excitement of the Sakhiya dance at Tharu settlements in Banke and Bardiya districts  is continuous.

The performance of Sakhiya dance starts before Dashain starts and ends a few days after Dashain ends.

Youngsters, both the girls and boys, come together to dance till the day of Dashain tika and a main guru is provisioned for saving the dance from the ill activities of the ‘evil-soul’. Seniors and respected in the villages are the patrons of the dance.

Bikram Tharu, a Tharu social activist in Baijapur of Banke, said Sakhiya is performed through out the day on Dashain tika day although on other days it is performed in evenings after completing daylong works.

During the performance, girls dance while boys play the Madal, a musical instrument like a drum. At least five boys are set for playing the Madal while 15-20 girls dance, girls attired in while Fariya (sari) and red blouse with red ribbon.