Lākhey (Nepal Bhasa: लाखे or𑐮𑐵𑐏𑐾, lā-khé) (alternative spellingsLākhe,Lākhay,𑐮𑐵𑐏𑐫𑑂 ) is the dance of a demon in the carnival of God.
Durbar Square, a historic plaza inKathmandu,Nepal, facing ancient palaces and adorned byHindu temples, is always full of eager crowds on the last day ofIndra Jatra, the festival celebratingIndra, the Hindu king of heaven. On this divine stage, Lakhe the demon dances among gods and deities relentlessly and carelessly. He is depicted with a ferocious face, protruding fangs, and a mane of red or black hair.
Lakhes figure prominently in the traditionalNewar culture ofNepal Mandala. The Lakhe tradition is found in theKathmandu Valley and other Newar settlements throughoutNepal.[1] Lakhes are said to be demons who used to live in the forests and later became protectors to the townspeople.[2] A female Lakhe is known as Lasin (𑐮𑐳𑐶𑑄).
The other common legendary being in Nepalese folklore is theKhyāh, who is depicted as a fat, hairy ape-like creature.
Lakhey Dance is one of the most popular dances of Nepal. Performers wearing a Lakhe costume and mask perform dances on the streets and city squares during festivals. The mask is made ofpapier-mâché, andyak tails are used for the hair. The Lakhe dance is characterised by wild movements and thumping music.[3]
The most famous Lakhe isMajipa Lakhey ofKathmandu who appears during theYenya (Indra Jatra) festival in September.[4][5] He is worshipped as a deity. City dwellers offer food and ritual items to him as he moves through the city accompanied by his musical band giving dance performances.
The Lakhe stops at major crossroads and market squares to give a performance. During the dance, a small boy, known as Jhyalincha (झ्यालिंचा), taunts the Lakhe, making him chase him in anger. Jhyalincha always manages to slip into the crowd and escape.[6]
Gunla Lakhe comes out duringGunla, the 10th month in theNepal Sambat calendar which corresponds to August.
There are other Lakhes with particular characteristics. These mythical beings are said to reside in various parts of the city.
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