Cultural Music and Dances

The dance of Bhairab (Bhaila Pyakhan):
In Bhaktapur, the prevailing forms of lord Bhairab are Kalbhairab (the black bhairab), Shwet Bhairab (the white Bhairab) and Akash Bhairab (the sky Bhairab). Bhairab is the lord of power, protector and prosperity in Bhaila dance. All these bhairabs spiritual and physical form are presented. The bhairab is accompanied by a group (battalion) of his supporters. The group chiefly consists of Mahakali, Bharahi, Bramhayani, and Kumari. Other characters are three Betals, two Khyaka, two kawang, two wild creators that include a lion and a lioness and two dogs.

Fakandali Pyakhang:
This dance is performed in a circle in the melody of malashree that is played during Dashain, the greatest festival of Hindus. The dancers move in the circle, stepping back and front. The chorus of 8 – 10 sing beautifully on contemporary socio-political issues. The people are awarded on the social and political affairs of the time through the dance and the songs.

Nagacha Pyakhang (The dance of Nudes)

The use of very few clothes but abundant ornaments is the silent features of the dance. The dance presents romantic love of lord Krishna and his fiave Radha.
Devi Pyakhang ( the dance of Goddesses / Female deities)
This dance resembles famous Navadurga dance of Bhaktapur. The dance centers/focuses on feminine characters. The chief characters are Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Kumari. This dance has story to tell. It bases on slaughter of Mahishashur, the devil. In its original form, unlike this dance, the story allows Mahasaraswoti to take the place of Kumari. Kumari is only symbolically presented in the story. The dance also presents co-characters; Betal, Kawang (skeleter) and Khya ( the ape).

Khya Pyakhang
The dance of Apes, the hairy creatures. The newar community takes the relish of this dance with much enchantment. It is a sub episode of Devi Dance. Khya, or the black ape is also a co- character of Bhaila pyakhan. Khya is considered as a creature that dwells in dark places so, it is presented as a black creature representing darkness. However, it the Newar community, white khya is also somewhere mentioned as the means of travel of goddess Laxmi.