This situation has emerged after the new generation youths have started neglecting this age-old cultural practice, according to the people from the old generation.[break]
The Hadkeli dance is gradually coming on the verge of extinction as the number of people of the old generation who know this form of cultural dance declines and the new generation no longer takes interest in learning it and its preservation.
Hadkeli dance is performed especially at wedding ceremonies with the help of a musical instrument called Hudko which resembles a drum.
This dance is popular in Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Bajura, Achham and Doti districts in the region.
Chhatra Bahadur Damai from Bhumirajmandu VDC-4, Doti district, who has been performing this dance since the last 16 years, says, “Hadkeli dance is an important cultural tradition in the Far-west region, but no one is taking interest towards preserving this cultural asset.”
Artist Surat Rawat says the youths of the region are not attracted to Hadkeli dance as this dance does not provide constant income since it is performed only during the wedding ceremonies.
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