Rampur (Palpa): In the face of declining traditional cultural values and practices attributed to the influence of modernization, the Shrijansheel Dalit Liberation Society in Rajghara, Rampur Municipality-3, is actively engaged in preserving and promoting traditional culture, particularly during the celebration of the Tihar festival.

Expressing concern over the increasing extravagance and deviations in the celebration of cultural festivals, the Society has initiated a collective campaign focusing on the preservation of traditional cultural practices through Deusi-Bhailo cultural programs.

Dev Bahadur BK, the president of the Society, highlighted the need to prevent aberrations that have infiltrated traditional Deusi-Bhailo cultural programs. He noted that the modern renditions of Deusi-Bhailo lack originality, with traditional musical instruments like dholak, jhurma, tyamko, narsingha, sahanai, and bikul being underutilized.

"The Deusi-Bhailo songs and performances are losing their originality. Anomalies have displaced the originality of our traditional practices, culture, and performing arts. We are collectively working to preserve the authenticity of these traditions in this campaign," added BK.

To support their cause, the Society purchased various traditional musical instruments worth Rs 160,000 last year. Senior member Mohan Bahadur BK expressed concern over the newer generation not adhering to the originality of traditional culture and practices, citing the impact of modernization.

Manu BK, a local youth involved in the campaign, shared that house owners are enthusiastically supporting the initiative, providing funds and gifts to the Society's Deusi-Bhailo cultural troupes. The groups, comprising children, youths, and adults, visit houses, singing traditional songs and performing dances to the accompaniment of traditional music.

Funds collected from Deusi-Bhailo will be utilized for social work, Manu BK mentioned. Through this cultural initiative, the Society aims to educate the new generation about the importance of celebrating festivals, culture, and rituals in their original form, preserving old traditions and customs.

Locals are appreciative of the effort, expressing joy while welcoming Deusi-Bhailo groups with the beat of original musical instruments at their doorsteps. With the disappearance of traditional cultures and rituals merely for entertainment, the Society's initiative through Deusi-Bhailo is seen as a positive step to curb anomalies in the celebration of festivals.

The Society, consisting of 80 Dalit families, is contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage by reviving the tradition of Deusi-Bhailo, utilizing traditional musical instruments and emphasizing the significance of original cultural practices during festive celebrations.