In an attempt to preserve the near-extinct Ghatu dance, young girls from Jalpa Dholimara in Palpa are learning the traditional dance of the Magar community, an art form that is both culturally significant and rapidly fading.

Sixty-year-old Phanisara Kunwar Magar from the community is at the forefront of teaching the dance to young girls in the area. “We are teaching the younger generation to ensure the dance remains alive. It’s important to pass on this tradition to them while they are young,” she said.

The dance, often accompanied by live singing and drumming, is typically taught by older women in the community who guide the younger dancers through the intricate steps. In addition, the importance of Ghatu dance has been further emphasised with the rise of homestays in the area, which has brought wider attention to the traditional cultural forms.

The girls, dressed in vibrant traditional attire—saris, cholis, and elaborate jewellery—learn to perform the dance while balancing a bow and arrow, an iconic element of the Ghatu dance style. Phanisara explained, “We have even incorporated flowers and leaves into the dancers’ headpieces to create a serene, almost dreamlike appearance.”

The practice of teaching girls as young as eight years old reflects a growing effort to preserve the art form as older performers move on or marry and relocate. “We’ve started teaching girls as young as eight or ten to ensure the tradition survives,” said Kunwar. “In the past, girls used to learn this dance from a young age, but today it’s vital that they start early.”

Several young girls, such as Humkanti, Khumisara Baral, Devi Baral, Janaki Kunwar, and Tripti Kunwar, are already learning the dance. Despite the challenges, the elders are committed to continuing the tradition. “Our generations are getting older, so we plan to ensure that this dance survives through writing and teaching new generations,” said Phanisara.

Notably, the Ghatu dance is not just a performance but also a cultural marker. Traditionally performed by young girls, it plays a central role in community celebrations and social functions. While modern adaptations and remixes of the dance have emerged, the dance's authentic form, as seen in Jalpa, is still cherished by the local people.

Jalpa’s ward chairman, Nir Bahadur Sara, has highlighted the importance of preserving Ghatu dance. “We are also providing financial support for costumes and transportation to ensure that more girls can participate in the dance,” he said.

The dance remains an important cultural fixture in some villages in Palpa, such as Nidhi, Jalpa, and Galdha, where it is still actively practised today.