Pun Magar community performs very special ancestral music and dances called Madal Maruni and Sorathi. Kuwapani, Parbat District. Photo by Nikki Thapa

Maruni is one of the oldest and most famous traditional Nepali folk dances characterized by men crossdressing as women and performing graceful movements. The dancers, known as Maruni, derive their name from this dance form that is famous in the hills of Nepal. The styles of this dance vary according to where it is danced. The dance has different categories and styles depending on the songs and the lyrics are purely based on life experiences and culture. Adorned in exquisite traditional Nepali jewelry such as Sirbandhi, Sirphool, Gadawari, Chayaptey Soon, Kantahahaar, Paisehaar, Pushpahaar, Chura, Pairi, Kalli, and Ghoongroo. They wear Chaubandhi Cholo (a double-breasted blouse), colorful Fariya (drapes), and Ghalek (stole) paired with accessories like Aama, Henbari, Mujetro, and Pachheuri. The dance demands a portrayal of "Sorah Sringaar" (the 16 bridal ornaments) by the Maruni, with the male performers embodying the essence of "Swaang Sundari" (a beautiful coquette woman). In the long past, the Marunis and Madaleys (the Madal drum players) would often perform a dance known as "Saat Bahini Samala" (the story of the seven sisters). The sisters' names in this traditional narrative were Sawari, Hewanti, Jamuni, Jawanti, Phoolwanti, Dewanti, and Sorathi, lending the dance form its name "Sorathi". Maruni was customarily performed on various festive occasions such as Maghe Sankranti, Basanta Panchami, Chaitey Dashain, Bada Dashain, Phoolpati, community religious occasions, fairs, and more. However, Maruni is not typically performed at weddings or funerals.

Thulo Maruni Dance

The grandest version of Maruni, known as "Thulo Maruni" (big Maruni), is exclusively performed door-to-door during the evening of Aunshi (new moon day) in the month of Kartik (October/November). This special performance commences during the evening Laxmi Puja of the Tihar festival and concludes on the Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the same month i.e for 11 -12 days depending upon the tithi. Traditionally, the Thulo Maruni dance commences at the residence of the affluent and influential individual in the village and then progresses to the houses of the commoners. It is customary for the Maruni performance to conclude at the same house where it originated. Maruni and Madaley dancers of Kuwapani, Parbat District. Photo by Nikki Thapa

Maruni Dance is an Identity of Magars and is Slowly Dying

Maruni Naach which has been one of the significant identities of the Magars of Nepal is on the verge of extinction. Youngsters choose Modern Music and Dance over this distinct treasure. That is why many Magar Groups with the intention of saving the Magar culture are bringing all the culture including Maruni back to restoration.

Although Maruni originated with the Magar community people from the other communities have started adopting it. Maruni as danced in Western Nepal, the place of origin, is different than in the rest parts of Nepal. It is believed that the Magars of Western Nepal originated the Maruni and Sorathi dances, while those who migrated to Eastern Nepal introduced minor modifications when performing these dances. In present times, other communities such as Gurung, Kirat, and Khas also actively participate in Maruni dance during their festive occasions.

The Maruni Dancers of Gurung Community as they have now adopted the folk dance that was once the domain of Magars. by Sudip Gurung

In the Balihang festival, Maruni, Sorathi, and Hurra (dances performed by the eastern Magars also known as Deusi Naach) are performed. It is believed to be originated from Magar Army during the 14th century on behalf of sick King Balihang Rana Magar of Palpa, Pokhara, Butwal. Balihang Rana Magar was a king during the 14th century (of Palpa, Pokhara, Baldeng, Butwal & Gorkhapur) during which the kingdom was extended from Palpa to Butwal and Gorakhpur. Deusi Re means "Priest-King" and Bahilo means "Let us help" which are related to the Balihang Rana Magar.

With the change of time came the change in Maruni Naach tradition too. The dance that was once forbidden during personal events like marriages is now a must during the occasion.

Madal Players of Maruni. Kuwapani, Parbat District. Photo by Nikki Thapa

Maruni these days is performed by both men in the guise of women and women, both of them don colorful clothes and matching ornaments. However, the male performers known as Madaley Men have a distinct costume comprising of a Kacchhad (a white wrap skirt), paired with a Daura (double-breasted vest) and a vest coat. Tied to the waist in front, they carry their double-headed drums called Madal to provide the rhythmic beats for the dance. With spirited movements, the dancers twirl and swirl but the main highlight of the dance is when they squat and kick their legs out to match the crescendo of Madal.

Pun Magar community performs a piece of very special ancestral music and dance called Madal Maruni and Sorathi. Kuwapani, Parbat District. All Photos by Nikki Thapa