Maruni
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A colourful Nepali folk dance performed during Tihar (Deepavali), in which dancers in women’s finery go from house to house with music and songs.
FolkWhere: Sikkim and the Darjeeling hillsOccasion: Tihar (Deepavali) and other festivals and celebrations
| Performed by | Traditionally men dressed as women, joined by a clown (dhatu waray); women now also perform |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright long skirts and blouses, shawls, gold and silver jewellery, nose rings and flowers |
| Music and instruments | Madal drum, flute, cymbals and other instruments of the naumati baja (traditional band), with songs |
How it is performed
- The troupe visits homes in the village during Tihar.
- The dancers form a circle or lines and move with graceful turns and hand gestures.
- The clown entertains the audience with jokes and comic actions between the dances.
- Households give gifts or money, and the troupe blesses the home before moving on.
Significance
Maruni is one of the oldest and best-known Nepali dances of Sikkim and is a joyful part of the Tihar celebrations.