A to Z Challenge!

Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! Today’s letter is L…

Legendary Creatures

Lākhey is a demon in Nepalese folklore. He is depicted with a ferocious face, protruding fangs and mane of red or black hair. Lakhes figure prominently in traditional Newar culture of Nepal Mandala. The Lakhe tradition is found in the Kathmandu Valley and other Newar settlements throughout Nepal.

Lakhes are said to be demons who used to live in the forests and later became protectors to the townspeople. A female Lakhe is known as Lasin.

The other common legendary being in Nepalese folklore is the Khyāh, who is depicted as a fat, hairy ape-like creature.

Lakhe Dance is one of most popular dance of nepal. Performers wearing a Lakhe costume and mask perform dances on the streets and city squares during festivals. The mask is made of papier-mâché and yak tails are used for the hair. The Lakhe dance is characterised by wild movements and thumping music.

The most famous Lakhe is Majipa Lakhey of Kathmandu who appears during the Yenya (Indra Jatra) festival in September. He is worshipped as a deity. City dwellers offer food and ritual items to him as he moves through the city accompanied by his musical band giving dance performances.

The Lakhe stops at major crossroads and market squares to give a performance. During the dance, a small boy known as Jhyalincha taunts the Lakhe making him chase him in anger. Jhyalincha always manages to slip into the crowd and escape.

Gunla Lakhe comes out during Gunla, the 10th month in the Nepal Sambat calendar which corresponds to August.

There are other Lakhes with particular characteristics. These mythical beings are said to reside in various parts of the city.

Michyāh Lākhe (meaning “fire burning demon” in Nepal Bhasa) is a spirit who is said to cause fire by spontaneous combustion wherever it resides. People possessed by Michyāh Lakhe are also believed to cause fire.

Minpu Lākhe also causes fire.