‘Bhajan Sandhya’ promotes art, culture, and community engagement in Dhangadhi

Far West: ‘Bhajan Sandhya’, organized to provide creators and artists a platform to showcase their talents and to preserve and promote art and culture, has featured collective bhajan performances by local artists.

The weekly program, held every Saturday evening along Gen-z Road under the management of the Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City Office, has seen growing participation from teenagers, elderly citizens, and other community members.

The performances, accompanied by instruments such as madal, dholak, khainjadi, and harmonium, have created a lively atmosphere along Jenji Marg in Dhangadhi. Ganeshraj Bhatta, the composer of the bhajans, said the program allows creators to present their work, contributing to the preservation and promotion of culture. He added that the audience also becomes excited and enthusiastic while enjoying the bhajankirtan songs.

“The creators have the opportunity to share their work with others,” Bhatta said. “Their performances help unite the local community and revive religious, artistic, and traditional values.”

Mahesh Malla, member secretary of the sub-metropolitan city’s employment branch, highlighted that the Bhajan Sandhya program is held spontaneously and includes songs and dances for schoolchildren in the afternoon. The city has also provided sports equipment, such as jumping tools, horses, and flippers, for children.

Bhatta emphasized that the program strengthens language, literature, religion, art, and values while fostering stronger relationships among creators.

Alongside the Bhajan Sandhya, a Saturday fair is held on Jenji Marg to promote products made by local women. Named in memory of those who died during the Gen-z protests on Bhadra 23 and 24, the fair aims to support women in achieving economic empowerment through self-employment opportunities.

Visitors to the fair, such as Chetraj Joshi, noted the availability of Tharu dishes like dhikri, macchhik sikar, andik bhaat, as well as Doteli dishes such as batuk and faunemana. He stated, “The fair has helped women gain some degree of self-employment.”

The Sub-Metropolitan City continues to provide free play equipment for children, support hymn singing, and manage the fair, ensuring a holistic cultural and community experience.