Lakhey mask dance and Dhimay dance along with other ethnic dances of Nepal were performed at the 41st Annual Edmonton Heritage Festival (also known as Servus Heritage Festival) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  The three-day long heritage festival that honors Alberta’s vibrant cultural heritage and diversity was held at Hawrelak Park from July 30 to August 1, 2016.  This is the second time in row where Lakhey mask dance and Dhimay dance were performed at the heritage festival for the public entertainment free of cost.

The Edmonton Heritage Festival is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the world.  This year, about 300,000 people from various ethnic backgrounds attended the heritage festival.  About 65 pavilions representing 85 countries (including Nepal) with more than 500 unique and culturally authentic food items from across the world were available to taste.  Besides free cultural performances, ethnic food such as Sell Roti, Achar and Sekuwa; and arts, crafts and costumes were sold at the Nepalese pavilion to the visitors at a nominal price.  Nepal has been participating in the heritage festival since 2000.  The Nepalese pavilion was managed by Nepalese Canadian Societies of Edmonton (NECASE).

Lakhey mask dance is one of the most popular and terrifying ethnic Newa dances of Nepal.  It is characterised by wearing ferocious mask of Lakhey, colorful costume and mane of black and white hair and performing wild movements with thumping music.  This mask dance is accompanied by traditional music of Dhimay (a special drum) and Bhushyah (a pair of cymbals).  Lakheys are man-eating demons in Nepalese folklore and are believed to reside in the forest.  According to legend, a Lakhey falls in love with a young girl in Majipa of Kathmandu and starts visiting the girl in human guise.  But when he is captured, instead of punishing him, the locals offered him impunity and life with his lover as he promised to give up his carnivorous appetite and protect the children.  Since then, Lakheys are considered as the protectors of children.

Dhimay dance is one of the popular ethnic Newa dances of Nepal.  This dance is performed by Jyapus (meaning people with agricultural occupation) of Kathmandu valley playing the musical instrument of Dhimay and Bhushyah.  Dhimay is the most common and significant musical instruments of the Newa people.  It is considered as the oldest ethnic musical instrument.  It is played in almost all ceremonial occasions.  According to the legend, this instrument was invented by Mahadev, the Hindu god of destroyer.

Both the Lakhey mask dance and Dhimay dance at the heritage festival were performed by local artists from Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA).  Meanwhile, NCSA is a non-profit organization incorporated in April 22, 2013 under Societies Acts of Alberta to practice, promote and preserve Newa culture and tradition in Alberta, Canada.  Since last two years, NCSA has been conducting Newa language, music and dance summer classes in the community under cultural heritage project with the support from the City of Edmonton.  Dr. Hemanta Joshi is the founding president of NCSA.