Karnali, 31 December: Deuda is considered a popular game in Karnali and the Far West. It is also called Deuda. It expresses not only cultural, social, economic, political but also the overall issues of the citizens here in a simple, simple and meaningful way. Deuda, which used to resonate only in rural areas, can now be seen in busy cities as well.
Its popularity has been increasing in recent times. In the past, Deuda was played especially in upper Karnali during festivals, fairs, weddings, fasts, birthdays and auspicious occasions, and as it has expanded to cities, now there is no need to wait for any date, date or occasion like Aunsi or Purnima to play Deuda. However, Deuda is conducted in Surkhet, Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, on the 1st and 15th of every month.
The local, provincial and federal governments should be proud of the preservation and transmission of culture in the operation of Deuda programs. While planning any program, resources and public participation are required, but for this, budget formulation, that is, budget and public participation management are not required. Deuda is performed on two days of every month in Karnali on a zero budget.
Basically, when organizing a program, budget is usually a prerequisite, so an organizer is required. Materials and equipment used in the program, time management, and necessary personnel are also indispensable. Without food, snacks, and allowances, participation also decreases and the program itself becomes boring. However, the Deuda program has been operating with a different specialty.
On the 1st and 15th of every month, in the open field near the clock tower in Surkhet, Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, thousands of Deuda connoisseurs, knowledgeable, well-wishers, and curious people gather in the open field without any pressure, tension, or restrictions. Here, no one acts as an organizer. Those who gather in the field automatically form groups and the participants become active in the form of organizers. Then they join one after the other and form a circle. Two groups must be mandatory in this. Both men and women or women and men play in groups. In the game, one person in each group sings a song, who is the strong leader of his group. The one who can reason and answer questions quickly leads.
The game does not always have to be led by one person. Anyone who is interested can have an impact at that time. Deuda, which is played by joining the feet together and mixing songs in different languages, is more fun and entertaining for the viewer than for the player. The song expresses love, happiness, sadness, politics, social, cultural conditions, and the existing or changing environment.
The 15th, which falls on a Monday, is also called ‘Pusa Punwa’ in the Khas language of Karnali. The people of Karnali celebrate Monday as a long night by eating sweets and using it as an opportunity to tell village stories or play Deuda. Deuda songs are also sung about the importance of Poush 15 and the changing times after this, the local culture, its protection, promotion and marketing. The Poushka Punna has come and is still coming. As the age decreases, the youth increases.
Despite its appearance, Deuda artist Jeet Bahadur Singh, a resident of Jumla, said that in essence, Deuda speaks about the lives of the citizens here. He said, “Deuda speaks about society. It includes everything from creation, nature, the world to love, laughter, crying, passion, anger, sarcasm, criticism, comments, complaints, suggestions, etc. Those who are passionate about the performer give enthusiasm and enthusiasm to the viewer.”
Similarly, Deuda singer Kamala Dhami, a resident of Kalikot, said that Deuda is a social and cultural identity. “As soon as you say Deuda, you are known as Karnali or Sudurpaschim. This is our identity that reflects us,” he said, “It is a medium and style for entertainment and for making the concerned bodies understand and address social, economic, and political problems in a simple way.”
While the state is spending crores of rupees to preserve various traditional customs, culture, and rituals, it is not seen that a large investment is made to preserve and protect Deuda culture. With the aim of continuing this tradition, preserving and promoting art and culture, the locals here have been expanding the originality of Deuda along with modernity.
Ramananda Achayi, an expert on Karnali’s culture, said that Deuda culture is the introduction of Sinja civilization. According to him, Deuda has remained vibrant because it has been telling the overall story and essence of Sinja civilization and Karnali. The Karnali provincial government has been declaring ‘Saune Sankranti or Deuda Festival’ as a public holiday every year, with the aim of preserving and promoting the importance of Deuda games and culture.
