| Kaura | |
| Native Name: | Nepali: कौडा/ कौह्रा |
| Genre: | Nepalese Magar folk dance |
| Inventor: | Magars |
| Origin: | Rising Ranipokhari, Western Nepal |
Kaura, also known as Kauda and Chutka, is a folk musical performance indigenous to the hilly regions of Nepal. Kauda was originated in the Magar community of Rising Ranipokhari, Tanahun.[1] According to historians, it was originally called Kandraha dance.[2]
The Kaura is a traditional dance form, originated from the Magar Tribe in Nepal. It typically involves rhythmic movements accompanied by traditional music, often performed during festivals or cultural celebrations to showcase the community's heritage and identity.
The word ‘Kaura’ was formed by distorting the Magar word ‘Kaanraha’. Besides the Magar community, Kaura is also performed by Gurung, Darai and Dura communities.
It is decided to dance between the young women of one village and the young men of another village by sending letters to each other.
In Kaura, Syahi-Syahi in Magar language means Let's dance.
Talking about the authenticity of the Kaura performance, “The female dancers should be in odd number, starting from minimum three to maximum 13. Only unmarried women were allowed or considered suitable to participate in the performance, while both married & unmarried men could perform.
In Kaura, one verse is sung multiple times to create rhythm for the dancers. It was often mandatory for men to sing to the rhythm of the instrument Khaijandi while women to dance, wearing Jharra in their legs.
Although associated with its distinctive costume, musical instruments and prosody, some have expressed concern that Kaura is losing its authenticity due to perversions introduced by commercialization and external influence, while others have been more optimistic deeming the changes a natural part of the cultural evolution and increasing popularity.[3]