Dafa Khalahs - Women enter all-male Newa tradition Raithane Bhakha

Dafa Khalahs are traditional Newa music groups in the
Kathmandu Valley. Maharjan and Manandhar families have Dafa Khalahs in every tole (locality), which sing traditional, devotional songs, either every day or during certain months. Hitherto, the tradition had been completely male. But that is changing as a small number of women have started entering Dafa Khalahs. Women overcome many challenges to learn and perform this ancient genre, which
is helping to revive a rich, centuries-old heritage on the decline.