Traditional Folk Song - Deusi Bhailo

DEUSI - BHAILO

Today as we go through the post I would proudly like to narrate you all to the Traditional and Culture of the Gorkha people. As talking about the Traditional and Culture, we the Gorkha people are fond of traditional folk songs and music  and among the traditional folk songs, one of the popular folk songs is Deusi-Bhailo the folk song which is sung during the festival of Tihar and it is celebrated and sung all over the world where the Gorkha people are residing. Wherever we are residing or living and no matter where we are celebrating the festival but there is one common theme and this traditional folk song is not only the song but it is also a blessing of peace and prosperity given to that family where they allow them to perform the traditional Folk song Deusi-Bhailo. It is also considered as the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The most beautiful and meaningful traditional song is sung during the Tihar festival in Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, Assam, and some parts of India and in Nepal the whole nation celebrates.

In Tihar (Diwali) festival this traditional song (Deusi-Bhailo) is sang and played by the Gorkha men woman wearing their traditional dress, Daura Suruwal for the men and Chaubandi Cholo and Guniu for the women by visiting different houses in their villages and community. Traditionally Bhailo is celebrated on the third day of Tihar (Lakshmi Puja) and is mostly played by the Gorkha woman popularly known as Bhailenee and singing the traditional song “Bhailenee Ayo Agan Ma, Balari Kulari Rakhana” and on the other hand, Deusi is celebrated and played on the fourth (Govardhan Puja) and the fifth day of Tihar by the Gorkha men carrying a Traditional Nepali Drum called Madal singing traditional folk song Deusurey and dancing Maruni a Traditional Nepali Dance after celebrating Bhai-Tika. It is observed by the sisters after applying seven-colored tika on the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and thank them for the protection they provide. It is believed that the God of Death, Yamaraj, visited his sister the Yamuna, on this special day to receive Tika. In the end, Yama gave her a boon that whoever would visit his sister on this day, would be liberated of all his sins and would achieve Mokshya (liberation). Deusi and Bhailo is not only a traditional song but it is also a way of blessing the entire family with peace and harmony, wealth, and also for their good health. And in return, the women of the house serves food and gives money to the Deusi and Bhailo group.

It is also stated by the experts that, the exact origins of the Deusi-Bhailo tradition are unclear. However, the songs of Deusi and Bhailo point out that this tradition is related to King Mahabali, as the lyrics of the song are "Posted by King Bali". The word "Deusurey" used in songs can be a combination of the two words "Dev" and "Asur". King Mahabali had a mixed list of Dev and Asur. He was the great-great-grandson of the Asura king Hiranyakshipu, the grandson of Prahlada, and the son of Virochana. Also, the word "Deusurey" (a variant of "Deusurey") used in songs may be broken by "Deu", meaning "give" in Nepali, and "Surey", which is a Sanskrit word meaning "head". A Deusire can therefore mean giving one’s head for a great cause or in other words giving up. According to the Puranas, King Bali surrendered his head to Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. King Bali was practicing Ashwamedhya Yajna when Vamana came to Bali and asked for land equal to the three routes he took. Bali was known for giving gifts to anyone who came to his palace. Bali has agreed to fulfill his request. To the great surprise of Bali, Vamana covered Earth and Earth in two steps and asked him where he should place his third step. Bali offered his head. Lord Vishnu, upon seeing the devotion of Bali, blessed him and exalted him to Suthala, the highest position in heaven. Through his sacrifice, Bali gained the favor of Lord Vishnu and was saved.