Dasain is spreading excitement all over the country. In the villages of Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari in eastern Nepal, a different kind of joy is visible. The rhythm of Tumda, the tune of drums and the sound of rahad are resounding in village squares, markets, tolls and city streets.

From children to old people, they are dancing with bells on their feet, bicycle ganjis on their bodies and Panchi decorations. This is not just a simple dance, it is the Santhal community's ethnic dance 'Dashaen Eneka'. Which they are continuing as an inseparable identity of their culture .

The Santhal community is one of the endangered indigenous tribes of Nepal. They are around 51 thousand and live mainly in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari. In the last few years, migration has been increasing due to problems of employment and livelihood. The Santhal community leaders say that the original art and culture is disappearing along with their migration.

"Due to migration, our art and culture have reached a state of extinction," says Santhal leader Sikrilal Murmu. This festival of the Santhals runs from the fifth day of Dasain to the full moon. During this period, they dance in groups and enter villages, towns and cities. Dancing to the rhythm of traditional instruments, singing songs, they not only provide entertainment, but also introduce their existence . Especially on the night from Dashami to Purnima, their collective merriment creates a festive atmosphere throughout the village .

Santhals are densely settled in areas like Kankai, Gouradah, Lakhanpur, Kohbara, Baigundhura, Korobari, Garamani in Jhapa. They are also present in Morang and Sunsari.  In the dance of the Santhals, the philosophy of life is also hidden along with the song . Love, pain, happiness and struggle with nature can be heard in their voice. These phrases sung in the mother tongue also remind the new generation of their identity .

A young Babulal laughs and says, 'We are proud of our culture and art.'However, the challenge brought by modernity cannot be denied . Most of the Santhal youths are going abroad for employment . As the number of people living in the village decreases, there is a danger that the traditional culture will be difficult to continue . Therefore, community leaders, local organizations and various agencies have started efforts to save it through various programs.

Today, "Dashaen Aneka" is not limited only within Santhal settlements. The demand for this dance is also increasing in city festivals, fairs and events. Mohan Tudu, a Santhal leader and member of the Constituent Assembly, says that this is making the entire society aware of the importance of cultural diversity not only to the Santhals.