La Chaku Way Ka
by Madan Krishna Shrestha
"La Chaku Way Ka" is an iconic, deeply traditional Newari cultural song that serves as a vibrant anthem for the historic Yenya Punhi festival, widely known as Indra Jatra. While the initial line of the melody is an ancient, anonymous piece of Newar heritage, the song was brought into modern mainstream prominence several decades ago by the legendary Nepalese artist and comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha. The playful, rhythmic lyrics translates to a joyful invitation to prepare and serve Samaybaji—the celebrated, authentic Newari festival feast—accompanied by thick, savory portions of meat (la chaku), making it a sensory celebration of community, food, and shared history.
The song's infectious energy mirrors the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu's ancient streets during Indra Jatra, directly referencing festive spectacles like Pulukisi (the straw-matted elephant dance representing Lord Indra's vehicle) as they wander through the crowds. Because of its simple, chant-like rhythm and profound cultural pride, the track is passed down through generations and frequently revived. In recent years, acoustic renditions on the ukulele and viral social media covers by modern Newari singers like Niva Dangol have introduced this timeless melody to younger audiences worldwide, ensuring that the spirit of Newar heritage remains vibrant and active across digital spaces.
ला छकु वयेक समेबजी
वल वल वल वल पुलुकिसी
न्ह्याबलें ब्या या जक धाइम्ह
दकले यम्ह जिमी अजी
ला छकु वयेक- समेबजी
ला छकु वयेक- समेबजी
विणा ज्वना च्वनिम्ह सरस्वती
विणा ज्वना च्वनिम्ह सरस्वती
माद्य नाप च्वनिम्ह पार्वती
जिमी बाज्याया यम्ह राजमती
जिमी बाज्याया यम्ह राजमती
जिम बा या यम्ह पानवती
य अजि खँ थुइकी
सस अबु मा द लखपती
सस अबु मा द लखपती
ला छकु वयेक समेबजी
वल वल वल वल पुलुकिसी
न्ह्याबलें ब्या या जक धाइम्ह
दकले यम्ह जिमी अजी
ला छकु वयेक- समेबजी
मोहनी बले कोते मेय पाली
यन्या बले कुमारी या ख साली
ब्या मया सा जिमि अजि हालि
ब्या मया सा जिमि अजि हालि
ब्या यायत कमाई मरु म्हिचा खाली
य अजी ब्या याये म्हा जी
कला चिया घुर्कि न्यने म्हा जी
कला चिया घुर्कि न्यने म्हा जी
छु ले व घुर्कि हाँ घुर्कि छु ले
पर्सि न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
लाकां न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
किरिम न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
लिपिस्टिक न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
चिपिस्टिक न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
फिलिम स्वयेत- धेबा हजी
पेट्रोल न्यायेत- धेबा हजी
ला छकु वयेक समेबजी
वल वल वल वल पुलुकिसी
न्ह्याबलें ब्या या जक धाइम्ह
दकले यम्ह जिमी अजी
ला छकु वयेक- समेबजी
