Budget crunch affects Pharping’s Kartik Naach

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov. 11: Kartik Naach, a traditional dance drama which is performed every year in Pharping of Dakshinkali, has begun since Tuesday. The dance begun after performing Mahasnana (bath) ritual of Mahalaxmi Goddess on the full moon day on Tuesday, and will continue till Saturday.  

The dance has been performed every year in the ancient city of Pharping city since Nepal Sambat 594. The dance is related to Dakshinkali, Mahakali, Ganesh, Indraynai, Barahi, Bhairav, Mahadev, Ganga, Parvati and other different religious and mythical stories. 

The artistes performed the characters of king, queen, princes, ministers and soldiers in the dance. The artists have to rehearsal for a month  to perform the annual four-day Kartik dance. Dharma Raj Balami, dance teacher, said that it was harder to continue the historic dance in the financial support of the local governments and donors alone.  

“The skyrocketing market prices have increased cost right form the rehearsal to till the end of the dance. It is also difficult to find out persons ready to dance,” said Balami. He further said, “We are unable to manage pay for the dancers due to financial crunch. So, we need to specially request the main characters to perform the dance.” 

The age-old cultural dance has been continued with a limited budget. Local government has provided a small amount of budget for it. Due to financial crunch, this year, the four-day dance will be performed only in two days, he said.