Kartik Naach of Patan begins

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov. 7: Kartik Naach, the popular dance of Patan, has begun at Kartik Dabali in Patan Durbar Area since Wednesday. 

Kiran Chitrakar, Chairperson of Kartik Dance Conservation Committee, said that the 383-year-old Kartik Naach is believed to be associated with 17 stories of Lord Vishnu. "Every day, different episodes of Lord Vishnu’s stories will be performed until November 15,” he said.  

The tradition of Kartik dance was initiated by King Siddhi Narasingh Malla. It is widely believed that Siddhi Narasingh Malla introduced the 'Kartik Naach' for the welfare of the country and people," Chitrakar said.

The historical records show that the dance began in Nepal Sambat 761 (1697 AD).  Each day features a different story of Lord Vishnu that makes the dance unique among Nepal’s cultural heritage. 

The dance was initially performed for five days. Srinivas Malla, son of Siddhi Narasingh Malla, extended it to 15 days by adding the 'Bathah Pyakhan' (folk drama), 'Sudama Pyakhan' and 'Surdas Pyakhan' 

According to Chitrakar, the dance has been limited to 10 days currently due to financial crises. 

During the Malla period, Maithili language was in use in the dance. Now, it has been in Nepal Bhasa to make it more accessible to the Newa community. 

It is also mentioned in history that it was the world's longest drama because earlier it was performed for 27 days but now it has been reduced to 10 days.

He further said, “It required 20 artists to perform a single day’s dance. We are only trying to preserve the Kartik Naach.”  

The Dance Conservation Committee aims to establish a fixed fund of Rs. 100 million to continue the dance, promote artists professionally and provide training to the new generation. 

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has already provided Rs. 10 million to the fund, with Ward No. 16 providing  Rs. 1 million and Ward No. 11 committed to providing Rs. 900,000 this year. 

For this year’s festival, the Metropolitan City’s Industry, Tourism, and Conservation Committee has allocated Rs. 3 million, Ward No. 16 contributed Rs. 50,000, Ward No. 19 donated Rs. 75,000, and the NCEN Foundation and Samjhana Laboratory contributed Rs. 200,000 and 50,000 respectively.