Kartik Naach kicks off in Patan

LALITPUR: The centuries old Kartik Naach, a cultural carnival, has kicked off at historic Patan city of Lalitpur district today. The 383-year-old musical drama began at Kartik square of Patan Durbar Square, according to artiste Kiran Chitrakar.

The Kartik Nach Preservation Committee Chair Chitrakar informed that the cultural pageant is linked to 17 myths related to Lord Bishnu. “The carnival to continue for 10 days features unique stories and lore every day. It is reflected in the musical drama. It was launched by then King Siddhi Narasingh Malla in the month of Kartik as per lunar calendar.”

It is believed that the King began the Kartik Naach for the welfare of people and the country.

The history mentioned its introduction in Nepal Sambat 761 or 1697 BS. Major feature of the 10-day-long carnival is separate, unique performance each day.

People believe that King Siddhi Narsingh Malla began the musical drama to rid Lalitpur folks of fear and terror. Siddhi Narsingh Malla’s gurus- Hari Bansha Upadhyay and Bishwa Nath Upathyay were the precursors and founders of the distinctive dances.

Initially the dance was performed for five days. Then Siddhi Narsingh Malla’s son Shree Niwas Malla extended it to 15 days. However, owing to the financial constraints to manage the artistes having adequate knowledge of the specificities of the song, dance and performance styles, it is limited to 10 days at present, according to Chitrakar.

Chair Chitrakar further said the carnival is an intangible heritage and traditional culture. “Kartik Naach is associated to religious and tantric values,” he informed. It is also regarded as an inclusive dance in Newari community, which has been a medium to foster community harmony.

Interestingly, the performers of Kartik Nach used to communicate in Maithili language. But, it was gradually translated into Nepal Bhasa for easy understandability to Newari people.

Coordinator of the Naach publicity committee and artiste, Sanjay Sharma Rajopadhya, informed that it is the longest ever musical drama of the world.

“It is regarded as the longest ever musical drama of the world for it used to be performed for as long as 27 days which the history has recorded. But, it is now curtailed to 10 days, especially after 2007BS people’s movement. Since 2008 to 2037BS, the musical drama was reduced to two days. For these two days, Baraha and Narsingha incarnations of Lord Bishnu were performed,” Rajopadhyay shared.

The Naach Preservation Committee has aimed at establishing an institutional fund of Rs 100 million to give continuity to this unique musical drama. It would help make artistes professional and cater knowledge to the new generation.

Chair Chitrakar further informed that they were planning scholarship for all performers and management of insurance too.

In a bid to preserve the centuries-old heritage, Lalitpur Metropolitan City has already provided Rs 10 million, while ward no 16 and ward no 11 of LMC have decided to extend Rs 1 million and Rs 900 thousands respectively.