LALITPUR: The centuries-old Kartik Naach, one of Kathmandu valley’s most celebrated traditional dance dramas, is set to begin today at the Patan Durbar Dabali.
According to the organizing committee, all preparations for the 385th edition of the historic performance have been completed. The festival, which starts this evening, will continue every night until November 5.
Committee Chairperson Kiran Chitrakar said the dance depicts 17 different stories related to Lord Vishnu and is performed in sequence over ten days. “Each evening presents a distinct story and divine act. The tradition was initiated during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla for the welfare of the nation and its people,” he said.
The Kartik Naach dates back to Nepal Sambat 761 (1697 AD) and was originally performed for five days. Later, King Srinivasa Malla extended it to 15 days by adding popular plays such as Bath Pyakhan, Sudama Pyakhan, and Surdas Pyakhan. Due to financial and logistical constraints, the performance has now been limited to ten days.
Sanjaya Sharma Rajopadhyaya, coordinator of the Kartik Naach Publicity Committee, said the dance holds immense cultural and religious significance and remains one of the oldest uninterrupted traditions in Nepal. “It reflects inclusivity within the Newar community and promotes social harmony,” he said.
Historically, dialogues in Kartik Naach were delivered in Maithili, but were later translated into Nepal Bhasa to ensure better understanding among local audiences. Once known as one of the longest-running theatrical festivals in the world — lasting up to 27 days — the dance was shortened following political upheavals after 2007 BS.
The organizing committee now aims to institutionalize its preservation by establishing a permanent fund of Rs 100 million, supporting artists professionally, and training younger generations to sustain the linguistic and cultural legacy of this revered Malla-era tradition.
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