Artists performing during the Kartik Naach festival in the ancient courtyard of Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, near Kathmandu.
IANS/Kathmandu
For the past 12 consecutive nights, Nepali youths converged in the historic Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu to join in the preservation of Kartik Naach, a dance-drama performed since ancient times.
To the accompaniment of throbbing music, the youths try to safeguard the unique form of 17th century narrative dance and attune it to modern
choreography, Xinhua reported.
It is believed that the narrative dance is based on stories from Hindu mythology. The underlying theme of the whole performance is the triumph of god over evil forces.
Ravi Krishna, 45, plays the lead. He has been playing the role of Varaga Avatar for the past eight years.
“It gives me immense pleasure to act like a hero in front of the audience. My father and grandfather used to perform in this legendary show, and now, I am continuing this tradition. I am preserving this culture for the future generation,” he said.
This sophisticated annual dance-drama was first performed during the Malla period when Nepal was ruled by king Siddhi Narsingh Malla. The Malla period is regarded as the Golden Age of Nepali culture. Since then, the dance-drama has been performed every year by young Nepali actors and dancers.
Kiran Chitrakar, an artist and chairman of Kartik Naach preservation committee, said that he has been involved in Kartik Naach for the past 23 years. “It’s not merely a dance or a cultural performance. It is a symbol of our identity as a people. Over the years, Kartih Naach never lost its beauty and meaning,” he said.
According to cultural experts, during the ancient times, the dance-drama used to be staged in the open for a whole month. Now, the period for the performance has been shortened with some stories removed.
This historical dance-drama has only two or three major characters but there are around 40 artists involved in the show and most of them are young performers.
“It’s a matter of pride to continue this dance culture as a tribute to our forebears. I would continue to perform until I get old,” said Bibek Shrestha, a 21-year-old student who has been performing for the past four years.
Despite the chilling autumn evening, Patan Durbar Square has been filled with spectators during the performances.
“I have been watching Kartik Naach since childhood, it’s just awesome. It’s a unique type of entertainment for young people”, Smriti Silpakar, 24, said.
This dance-drama is named Kartik Naach because it is being performed on the Nepali month of Kartik, which falls in October or November.
Kartik Naach is a cultural heritage that the Nepali people would continue to perform and preserve even with the onslaught of Western entertainment.
