KATHMANDU: Patan's famous Kattik Naach (Kattik Dance) has begun from today. The dance of historic and religious importance is performed every day in the evenings at the Kattik Dabali (public stage) in Patan Durbar Square for the next 12 days.

According to Kattik Dance Management Committee, around 100 individuals will be participating in the traditional cultural dance. As stated by committee president Kiran Chitrakar, many people participate in the dance rituals as performers, choir and musicians.

This year, Lalitpur Metropolis has agreed to provide Rs 200,000 to organise the event, however, according to the committee, the budget is not sufficient.

'Lyab Layagu' and 'Khusi Chhikegu', sub-events of the dance are to be performed for the first time after seven years.

The then king Siddhi Narsingh Malla first began the practice of this dance in 1697 BS. This tantric dance is based on the stories related to the life of Hindu God Krishna of Dwapara Yuga. It is said that King Siddhi Narsingh Malla was a devotee of Lord Krishna who also built the Patan's famous Krishna Temple.

It is believed that participants of the dance will be blessed by divine powers. The dance was halted in 2007 BS, the year when the country witnessed a great political change with the establishment of democracy by overthrowing the 104-year-old Rana regime.

Until few years ago, it would be performed from eight to ten days. The number of days was extended to 12 days four years ago.

The dance is performed in the month of Kartik (Kattik) of the lunar calendar which falls in October/November following Dashain and Tihar celebrations and the harvest season.