Kathmandu

The autumn chill is deepening and while life in and around the City is slowly moving towards rest, the courtyards around Mangalbazaar, Patan begin to glow with thousands of people to watch the array of dances during the 10-day Kartik Naach. The courtyards were destroyed in the April 25 earthquake and wooden planks support old monuments and houses around, but the fervour for the festival has not been destroyed.

The desperate wait to see the dancers in their colourful attires and props goes on increasing when varieties of musical instruments are played by a group of musicians at the Kartik Dabali. People in search of the best place to get a good view of the dance are seen moving all around the courtyards. As the volunteers come carrying an oil container and some cotton wicks, one knows one’s wait is over — the show is about to start.

Story behind Kartik Naach

Chitrakar and Tandukar too have been dancing in the festival. Both of them are dancing in the festival this year too. It is Chitrakar’s 17th performance as Hiranyakashyapu. “I was curious when I was doing it the first time. I was afraid too. I even asked myself what if I die doing the role? The body starts to freeze when the Narasimha touches and I immediately become unconscious,” shared Chitrakar.

Tandukar who plays a role of the one standing on the right side of Hiranyakashyapu feels that they have been able to preserve their culture. “When my fathers and uncles were doing the roles, I too wanted to be a part and these days we are here continuing the legacy while preserving our culture,” Tandukar added.

Pratapdhar Sharma, who has been playing the role of Narasimha since his early teens, remembered his curiosity during his first performance. “There was stamina, confidence and curiousness then but these days I feel like I am growing old. Yet the confidence is there,” Sharma smiled.

“Wearing the jama, bhoto, jabi, lachkan, mukut and make-up gives a splendour feeling that can’t be expressed in words,” Sharma added.