The Kartik Naach featuring Narsimha was performed on Monday night at Patan Durbar Square, captivating the crowd with its vibrant portrayal of ancient traditions.

Celebrated annually in Lalitpur, the traditional Kartik Naach follows a ten-day format. Initiated nearly four centuries ago by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this historic performance is staged at the Kartik Dabali in Patan Durbar Square. The dance enacts stories from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Swasthani, delivering moral teachings through episodic storytelling. Dedicated to the deity Kartikeya, it symbolises the triumph of good over evil and reflects Malla’s devotion to the arts.

Cultural historians note that Siddhi Narsingh Malla began this tradition in Nepal Sambat 761.

Here are some of the photos of the performance captured by the Post’s photojournalist Suryams Upreti.