Kathmandu –Patan's famous Kattik Nach (Kattik dance) has begun from today. The dance of historic and religious importance is performed every day in the evening beginning today at the Kattik Dabali (public stage) in the 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, the Lalitpur metropolis has agreed to assist Rs 200 thousands to organise the event, but as the committee said the budget is not sufficient.
This time, 'Lyab Layagu' and 'Khusi Chhikegu', the sub- events of the dance are to be performed for the first time after seven years. The dance was begun in 1697 BS by the then king Siddhi Narsingh Malla. 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 was the devotee of the 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 and its duration was extended to 12 days four years ago. The dance is performed in the month of Kattik in the lunar calendar which falls in October/ November when the Patan folks have free time following the Dashain and Tihar celebrations and the harvest season.
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