September 2009
After having a few conflicts on whether or not to be in the
crowd, I decided for it at the last hour. Four of us walked at around 7:30 p.m.
from Balkumari and reached Mangal bazaar by 8 p.m. Headed straight towards
Ruku’s home and the very first thing we did was playing cards. I was the loser.
I had a Tuesday fasting. Although had enough boiled potatoes for
lunch, drank a nice cup of tea made by Ruku’s mom. The others enjoyed dal,
bhat, paun of lapsi and gundruk. I missed them.
After the dinner, we went to Mangal bazaar Dabali with our team
and Ruku’s brother at about 9 p.m. The quiet streets with many people heading
to our destination seemed too safe, too familiar, in the pole lights. By the
time we reached there, we could see no empty spaces for us to watch and see the
Naach. With great effort, we reached near the front rows and watched for some
time.
The fire and smokes were seen on the stage and Hiranyakashyapa, demon,
in his beautiful attire and ornaments began to dance. Prahlada and Sukracharya appeared
on the stage. God Narasimha appeared and danced as well. Other characters
followed later.
The pillar broke open and Narasimha was seen in it, proving the
existence of God everywhere. Then the fight between the demon and God began. Traditional
musical instruments accompanied the dance on the stage. The fight went on for a
good amount of time arousing curiosity in the audience every now and then. After
a while, the demon fainted on the stroke of God and was taken to an open space
behind the temple to bring him to consciousness.
On the stage, Narasimha was raging and shaking sitting on his
throne. After some time, he calmed and started dancing. Then he was taken to the
Patan museum surrounded by bodyguards. Fairies were dancing on the stage. The Kaartik
Naach ended at about 12 p.m.
We enjoyed the event and returned in the midnight with Ruku’s
father. Had boiled sakharkhandas at
her place and a nice sleep.
Although
we had a horrible time watching the drama in the crowd due to poor management,
it was indeed a great first experience. Being not able to watch the striking
part was an unhappy thing. But I hope to see this traditional Nepali drama again
in the coming years.
