Kiran Chitrakar Discusses 386-Year-Old Kartik Naach Management and Challenges
Summary
Kartik Naach is being staged for 12 days this year under the management of Kiran Chitrakar and the Kartik Naach Conservation Committee, with the revived Madhavnar Leela also set to return. Chitrakar says the biggest challenge to preserving the 386-year-old tradition is funding, along with language and retaining young artists.
Key Points
- Kartik Naach will be performed for 12 days this year, and Madhavnar Leela is returning after being halted since 2007 BS.
- Chairman Kiran Chitrakar says the dance is now managed by the Kartik Naach Conservation Committee with support from the local government and community donations.
- The tradition, started by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1697 BS, has survived through changing dynasties and political eras.
- Chitrakar says the main challenges are financial shortages, language barriers, and retaining young performers who often go abroad for study or work.
