Patan’s popular Kartik Naach began in Lalitpur on Thursday evening.

The traditional dance evoking Lord Krishna takes place at Patan Durbar Square. The management committee said the performance will last for 12 consecutive days.

Committee Chairperson Kiran Manandhar said various castes and sub-castes of the Newar community will participate in the cultural event. People from different places come to Patan to observe the special dance. The audience becomes bigger in the later days of the event. The Naach will conclude on the full moon day. 

King Siddhi Narsingh Malla is believed to have initiated the practice some 376 years ago.