The show starts and there are dancers in colourful attires depicting varieties of Hindu gods and goddesses Barahi, Ganesh, Shiva, Krishna among many others. Garlands of different sizes are worn by the dancers which steal the immediate attention of the onlookers. Kartik Naach was started by Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1697 BS during the Malla era. This era was considered to be the Golden Age of Nepal as art and craft developed vastly during this time. There are a number of stories behind the legend of this dance festival.

Some believe that the dance is performed to give honour to the Hindu deity Kartikeya, while some believe that it was king Siddhi’s love for deities, art, crafts and literature. However, Kiran Chitrakar, Chairman of Kartik Naach Samrakshan Samiti, opined that the dance is named as Kartik Naach as it is performed during the month of Kartik.The desperate wait to see the dancers in their colourful attires and props goes on increasing when varieties of musical instruments are played by a group of musicians at the Kartik Dabali. People in search of the best place to get a good view of the dance are seen moving all around the courtyards. As the volunteers come carrying an oil container and some cotton wicks, one knows one’s wait is over the show is about to start.

- See more at: http://www.kantipur-video.com/videos/purnima-shrestha-dance-with-nepal-police/#sthash.Jnf4ynPd.dpuf