The U.S. Embassy hosted a preview of the time-honored Kartik Nach tradition on October 31.  This unique form of storytelling through dance, started in the 17th century, has not been performed in its entirety since 1949.  With the support of the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Alliance for Ecotourism, the full Kartik Nach will be restored and documented.

The U.S. Embassy’s support of Kartik Nach was made possible by a grant of $75,300 from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  This is the Embassy’s first non-tangible cultural heritage project funded by AFCP in Nepal, and will revive a centuries-old tradition.  The grant will assist the Kartik Nach Preservation Committee to restore the full form of the dance and to document and teach this cultural tradition to a new generation.

According a press release of Public Affairs Section Embassy of The United States, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, John Carwile, inaugurated the performance.  The event, held at the U.S. Embassy, brought together performers, Alliance for Ecotourism and Kartik Nach Preservation Committee members and other guests.

Kartik Nach will start November 8.  The dance will be performed each evening in the month of Kartik in Patan Durbar Square.