Kartik Dance gains new shape as time changes

By Perina Pathak

LALITPUR, Nov 26 – During the history of nearly 365 years, the traditional Kartik Dance has acquired newer shapes, making it more practical without loosing its traditional flavours.

The Dance, which was first being performed in eight days, has again made a U-turn but with significant changes. One among them is – no human being is sacrificed in the name of God these days.

The Kartik Dance that among others attributes the characteristic of tantrik power has acquired the name since it falls in the month of Kartik (October-November). The Patan inhabitants have deep faith on this dance.

History says that the dance was started during the reign of then King of the State of Patan, Siddhinarsngh Malla, in Nepal Sambat 757 (17th century AD).

According to Hari Man Shrestha, manager of Kartik Dance Management Committee, the King decided to start the dance with an aim of appeasing his gloomy citizens. The King was further worried about the situation of his citizens because every citizen in his rival states – Kantipur (now Kathmandu) and Bhaktapur – was happy despite difficulties and hardships.

"Every citizen in his state – regardless of rich and poor – was unhappy but the King was having hard time in identifying the real cause," said Shrestha. As the King was a sheer devotee of Lord Krishna he built the Krishna Temple that only of stones. But still the situation of his state remained unchanged. And he opted for tougher stance.

The King later consulted with his gurus and pundits and finally came to a tough decision of offering Narbali (human sacrifice) to the God. Seven-day Kartik Dance followed the Narbali.

The King had taken the decision once a year to revive happiness among the citizens in the state, Shrestha said.

During the first seven days, various dances used to be performed and on the eighth day, a man dressed up as Narsingh, Lord Vishnu disguising himself as a giant demon, used to kill another man dressed up as Hiranyakashyap, an evil demon as illustrated in Hindu legends.

But later, it was felt that the practice was impractical to kill human in the name of sacrificing, said Shrestha, adding, "Then, the tradition was continued through dances and dramas, all based on mythical story of Narsingh and Hiranyakashyap, in front of Krishna Mandir in Patan.

But the history is still unclear about if the problem was solved after the Narbali. The historians are also unclear about when the tradition of Narbali was stopped.

According to Shrestha, the first mask used by Narsingh dancer was made up of alum, which was very powerful with strong tantrik spells that used to kill the man disguising as Hiranyakashyap. Therefore the mask underwent changes many times. Present mask, brought as the sixth substitute, has the power that it just makes the person disguising as Hiranyakashyap, unconscious.

The Kartik Dance currently is on performance from November 21 to November 28 at Patan Durbar Square. Dances like Batha Payakha, Yuddha Kala, Devi Payakha, Jalsayeard, Baraha Avatar and Narsingh Avatar are being performed this time, according to Shrestha.

According to Shrestha, it is believed that all five masks have been buried in front of the Narsingh Dewal. And the power of the present one has very much diminished power so that no chronic harm is made on the person disguising as Hiranyakashyap.

The eight-day dance was later changed to one-month during the reign of King Shree Shreeniwas Malla. The change was made to further appease the people.

From 2008 to 2037 B.S. (1951 – 1980 AD), the dance was reduced to only two days but by that time, the tradition of human sacrifice was already stopped. "It was only in 1980 that this committee was formed. Since then we have been performing the dance for eight days," says Shrestha.

The popular stories reflected by the Kartik Dance are that of Sudama, Surdas and Baraha, adds the 57-year-old dancer who himself has been participating in the Shree Krishna Dance since last fifty years. The dances are performed in tunes of traditional musical instrument like Jhokhi, Dha, Damokhi, Jonagada, Mridanga, Jhyali, Ta, Bhusiya, Pongga and Muwali. "We can also call this dance as the longest dance-cum drama in the whole world," claims Shrestha.

Maoist attacks stun nation

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KATHMANDU, Nov 26 – As the Maoists renewed their violence killing army personnel and policemen and attacked at several government offices in many district offices, concerns over the worsening condition of peace and security in the country are pouring in through press releases from different political parties, their sister organizations and from civil society.

They have also condemned the fresh violence in Dang, Syangja and Solukhumbu along with other parts of the country, demanding peace and security be restored again in the country.

Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party today demanded the government to create again an environment for the resumption of the peace talks, said a press release received from the party. The party also demanded the government not to violate people’s democratic rights in the name of suppressing Maoists.

The Central Secretariat meeting of the party today has reached the above decision, said the release. The party has held both the government and the Maoists responsible for the fresh violence.

Nepal Women Association (NWA), women wing close to the ruling Nepali Congress, today denounced the violence and killings by the Maoists in Dang, Surkhet, and Solukhumbu, said a press release from the NWA. The NWA’s Central Working Committee this morning has taken the decision of the condemnation.

It has also demanded the government to take a stern action against the rebelling Maoists, said the release.

Similarly, 16 chairmen and vice chairmen of different district development committees has criticized the government for not abiding by the Maoists demand for constituent assembly and pushing country in "civil war", said a release signed jointly by them.

Likewise, Nepal University Teachers’ Association demanded the government and Maoists to resume the peace talks, denouncing the fresh violence by the Maoists in different parts of the country.

It has also demanded the government to guarantee the safety of the people and to free people from terror and violence.

Meanwhile, Deshbhakta Prajatantric Munch has also asked the Maoists to stop the violence and declare cease-fire. It has also demanded the government to start a national discussion with all the political parties of the country.

Citizen Concern Society has asked the government and the Maoists to be serious to the present critical condition of the country and to work towards peaceful solution of the problem, denouncing the recent violence.

Likewise, Nepal Student Union, student-wing of the ruling Nepali Congress has also denounced the Maoists attacks and demanded the government to take the "toughest step" against the Maoists.

All Nepal National Free Students’ Union, student wing close to CPN-ML, has condemned both the government and the Maoists for not being committed to the peace process and for honest to the country and the people.

Women can't wait, says Jones

KATHMANDU, Nov 26 (PR) - Women can’t wait, a play by Sarah Jones, that portrays eight different women from around the world, all living under laws that violate their human rights, was performed on Sunday.

Sarah Jones, Hollywood Actress, was brought in Nepal in co-ordination of Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) and Equality Now, an International Women’s Rights Group in New York. The stage show was performed in the Birendra Conventional Centre.

Jones played the role of various women from different countries, Parveen of India, who suffers years of marital rape (not a punishable crime in India), Hala of Jordan, whose sister’s murder is sanctioned by a penal code that exempts "Honour Killing", Anna of Kenya, who would rather have a sweet -sixteen than be a victim of female genital mutilation.

Sapana Pradhan Malla, Advocate, said, the existence of the discriminatory laws against women even after a decade of the restoration of multi-party democracy raises question about the commitment towards the democratic system at the national as well as international level.

The performance is brought, as it is a powerful statement on human rights violations against women and there should be an urgent need for government and international accountability.

Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr.Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya, including other justices of Supreme Court, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and politicians, civil serveants were present at the Programme.

Haribodhani Ekadasi festival observed nationwide

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KATHMANDU, Nov 26 – Hindus throughout the country today observed the festival of Haribodhani Ekadasi, also known as Thulo Ekadasi, by worshipping the plant of Tulsi as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Thousands of Hindus today went to the four main shrines of Lord Vishnu at Bishankhu Narayan, Changu Narayan, Inchangu Narayan and Shesh Narayan and offered rice grains and fruits to the Lord who believed to be the caretaker of the habitants of the world. They also take fasting in the name of the Lord.

Legends say once Lord Vishnu, who was sleeping in the underground world of Patal but wakes up after four months that falls on today.

According to cultural expert Hari Ram Joshi, long ago there was no such authentic idol of Lord Vishnu so people used to worship different forms of the nature like the plant of Tulsi, tree of Pipal, stone of Saligram and grass of Kush as Lord Vishnu.

In the four-month-long festival period the people worship the plant of Tulsi as the vegetation form of the Lord.

"People also read ‘Shreemad Bhagwat Puran’ every day in this four months," says Joshi. Auspicious ceremonies like marriages and bratabandha is not done because there is a belief that such things are done in presence of Lord Vishnu, who lives the whole four months in the Patal Lok.

The mythological stories about how the Haribodhani Ekadasi begin Joshi says that long ago King Bali used to rule the world. King Bali was very powerful and very popular for giving alms. So, all the gods living in Dev Lok were very afraid for his might.

Then Lord Vishnu came to Earth in the form of Baman Dev and asked three steps as alms with King Bali. Bali agrees to give. But Baman Dev with his two steps covers the whole universe and earth.

Then King Bali gives his head to keep his last step. When Lord Vishnu steps on his head he moves to Patal lok and starts ruling there.

Being happy with King Bali’s dedication, Lord Vishnu decides to offer what he wishes. Bali invites Lord Vishnu to live in his palace. Therefore it is believed that from Harisayani Ekadasi to Haribodhani Ekadasi Lord Bishnu lives at his palace.

"For four months people stay at home and pray hymns for Lord Vishnu," says Joshi. Joshi reasoning about the festival says that people long ago used to move from place to place for their business. But it was very hard to move in the rainy season (the four-month period) so people lived at home and pray for god.

Social practices worsen women health

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KATHMANDU, Nov 26 - The traditional, cultural and social practices are one of the major causes to make the women health condition worse in rural areas, said experts.

Wasim Zaman, Director of UNFPA, said, most of the mortality rate is due to the various traditional practices which still exist in our society so more awareness campaign in community level is needed for behavioural development and to change the attitude of Nepalese citizen.

He pointed out that a society or culture doesnot discriminate. ‘It is the people who discriminate. A society and culture survives because of its inner strength and also ability to adjust with time and new development.’

A week-long regional workshop on "Integrating Socio-cultural Research in Population and Reproductive Health programmes" was organised by United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA).

Beena Pradhan, Adviser, Coordinator of Socio-cultural and Operations Research said The one-week workshop aims to provide participants with conceptual and practical understanding of cultural and behavioral factors underlying sexual and reproductive health.

She further added the participants will learn how to build socio-cultural research, and data from such research into population and reproductive health programming process in order to deliver higher quality and more effective programmes and projects.

The representatives from 11 countries of South and Central Asia had participated in the workshop. The countries are Bangladesh, India, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and others . The workshop will conclude in next Saturday.

Minister Khadka rules out further talks with Maoists

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SYANGJA, Nov 26 - Home Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka, who was here on a field visit Sunday to inspect the carnage that left 14 policemen dead, ruled out the possibility of further talks with the Maoists.

"There will be no further talks in such a situation," said Khadka while talking with the reporters at the District Administration Office after inspecting the site, where the policemen were brutally killed by the rebels.

He said, "Maoists themselves are responsible for creating such fluid situation in the country. They broke the cease-fire by launching attacks in various places across the country on Friday night."

Khadka also urged the rebels to lay down their weapons and create conducive environment for the talks. "Till the third round of talks, everything was going well. The talks would have been a definite success if the Maoists had waited patiently. But the attacks throughout the country by the rebels have minimised the possibility of further talks," said Khadka.

Chief District Officer, Janardan Nepal informed Home Minister Khadka that Maoist attacks left 14 policemen dead, nine policemen severely injured.

It is learnt that the Royal Nepal Army and the Armed Police Force have already been deployed here to take the situation under control.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Khadka was also on a field visit in his own district, Dang, to inspect the incident sites that were damaged by the Maoists on Friday night.

Further 14 armymen stationed at the Sri Bhawani Prasad Bask barrack in the headquarters were killed after the rebels launched massive attack on Friday night. According to our district correspondent, the attack has left administrative affairs paralysed throughout the day. District Administration Office, District Police Office, Nepal Bank Limited, Agricultural Development Bank and Land Revenue Office that were damaged by the bombs set off by the rebels are yet to resume their work. The movement of the people in the headquarters has gone down according to the locals.

It is learnt that, around 500 army personnel have been deployed in the district to take the situation under control.

Eight killed, several injured in separate Maoist attacks

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KATHMANDU, Nov 26 - At least eight people, including four armed policemen, killed and several others were injured in two separate Maoist attacks in Surkhet and Sunsari districts on Saturday, the police said.

A report received here from Surkhet said four policemen and a truck driver died on the spot when a landmine, planted by Maoist rebels, blew up the truck at Kalidamar on the Ratna Highway, about 30 kilometres east of Surkhet on Saturday. But the security personnel could manage to protect all the Self-Loading Rifles (SLR) from falling into the hands of the Maoists. A reinforcement team of 46 armed policemen were travelling in the hired truck from Nepalgunj to Surkhet.

Those armed policemen killed in the incident have been identified as Padam Gurung of Gorkha, Dipak Airi of Salyan and Khum Raj Nepali of Dailekh. Another man killed in the landmine is truck driver Ram Chandra Sharma Raja of Banke. Others injured in the explosion were rushed to Nepalgunj Hospital for treatment. Police said the engine of the private truck (Bhe 1 Kha 46) has been completely damaged in the explosion.

Meanwhile, police at Harai check post of the Royal Bardiya National Park arrested three people including a woman in connection with the incident.

Similarly, our reporter from Sunsari district said three civilians were killed in Itahari Municipality-4 when a powerful explosive blew up a three-room house of Krishna Gopal Ghimire on the wee hours of Sunday.

Ghimire’s 15-year-old son died on the spot while two others are yet to be identified but local police suspect both of them were Maoist cadres.

In another incident, a group of Maoists set ablaze a school bus of Delhi Public School operated by B P Koirala Memorial Hospital at Tarahara Chowk of Hansposa VDC. There were 40 students travelling in the bus. Among them, five students sustained injuries when the rebels attacked the bus, according to Navin Gurung, an eyewitness.

A report received from eastern hill district of Ilam stated that three policemen were injured in the exchange of fire with the rebels in the northern part of the district. The rebels also set the police station on fire and destroyed all the office documents. The injured policemen were rushed to B P Koirala Memorial Hospital in Dharan for treatment.

Police managed to save all the weapons from falling into the hands of the Maoists, the report said.

There were altogether 16 policemen when the rebels attacked the post. The entire area is in tense situation after the Maoist attack.

Likewise, a group of Maoist rebels on Saturday night destroyed the office of Khopasi micro-hydro project and a government-owned vehicle in Panauti Municipality in Kavre district.

Officials of the project said that property worth Rs. 5.2 million has been damaged due to the Maoist attack.

Our reporter from Nepalgunj today quoted the Regional Police Office as saying that a police post in Tripurakot police post in the Dunai district and another at Panch Katiya in Jajarkot district have been shifted to the respective district headquarters for security reasons. All the weapons and important documents were brought to the district headquarters by helicopter. Last year, the rebels looted a large chunk of weapons from the Panch Katiya post, leaving about two dozens policemen dead and several others injured.

In Nawalparasi, the rebels set ablaze lawmaker Damodar Bastakoti’s empty house in the remote northern Bulingtar VDC, his family member said. MP Bastakoti said about 1 million rupees of property was reduced to cinder.

More reports of violence have been pouring in from different parts of the Kingdom but no more casualties have been reported besides minor incidents.

Arsenic in underground water leaves Terai folks perplexed

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RAUTAHAT, Nov 26 - People from different VDCs of the district are in the state of confusion whether to use water or not after the recent findings of considerable amount of arsenic in water.

According to the recent survey carried out by the Nepal Red Cross Society and the Environment and Public Health Organisation, arsenic contamination was seen in the 25 VDCs.

The VDC officials fearing possible havoc have now begun corresponding with the Red Cross, the Drinking Water Corporation and health posts to seek preventive measures from arsenic poisoning.

Few cases of health complications caused by arsenic have been reported from the village.The highest amount of arsenic was reported in the tube wells of Rampur VDC. Five people have been reportedly affected by arsenic-related diseases in Gedadi Guthi. Meanwhile, locals blame the district headquaters for failing to address the problem to the people beforehand. "If preventive measures are not carried out by the concerned officials, we will be forced to react", said Dagarya Yadav, the VDC Chairman of Gedadi.

However, Nepal Red Cross said that there is no need to fear from the arsenic. Nepal Red Cross Society and Plan International had dug out 30 tube wells in the VDC.

According to one of the affected victims, despite medicines and regular visits to health posts, his condition is deteriorating day by day. He says, "My knees are swollen and at the same time I am also suffering from skin irritation."

Nearly 85 percent people of the district are dependent on the undergroundwater for drinking and other household purposes.Health officials remark that the chances of arsenic contamination in the district is higher as tubewells are erected to a depth of 45-60m, the depth prone to arsenic contamination.

The acceptable condensation of arsenic in water set by the government is 0.05 milligram per liter, the same standard as that of Bangladesh and India.

According to Red Cross officials, around 193 tubewells in the district showed condensation above the set standards. The Red Cross has also established a lab in the district to chemically analyse the water.

The potential threat of arsenic contamination in the undergroundwater in Nepal was taken seriously after arsenic caused havoc in the neighburing West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Development projects in Sankhuwa Sabha affected

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KHANDBARI, Nov 26 – As the government failed to release budget in time, most of the development works in this hilly district of Sankhuwa Sabha have come to a halt.

All periodic plans started last year have not been selected in the current fiscal year.

Although the government in its annual budget speech of the current fiscal year decided to provide budget in lump sum to the District Technician Office, the district has received only quarterly salary of government officials.

Although it has already been four months since the fiscal year, budget to development programmes has not been released in this district deferring all development programmes in Pangma, Yafu, Diding, Hatiya, Pawakhola Village Development Committees.

"All the development programmes that started in the last fiscal year and remained incomplete in the above mentioned VDCs are in pitiable state," said Biswa Ghimire, acting chief at the District Water Supply Office.

Similarly, Dovantar and Jhutra-Tupuwa irrigation projects of the district have come to a standstill.

The project has come to a halt after no budgets were released, said Som Raj Bajracharya, of Irrigation Office. Citing the inadequacy of budget, Bajracharya said, "there are no chances of commencing new projects at present as the previous ones have remained incomplete."