"protector deity"

#12945868

4 November 2025

NARSINGH performs a ritual dance during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. Lord Vishnu appears in half-man, half-lion form to protect PRAHLAD and destroy HIRANYAKASHYAPU without violating Brahma’s boon. The movements symbolize divine power, cosmic justice, and the triumph of good over evil, forming the climax of the ten-day traditional dance-drama.

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#12945870

4 November 2025

NARSINGH performs a ritual dance during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. Lord Vishnu appears in half-man, half-lion form to protect PRAHLAD and destroy HIRANYAKASHYAPU without violating Brahma’s boon. The movements symbolize divine power, cosmic justice, and the triumph of good over evil, forming the climax of the ten-day traditional dance-drama.

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#12945873

4 November 2025

NARSINGH performs a ritual dance during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. Lord Vishnu appears in half-man, half-lion form to protect PRAHLAD and destroy HIRANYAKASHYAPU without violating Brahma’s boon. The movements symbolize divine power, cosmic justice, and the triumph of good over evil, forming the climax of the ten-day traditional dance-drama.

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#12945895

4 November 2025

Musicians perform during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. The drama retells the legend in which, after the loss of his brother Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashyapu vows revenge on Lord Vishnu. Empowered by a boon from Brahma that he cannot be killed by man or animal, during day or night, on earth or in heaven, or by any weapon, he becomes a tyrant and forbids the worship of Vishnu. Bishnu Gaan's synchronized movements and chants symbolize divine presence and protection, celebrating the faithful Prahlad before Narsingh emerges, highlighting the triumph of good over evil.

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#12945899

4 November 2025

Performers dressed as BISHNU GAAN (celestial attendants of Lord Vishnu) perform during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. The drama retells the legend in which, after the loss of his brother HIRANYAKSHA, HIRANYAKASHYAPU vows revenge on Lord Vishnu. Empowered by a boon from Brahma that he cannot be killed by man or animal, during day or night, on earth or in heaven, or by any weapon, he becomes a tyrant and forbids the worship of Vishnu. BISHNU GAAN’s synchronized movements and chants symbolize divine presence and protection, celebrating the faithful PRAHLAD before NARSINGH emerges, highlighting the triumph of good over evil.

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#12945916

4 November 2025

NARSINGH performs a ritual dance during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. Lord Vishnu appears in half-man, half-lion form to protect PRAHLAD and destroy HIRANYAKASHYAPU without violating Brahma’s boon. The movements symbolize divine power, cosmic justice, and the triumph of good over evil, forming the climax of the ten-day traditional dance-drama.

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#12945922

4 November 2025

NARSINGH touches and kills HIRANYAKASHYAPU during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Kartik Dabali, Patan Durbar Square, in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, which extends into November 4. Lord Vishnu, in his half-man, half-lion form, emerges from the pillar at twilight to protect his devotee PRAHLAD. Using his divine strength and claws, NARSINGH strikes down the tyrant king, fulfilling Brahma’s boon while restoring dharma. The scene symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and forms the climax of the ten-day traditional dance-drama dating back to the 17th-century Malla period.

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#12801676

27 September 2025

Religious volunteers carry necessary items and march towards the Sikali Jatra venue in Khokana of Lalitpur on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of ''Shikali.'' It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for 5 days, dedicating it to the goddess ''Shikali,'' who is also known as ''Ajima'' or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. It starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses ''Tantric'' rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires during the festival, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects their town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801678

27 September 2025

Deities in human form are escorted up the hill to the Shikali temple premises for the commencement of the ceremony in Khokana, Nepal, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, who is also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires during the festival, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities. It is also regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801681

27 September 2025

Deities in human form are escorted up the hill to the Shikali temple premises for the commencement of the ceremony in Khokana, Nepal, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, who is also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires during the festival, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities. It is also regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801682

27 September 2025

Deities in human form are escorted up the hill to the Shikali temple premises for the commencement of the ceremony in Khokana, Nepal, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, who is also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires during the festival, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities. It is also regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801683

27 September 2025

Deities in human form put on ritual attire before performing in the annual Shikali Jatra in Khokana, Nepal, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, who is also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform dances. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities. It is also regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801674

27 September 2025

Devotees attend the annual Shikali Jatra in Khokana, Lalitpur, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of ''Shikali.'' It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the Southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for 5 days, dedicating it to the goddess ''Shikali,'' who is also known as ''Ajima'' or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses ''Tantric'' rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform dances. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801675

27 September 2025

Devotees attend the annual Shikali Jatra in Khokana, Lalitpur, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights on air as they tour around the temple of ''Shikali.'' It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the Southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for 5 days, dedicating it to the goddess ''Shikali,'' who is also known as ''Ajima'' or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses ''Tantric'' rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform dances. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801677

27 September 2025

A priest attends the annual Shikali Jatra in Khokana, Lalitpur, Nepal, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, who is also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform dances. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801679

27 September 2025

A Nepali child plays a traditional instrument as he marches towards the Shikali ground to observe the annual ''Shikali Jatra'' festival in Khokana, Lalitpur, on September 27, 2025. Masked dancers in the form of various Hindu deities take flights in the air as they tour around the temple of ''Shikali.'' It is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain. A medieval Newari heritage village in the Southern Kathmandu Valley, Khokana observes Shikali Jatra for 5 days, dedicating it to the goddess ''Shikali,'' who is also known as ''Ajima'' or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flights as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. It starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses ''Tantric'' rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attires during the festival, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes along with 14 masked deities come together to perform dances. It is believed that the goddess protects their town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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