"Prahlada"

#12945860

4 November 2025

PRAHLAD, the son of HIRANYAKASHYAPU, performs 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 HIRANYAKASHYAPU becomes a tyrant after receiving Brahma’s boon. Despite his father’s attempts to kill him, PRAHLAD grows up as a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. His performance depicts unwavering faith and moral courage, highlighting the triumph of devotion against tyranny before NARSINGH intervenes.

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#12945907

4 November 2025

PRAHLAD, the son of HIRANYAKASHYAPU, is tied to a pillar 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. This scene depicts his punishment for worshipping Vishnu against his father’s command. Moments later, NARSINGH emerges from the pillar at twilight to rescue him and slay HIRANYAKASHYAPU, symbolizing the victory of dharma.

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#12945905

4 November 2025

The gurus of Hiranyakashyapu teach hymns to Prahlad 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. Despite their instruction, Prahlad refuses to obey because of his devotion to Lord Vishnu. This performance emphasizes the conflict between worldly authority and divine devotion, and Prahlad's unwavering faith before Narsingh arrives.

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#12945859

4 November 2025

Performers dressed as Daitya Gaan, followers of Hiranyakashyapu, 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 depicts Hiranyakashyapu’s tyranny after he receives Brahma’s boon that he cannot be killed by man or animal, during day or night, on earth or in heaven, or by any weapon. The Daitya Gaan enact arrogance, chaos, and the rebellion of demons, creating tension that sets the stage for Narsingh’s arrival to rescue Prahlad and restore dharma.

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#12945862

4 November 2025

The golden window of Patan Durbar opens during the eighth day of the Kartik Naach at Patan Durbar Square in Patan, Nepal, on November 3, 2023, extending into November 4, 2023. This sacred window opens only twice a year and allows the king and courtiers to witness the divine drama. The performance below depicts Hiranyakashipu’s tyranny, Prahlad’s devotion, and Narsingh’s intervention, symbolizing royal and divine recognition of dharma and cosmic order.

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#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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#12945923

4 November 2025

An APSARA performs a calming dance after the death of 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. Her movements symbolize the pacification of NARSINGH’s rage and the restoration of peace and harmony, marking the conclusion of the rescue of PRAHLAD and the triumph of dharma.

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#12132063

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers worship the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, as it lies on Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the Chir is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who had the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on this tradition.

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#12132064

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers perform rituals of worshipping the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, as it lies on the Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the ''Chir'' is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who has the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it.

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#12132065

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers perform rituals of worshipping the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, as it lies on the Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the ''Chir'' is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who has the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it.

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