Nardevi Dance: A Ritual

Naradevi Shree Shwetkali Dance, also known as the Barabarse (meaning 12 yearly) Naradevi Naach started in Kavre, central Nepal.

The dance is an ancient and culturally significant traditional Newari masked dance from Nepal, believed to have originated in the Kathmandu Valley around the 15th century, during the Malla dynasty.

The dance is performed continuously for three days to appease Goddess Naradevi Shwetkali, who is worshipped as the protector of Kathmandu Valley.

She is a powerful deity representing the balance between calm (Sweta) and furious (Kali) aspects.

In the annual performances, 12 deities are featured, but the special 12-year cycle includes additional masked figures of various deities.

While it is celebrated annually, a special elaborated performance cycle occurs every 12 years, making it one of the rare events of Nepal.

In the annual performances, 12 deities are featured, but the special 12-year cycle includes additional masked figures of various deities.

Major attraction of the event is a traditional masked dance based on tantra honoring Naradevi.

The dance which carries a cultural and religious significance believed to bring peace and prosperity in the country and ward off evil.

In the first day of the celebration, sacred procession which involves taking the Naradevi idol with fanfare and reverence to Layaku Daballi, Banepa, from capital city Kathmandu.

This procession also marks the beginning of the Jatra.

The dance also involves masked devotees representing various gods and goddesses.

The performance is accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of traditional Newar musical instruments.

In the first day of the celebration, sacred procession which involves taking the Naradevi idol with fanfare and reverence to Layaku Daballi, Banepa, from capital city Kathmandu.

Over the 12-year cycle, performances are also held in other locations beyond Kathmandu, including Patan, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and Banepa.

The Jatra procession or traditional dance is being held in the coordination of the local people, patron organization taking and the member of Nga-Twa Society, informed the manager of the committee Subhalaxmi Manandhar.

The Naradevi Swetkali Dance takes place in other various places including, Naradevi, Hanumandoka, Indrachowk, Basantapur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Nasal Chowk.