Kartik Naach, also known as Kachhalā Pyākhan, is a dance musical play performed every year during the month of Kartik (October or November) in Nepal. It was initiated in 1641 AD by the Nepali Malla King Siddhi Narsingh Malla and takes place at Kartik Dabali in Patan Durbar Square. Originally performed over two days, it has been extended to a duration ranging from two to 27 days, featuring 17 tales of the Hindu god Vishnu. King Narsingh Malla's son, Shree Niwas Malla, added seven days to the performance, and his grandson, Yog Narendra Malla, further extended it to 15 days.
In the Varaha Avatar story, the demon Hiranyaksha, brother of Hiranyakashipu, receives the boon of immortality from Brahma, making him invincible to gods, demons, beasts, and men. As his powers grow, Hiranyaksha becomes a cruel king. A thousand-year battle ensues between Varaha (Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar) and Hiranyaksha, ultimately won by Varaha. Varaha lifts the Earth from the ocean on his tusks and restores it to its place in the universe. Following his victory, Varaha is calmed by a celestial dancer (an Apsara) with her dance. This story is a prominent theme in the Kartik Naach dance performance in Nepal.
