The Swetkali dance is one of the Astamatrika dances traditionally performed in the Kathmandu Valley for the protection of the state. This year it was performed for two nights in Taleju Bhavani (Hanuman Dhoka) and for one night a full day on the dabali in front of Kumari Ghar. The dance is performed in twelve locations within twelve years. Eighteen characters (“dhami”) appear in the dance, to embody the deities worshipped. Tantric mantras and traditional music (Kin, Taa, Chuchiya, Bhusya, Ponga) accompany the devgans (dancers). What will be interesting to see is the degree of mediatisation that the dance may be going through and whether that affects the connection to the place.