[1][2] A young boy impersonating the god Kumha performs the dance accompanied by a musical band consisting of drum and ponga (पोंगा) trumpet players.

The dancer, who carries a bow and arrow, symbolically protects the image of the goddess Taleju when it is brought out of her temple at Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Performances are held on the seventh and tenth days of the Mohani festival (Dashain) which takes place in October.

The dancer's term lasts around five years when he has to adhere to the rules of his office, which include daily worship of Nasadyah, the god of dance, and eating restrictions.

[3] The Kumha Pyakhan has not been performed since 1998 for lack of funding and candidates when Dibesh Kaji Tuladhar played the part of the deity.