Basantapur

Basantapur

Construction of the Kernel Chok is not clearly stated in any historical inscriptions; although, it is probably the oldest among all the courtyards in the square. The Bhagavati Temple, originally known as a Narayan Temple, rises above the mansions surrounding it and was added during the time of Jagajaya Malla in the early eighteenth century. The Narayan idol within the temple was stolen so Prithvi Narayan Shah replaced it with an image of Bhagavati, completely transforming the name of the temple.

On 25 April 2015, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 (Mw) hit the region and severely damaged the Square, reducing several buildings to rubble, the most prominent of which was the centuries-old wooden structure, Kasthamandap. [2][3][4]

Partager la prévision à vos amis Vous souhaitez faire suivre les prévisions Forecasts du Monday 17 August pour city Basantapur Send The information collected is processed electronically in order to manage your account, declared under the number 1413483. Unless you specify otherwise, your details may be kept and used for commercial purposes by Weather Crave. In accordance with the French data protection and privacy law of 6 January 1978, you have a right of access and correct your personal data as well as object to its use by writing to the following address METEO CONSULT - Weather Crave - Domaine de Marsinval -78540 - Vernouillet - France or by email at contact@meteoconsult.fr (please specify your last name, first name, email address and, if possible, your subscriber reference).

There are plenty of restaurants in Basantapur. From cafes to continental restaurants, this city will not disappoint you when it comes to food or places to dine at. If you want to go on a date with someone or hang out with your friends then head to Himalayan Java, one of the best places to grab coffee at. You can also try Durbar Square Café and Jessy Penny. If you want a taste of Newari cuisine then try out Bhoe Chhen Newari Restaurant and Bar. Street food is also very popular and easily available in Basantapur.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.

Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, took place. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. It is possible to visit the state rooms inside the palace.

In the time of Pratap Malla, the square was extensively developed. He was an intellectual, a pious devotee, and especially interested in arts. He called himself a Kavindra, king of poets, and boasted that he has learned in fifteen different languages. A passionate builder, following his coronation as a king, he immediately began enlargements to his royal palace, and rebuilt some old temples and constructed new temples, shrines, and stupas around his kingdom.

Jayaprakash Malla, the last Malla king to rule Kathmandu, built a temple for Kumari and Durga in her virginal state. The temple was named Kumari Bahal and was structured like a typical Newari vihara. In his house resides the Kumari, a girl who is revered as the living goddess. He also made a chariot for Kumari and in the courtyard had detailed terra cotta tiles of that time laid down.

His successors Sadasiva (1575–1581), his son, Shiva Simha (1578–1619), and his grandson, Laksmi Narsingha (1619–1641), do not seem to have made any major additions to the square. During this period of three generations, the only constructions to have occurred were the establishment of Degutale Temple dedicated to Goddess Mother Taleju by Shiva Simha and some enhancement in the royal palace by Laksminar Simha.

Share Now:Basantapur is the heart of Kathmandu city. It carries a lot of cultural and historical significance for the people of Nepal. Known for its rich culture and arts, Basantapur is the hub for tourists and visitors. Prarthana Dixit takes you on a stroll around this mystical part of the city. Visit Basantapur Durbar Square Basantapur Durbar Square is the heart and soul of Basantapur. It is one of the three Durbar Squares situated in the Kathmandu valley. Enlisted as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, this durbar square has attracted a lot of tourists from across the globe. There are various temples and monuments inside the Durbar Square such as Taleju Temple, (which is only open during Nawami of Vijaya Dashain) the bell, Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Chowk. Explore in leisure Basantapur is a city of alleys. It is almost like a maze, one that you will struggle to get out of. While you’re there you can spend the day roaming around, discovering new alleyways. Hopefully you will find your way out and with that learn a lot of things about this beautiful city. Delight your taste buds There are plenty of restaurants in Basantapur. From cafes to continental restaurants, this city will not disappoint you when it comes to food or places to dine at. If you want to go on a date with someone or hang out with your friends then head to Himalayan Java, one of the best places to grab coffee at. You can also try Durbar Square Café and Jessy Penny. If you want a taste of Newari cuisine then try out Bhoe Chhen Newari Restaurant and Bar. Street food is also very popular and easily available in Basantapur. Treasure a tattoo If you are a tattoo enthusiast then you must explore the tattoo parlours in the area. One of the city’s most reputed tattoo parlour, Tik’e Jhya is in Basantapur itself. Besides that there are other tattoo studios like Kathmandu Tattoo Inn, Freak Street Tattoo and Swastik Tattoo Studios that has garnered plenty of public attention. Shop with pleasure There are plenty of street stalls in Basantapur. Since Basantapur is rich in culture and history, you could buy souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect the cultural diversity of Nepal. You can also shop for pashminas, thangka paintings and accessories. 

Read More

Magar Cultural Custom

 

Magar Cultural Custom

Magar Who is Magar? Magar is one, of the 59 indigenous peoples of Nepal, recognized by the government as indigenous nationalities having own distinct language, culture, rituals and history. Their settlements stretch over the western and southern edges of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and eastwards to the Gandaki River basin. Their homeland is divided into two sub-regions--the Athara Magarat (literally, 18 Magar region') and Bara Magart (12 Magar regions), belonging to the Karnali and Gandaki River regions respectively. According to the officials, there exists slightly difference in the rituals, culture, and lifestyles of Magars from these two sub-regions. Present day Magar settlmetns frange from Tanahu district of Gadaki zone westwards included the districts of Palpa, Argha-Khanchi and Gulmi in Lumbini zone, syangja, Kaski and parvat in GAdaki zone, Dolpo, Myagdi and Baglung in Dhaulagiri zone, Rukum, Rolpa, Piuthan and Sallyan in Rapti Zone and Dailekha and Jajarkot in Bheri Zone. The Magars have spread all along the hills of east Nepal and to a few places in the Eastern Terai. Magar is the third largest ethnic/caste groups in Nepal as per the 2011 Census, which reveals that there are--1,887,733 Magar, representing 7.1 percent of Nepal's total population. The Magars are divided into different clans --Thapa, Ale, Rana, Budhathoki, Roka, Gharti, Pun to name a few and they usually identify themselves as belonging through these patrilineal inheritance. Before the unification of Nepal in the mid-18th century, Nepal was divided into different principalities (22 and 24). During that period, the Magars were said to be the King and rulers in mid-western and western region (18th and 12th regions) of Nepal and later on their estates were invaded by the Shah Dynasty and annexed to single Nepal. The interesting is; the most prominent historians namely Hamilton, Baburam Acharya and others claim that the forefathers of former Shah Kings of Nepal were the Magar descent. A brief Linguistic history Magars have as many as three-different mother tongues—Kham, Kaike and Dhut language. All these three languages belong to the Tibeto-Burman family. Kham dialect is spoken by Magars in Mid-Western region Athara Magarat (literally, 18 Magar region'), Tarali or Kaike in Dolpa district of North-Western region, and Dhut language is mostly spoken in Barah Magarat (12-region) in the West and Central part of Nepal. According to the recent Census conducted in 2011, Magar are the eighth major mother language speaker ethnic groups. The data reveals that as many as 788,580 people (almost 3 percent of the total population of the country) speak Magar language namely Kham, Tarali or Kaike language. According to the recent Census conducted in 2011, Magar are the eighth major mother language speakers ethnic groups. The data reveals that as many at 788,580 people 3 percent of the total population of the country speaks Magar language namely Kham, Tarali or Kaike language. The basis of Magar economy in all areas is usually agriculture growing varieties of crops and vegetables; some are pastoralists who raise sheep and goats some work as craftsmen others adept bamboo work. But the larger communities of Magars engaged in dry-crop farming and buffalo-raising, many have earned name and fame by joining British and Indian Security forces. Their houses are built according to the style of the areas they live in ,l a standard which varies from one locale to the next. Most traditional is the two-storey stone house with thatch or in some cases slate roofing. Many of the smaller houses in the western communities are round oval in shape and washed with ochre or reddish mud. Magar houses in the eastern hills are never round and are most often whitewashed. They have stone walls and wooden shingle roofs, and are two storied with a verandah along the front. Some of the northernmost houses have flat roofs and consist of three storeys, the bottom one being a shelter for animal. Genesis of Magar According to their mythology, the Magars evolved from two types of caves namely--Pelma Khar Pu (barely dispersing cave) and Yoma Khar Pu (Hornet's cave) and scattered in all four direction. But there are also interesting mythical story which describes how Magars where originated, According to the legend, in the place called Seem, there lived two brothers named-- See Magar and Chintoo Magar who had differences and thus See Magar remained in the place while another Chintoo Magar migrated to the place called Kangwachen, southern part of Sikkim, who lived in Sikkim, had family members. After due period years, Magar-- the family members of Chintoo Magar named Sintoo Sati Sheng became very powerful and ruled Sikkim in a despotic manner. He was then conspired and poisoned Magar by Bhotia, the tribal of Sikkim and ruled, then Magars had to migrate, then, they were believed to have migrated to Simrongadh and slowly to Bara Magarath region (the Kingdoms east of the Gandki River) Similarly there is similar story that how Magar especially the Kham, living in the Athara Magaranth had originated. There were four brothers, so says the legend, and one day they went hunting but got lost. They camped at a place and distributed the chores to do. From these four brothers the various jats or tribes emanated. The first tribe was the Bahun Magar (the eldest brother’s tribe), then come the Thakuri Magar (the second eldest brother), then the Khas Magar (the third brother) and lastly the Kami Magar (the youngest brother). Thus the Khas Magar became the Kham Magar of today, it is said. Religion and culture of Magar There is a controversy about the religion and culture of Magar, as there are both Hinduism and Buddhism followers. Most Magars worship the same god and goddesses and observe festivals, as Hindus do, majority of them follow Khas-Bahun religious traditions, observe the same festivals almost exactly and many of them use Bahun priest. However, they also observe a number of their tribal rituals and ceremonies, festival for worshipping clan deities, and also employ a Lama to perform life cycle ceremonies in place of Brahmin priest. Perhaps it is because, they had contact with the Khas-Chhetri for long, and therefore, their culture and religion is greatly influenced by Hindu practices. Although some cultural, rituals differences exist that arise from the distinction between these two Magarats-- Bara Magarat and Aathara Magarat. But, Magars from both the region have their own singing and dancing groups such as Sorathi, Ghatu, Kaura, Jhabre, Nachari, Salaijeu, Dohori and so forth. The Magars worship nature, idols, spirits, and supernatural beings. Similarly, they also worship hunting gods and goddesses within their own families and outside, the gods of dead ancestors or their grandmothers and grandfathers. They have their own distinct practice of worship. They bury their dead-body and they have their own belief system regarding life after death. From the perspective of their faith system, they are worshipers of nature or as animists. They believe in Shamanism and their Dhami (faith-healer only heals) is called Dangar and their Jhakri (shaman, who involved both in healing and social rituals) is called Rama. The traditional spiritual and social leader of Magar used to be called Bhusal who was very influential in the early days. Specially the Magar from Bara Magarath have an informal cultural institution, called Bheja, while the Magars from Aathara Magarat have similar institution called Pancha-Taluk or Pancha-Amal (where there are five-people elected democratically). These two institutions perform the overall traditional religious activities, organize social and agriculture-related festivities, brings about reforms in traditions and customs, strengthens social and production system, manages resources, settles cases and disputes and systematizes activities for recreation and social solidarity. Countries speaking Magar language Nepal, India (West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya etc.), Bhutan and Manmar/Burma

Read More

Manakamana

 

Manakamana

Manakamana is temple of Durga Bhawani (Hindu Goddess), situated in Gorkha District of Nepal. Manakamana means the “wishes”. It is believed that Goddess Manakaman fulfills the wishes of ones who worship her with pure heart. It is very true when someone wish something from the heart; it is fulfilled by the God. Manakamana temple is situated at about 1300 meters at a top of a hill surround by a small village community. It is about 9 Km north-east of the town of Mugling and at about 90 Km West from Kathmandu and East from Pokhara. How to reach Manakamana Transportation to Manakamana : Bus takes three to four hours from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Generally micro buses and mini buses run to Kurintar. One can take bus in transit from east/west (Janakpur, Kakadbhitta, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj) to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to east/west.  There was transportation to Abu Khaireni until the cable car was installed. And people walk uphill for 3 hours to reach Manakamana temple. Now, the cable car operates from Kurintar. Cable car takes 10-12 minutes to reach the top. The cable car generally operates during the day time (9 a.m. to 5 p.m). It stops for a lunch break from 12.00 to 13.30. In festive occasions and on Saturdays and holidays it starts operations an hour before schedule time.  The charge is US$10 (tax extra) for foreigners, and Rs. 250 plus tax for Nepalese people. However, there is no method of separating foreigners from Nepalese other than self declaration by the tourist. The sacrificing animal especially goat is also charged Rs. 140 one way fare. Cock can be carried together with the passengers.  Worship and sacrifices Manakamana is Hindu Goddess so she is worshiped with offerings of flower, sound, scent, dress, make-ups and colors. There is a tradition of sacrificing animals at the temple. Devotees stand in line for even for 5-10 hours during festivals. The line started from the temple gate reach longer than few kilometers sometimes. People can be seen standing in line with pooja samagri (worship materials) in hand and some of them carrying duck, cock or goat with them. People seem to enjoy standing in the line without food, some even with no water. Pooja Samagri (worship and offering materials) for Manakamana As per hindu mythology all objects in this universe is consists of five cosmic elements the earth, water, fire, air and ether or space or sky. Therefore the arrangement of pooja samagri is done on the basis of these elements then it helps in balancing and regulating the activated five cosmic elements in the universe. The worshipper then gets the maximum benefit both manifest and unmanifest frequencies emitted from the god and goddess.  Devi is worshiped with the same elements, and in Nepal there is a tradition to offer cloth (bastra) to god and goddess. Especially red is considered as saubhagya (long life in Nepal) so Devi is offered almost everything in Red color.  The pooja thali should contain at least the following in a puja basket along with pancha patro, 1. Abir (kumkum) for saubhagya 2. Kesar represents earth 3. Flower and Leaves  4. Dhup for Scent (Fragnace) 5. Diyo for light 6. Cloth (Bastra or Dress) and mirror 7. Fruit and Foods for Prasad (Coconut and sweet deserts) 8. Bell for sound 9. Betel nut and janai 10. Little amount of rice (anna, grain)   The priest takes the pooja material when devotee reaches near the Devi statue and he offers their pooja samagri to goddess and returns the same after offering her. People do Sankalpa (vow) and Bhakal (resolution) in the temple. The priest asks the devotees if they have any vow or resolution for which they are in the temple to offer. If they have any, the priest offers the pooja materials to Goddess in the name of Sankalpa and Bhakal of the devotee. People make resolution at the temple and when their wish is fulfilled they go to see the goodness Burga Bhavani, Manakamana Mata, again to offer their gratitude. Accommodation   There are motels, hotels and lodges around Manakamana Temple. A single room cost from Rs. 100 to Rs 600 depending upon facilities one wants to avail. In cold days, most of hotels are closed but open sufficient enough to hold the guests at the winter.  Walking or Trekking to Manakamana  There is a way to walk from Gorkha to Manakamana, passing along the hill-top ridge through forest and paddy. It takes about 8 hours walk to cross the river, hills and the forest.  You can reach with a simple compass. There are few rivers in the way, the bridges are often broken. Therefore, it is better to be careful, or it is best not to hike in rainy seasons.  You can walk from bank of Marsyandi River from Abu Khaireni. It takes about 3 hours to reach the top. It was old path before the cable car started its operation.  Manakamana is also famous for the sweet juicy small oranges (Tangerine). The hill of Manakamana is full of oranges in the season.  Story behind Manakamana History of Manakamana It is said queen of Ram Shah was a goddess. It is only known to her devotee. Even, king was unaware of it.  Ram Shah is king Gorkha born in AD 1614.  One day the king found his queen in goddess incarnation. He told this to Lakhan Thapa. King dies instantly, in AD 1636. The queen went Sati (commit cremation with the husband's pyre as per custom of that time). Lakhan Thapa objected and dismayed on her Sati. The queen convinced him that she would reappear again. In six months after queen’s death, Lakhan Thapa heard news that a farmer hit a stone while he ploughs his field and a stream of blood and milk came out from the stone.  Immediately, he started performing Hindu tantric rituals and worship (hom and pooja) at the place. As soon the flow of blood and milk ceased, he established it as Manakamana Mai. It later on grew as Manakamana Temple. The current priest at the temple is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa. Manakamana is only one of very few of its kind of temples where priest is from Magar community of Nepal.

The Manakamana Temple (Nepali: मनकामना मन्दिर) situated in the Gorkha district of Nepal is the sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati.[1] The name Manakamana originates from two words, “mana” meaning heart and “kamana” meaning wish. Venerated since the 17th century, it is believed that Goddess Manakamana grants the wishes of all those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine to worship her.

Darshan comes from the Sanskrit word meaning sight. The pilgrimage to Manakamana is made by a great many people every year. This religious expedition to see the Goddess Bhagwati at Manakamana is hence referred to as Manakamana Darshan. According to Hindu mythology the universe is said to consist of five cosmic elements- earth, fire, water, air and ether. The offerings to the Goddess are made on this basis. At least one of the following should be amongst the worship materials:

In earlier times, the only way to reach the Manakamana temple was by a long strenuous trek for about three hours. Now, there is a facility of a cable car from kurintar, just 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of Mugling to Manakamana. The cable car rides over the distance of 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) in 10 minutes more or less.[citation needed] The cable car usually operates during the daytime from 9 am to 5 pm and stops during lunch break from noon to half past one.[3] His Royal Highness Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev inaugurated Manakamana cable car on November 24, 1998. The cable car system was imported from Austria and guarantees a hundred percent safety. It has features such as automatically operated generators in case of power failure and hydraulic emergency drive. The employees working at the cable car service are qualified and well trained for emergencies.

It is said queen of Ram Shah was a goddess. It is only known to her devotee. Even, king was unaware of it.  Ram Shah is king Gorkha born in AD 1614.  One day the king found his queen in goddess incarnation. He told this to Lakhan Thapa. King dies instantly, in AD 1636. The queen went Sati (commit cremation with the husband's pyre as per custom of that time). Lakhan Thapa objected and dismayed on her Sati. The queen convinced him that she would reappear again. In six months after queen’s death, Lakhan Thapa heard news that a farmer hit a stone while he ploughs his field and a stream of blood and milk came out from the stone.  Immediately, he started performing Hindu tantric rituals and worship (hom and pooja) at the place. As soon the flow of blood and milk ceased, he established it as Manakamana Mai. It later on grew as Manakamana Temple. The current priest at the temple is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa. Manakamana is only one of very few of its kind of temples where priest is from Magar community of Nepal.

The Manakamana temple lies 12 km south of the town Gorkha.[citation needed] The temple is located on a distinguished ridge 1,302 metres (4,272 ft) above sea level and overlooks the river valleys of Trisuli in the south and Marsyangdi in the west. The Manaslu- Himachali and Annapurna ranges can be viewed to the north of the temple. The temple is approximately a 140 kilometres (87 mi) from Kathmandu and can also be reached via bus east from Pokhara in around three to four hours.[citation needed]

The legend of Manakamana Goddess dates back to the reign of the Gorkha king Ram Shah during the 17th century. It is said that his queen possessed divine powers, which only her devotee Lakhan Thapa knew about. One day, the king witnessed his queen in Goddess incarnation, and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a lion.[citation needed] Upon mentioning the revelation to his queen, a mysterious death befell the king. As per the custom of that time, the queen committed Sati (ritual immolation) on her husband's funeral pyre. Before her sati the queen had assured Lakhan Thapa that she would reappear in the near future. Six months later, a farmer while ploughing his fields cleaved a stone. From the stone he saw a stream of blood and milk flow. When Lakhan heard an account of this event, he immediately started performing Hindu tantric rituals at the site where the stone had been discovered thus ceasing the flow of blood and milk. The site became the foundation of the present shrine. According to tradition, the priest at the temple must be a descendant of Lakhan Thapa.[2]

Read More

Muktinath

 

Muktinath

Share Jomsom & Muktinath Jomsom is a great place to start trekking. The diverse landscape and culture found along this trekking route give marvelous insight into the way of life of Nepali people of various ethnic groups. The highlight is a trek through the deepest gorge in the world carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to eventually flow into the Ganges in India. Not too far from Jomsom, you find Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists as well as Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that bathing in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that burn at Muktinath. To Buddhists, Muktinath is a place where the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who brought Buddhism to Tibet, came to meditate. The area is a perfect place to find fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram, which are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with strong Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up in Mustang. Their customs and attire are distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity of the ethnic groups and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates. If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking. Most of the route along the Jomsom trek forms a part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley. Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex. An alternative to Jomsom as a These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley. Jomsom is known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high class resort. An alternative to Jomsom as a base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which is a two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer. For details, see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do it as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath. base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which lies a further two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer. For details see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do it as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath.

Jomsom & Muktinath Jomsom is a great place to start trekking. The diverse landscape and culture found along this trekking route give marvelous insight into the way of life of Nepali people of various ethnic groups. The highlight is a trek through the deepest gorge in the world carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to eventually flow into the Ganges in India. Not too far from Jomsom, you find Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists as well as Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that bathing in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that burn at Muktinath. To Buddhists, Muktinath is a place where the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who brought Buddhism to Tibet, came to meditate. The area is a perfect place to find fossilized ammonites, known locally as Shaligram, which are found all along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with strong Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up in Mustang. Their customs and attire are distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity of the ethnic groups and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates. If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking. Most of the route along the Jomsom trek forms a part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley. Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex. An alternative to Jomsom as a These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley. Jomsom is known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high class resort. An alternative to Jomsom as a base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which is a two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer. For details, see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do it as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath. base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni which lies a further two-hour walk up the valley. Kagbeni is not as commercialized as Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is the furthest trekkers are allowed to go towards Upper Mustang without a special permit and an accompanying Environmental Officer. For details see the description of Upper Mustang treks. From Kagbeni to Muktinath is a three to four hour trek and trekkers can choose to do it as a day trip or stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath.

Read More

Khukuri

 

Khukuri

Gurkha Kukri/Khukuri Knife from Khukuri House online (KHHI), Nepal Official maker/supplier to the British Gurkhas on many occassions. Handmade by world class craftsmen, the “Bishwakarmas or KAMIS (born khukuri makers)”. Knives and Services of highest quality with 12000+ online buyers and 90% returning customers Lifetime Warranty like no other We offer 1 year guarantee and lifelong warranty so buy with no hesitance but with full confidence. Custom-made pieces from Sweat & Skill Hand forged, handmade by our highly skilled craftsmen, the Kamis, till perfection. Masterly and lovingly executed 29 years of excellence and experience Manufacturing high quality knives and services since 1991. 29 years of glorious journey. Worldwide Recognition No.1 brand when it comes to khukuri with thousands of happy and returnee customers. A passionate and responsible company Original, Superior & Proven quality We are the best in the business, more importantly we are ORGINAL. Tested and loved quality by thousands international & global customers.

The Khukuri Nepalese Restaurant has been a much loved name around the west end of Edinburgh since 1997. Our sensational food is rivalled by only one thing - our dedication to serving up an impeccable customer experience for you. Whether you’re eating in our restaurant or ordering a take-away and eating at home, your satisfaction is our priority. ​ Our customers are very important to us. We hope that you will enjoy our selection of dishes, and that your visit to The Khukuri will be a memorable one. So come and dine with us to experience Nepalese Cuisine at it's best. ​ With staff trained to ensure you have the most enjoyable dining experience possible, we guarantee you will return time and time again. Dhanyabaad!

A common myth is that a kukri must draw blood before being sheathed; in fact they are frequently used as utility tools. Extraordinary stories of their use in combat by the Gurkhas may contribute to this misconception.[2][3] The kukri, khukri, and kukkri spellings are of Indian origin,[4] the original Nepali term being khukuri.

Make a reservationDear Customers, ​ We are now open with limited seating. We are accepting bookings in 4 blocks of 90 minutes each starting from 5pm with last booking slot starting at 9:30pm. ​ Please fill in the form above to reserve a table for your preferred slot. ​ For groups larger than 4 or if you have any questions please call 0131 228 2085. ​ If late, your table cannot be guaranteed 5 minutes past the booking time. ​ The Khukuri is a small, independent, family-run restaurant relying upon bookings being honoured by our guests or sufficient notice being given of any required changes to reservations.

Dear Customers, ​ We are now open with limited seating. We are accepting bookings in 4 blocks of 90 minutes each starting from 5pm with last booking slot starting at 9:30pm. ​ Please fill in the form above to reserve a table for your preferred slot. ​ For groups larger than 4 or if you have any questions please call 0131 228 2085. ​ If late, your table cannot be guaranteed 5 minutes past the booking time. ​ The Khukuri is a small, independent, family-run restaurant relying upon bookings being honoured by our guests or sufficient notice being given of any required changes to reservations.

Lifetime Warranty like no other We offer 1 year guarantee and lifelong warranty so buy with no hesitance but with full confidence. Custom-made pieces from Sweat & Skill Hand forged, handmade by our highly skilled craftsmen, the Kamis, till perfection. Masterly and lovingly executed 29 years of excellence and experience Manufacturing high quality knives and services since 1991. 29 years of glorious journey. Worldwide Recognition No.1 brand when it comes to khukuri with thousands of happy and returnee customers. A passionate and responsible company Original, Superior & Proven quality We are the best in the business, more importantly we are ORGINAL. Tested and loved quality by thousands international & global customers.

Read More

Yomari

 

Yomari

Yomari has an important role in Newari Community in Nepal. The Local Newars of Panauti are credited in integrating Yomari and their culture which became known as Yomari Purne. The Food itself is mainly consumed during winters as it increases body temperature and special occasions in the Newar Community such as Nidapuni, celebration of 2 years completion of a child. Yomari itself is a kind of dumpling made out of rice in a rounded cone shape. The fillings used are Chaku and Khuwa heated in a steamer for about 15-20 minutes. Motivated by its deep rooted culture and tradition and with an aim of promoting local handmade and homemade food, Yomari Corner Lazimpat was established by like minded childhood friends in June, 2019. Initially it started with a small live counter in Lazimpat for light snacks and economical prices. Further research, experiments and personal trials lead to development of Frozen Yomari in several distinct preferences. Yomari Corner is the first outlet to venture into Frozen Yomari Products and has already began distribution of Frozen Yomari in Kathmandu. Its operations are based in Lazimpat and are expanding its sales and distribution points in various areas of Kathmandu. It promotes healthy food options for its consumers and is prepared by hand using home recipes. Yomari Corner operates in three areas. Live Sales, Online orders and distribution of Frozen Yomari. Its commitment to all its consumers is that it will always remain an environment friendly family run business, promote healthy food, support women with economical challenges, adhere to its handmade and homemade concept and guided by its vision of “ Ghar Gharma Yomari”.

Share Yomari Punhi 30th December 2020 Yomari Punhi is a harvest festival celebrated by the Newari people. The festival gets its name from Yomari, fresh-harvest rice sweetmeat, prepared especially during the festival and enjoyed by all. People of the Kathmandu Valley offer worship to Annapurna, the Goddess of Grains, for the rice harvest on this full moon day. According to the legends Suchandra and Krita, a married couple, first experimented with fresh yield of rice from their field at present day Panauti in ancient times. And what took shape turned out to be known as Yomari. The new delicacy was eventually distributed among the villagers. As the food was liked by all, the bread was named Yomari, which literally means ‘tasty bread’ in Newari language. Yomari is a sweetmeat of rice-flour (from the new harvest) dough, shaped like fig and filled with molasses and sesame seeds, which is then steamed. This delicacy is the chief item on the menu during the post-harvest celebration of Yomari Punhi. Groups of kids go to the neighborhood to requesting for Yomari cakes from housewives in the evening. Sacred masked dances are performed in the villages of Harisiddhi and Thecho at the southern end of the valley to mark the festival.

Yomari Punhi 30th December 2020 Yomari Punhi is a harvest festival celebrated by the Newari people. The festival gets its name from Yomari, fresh-harvest rice sweetmeat, prepared especially during the festival and enjoyed by all. People of the Kathmandu Valley offer worship to Annapurna, the Goddess of Grains, for the rice harvest on this full moon day. According to the legends Suchandra and Krita, a married couple, first experimented with fresh yield of rice from their field at present day Panauti in ancient times. And what took shape turned out to be known as Yomari. The new delicacy was eventually distributed among the villagers. As the food was liked by all, the bread was named Yomari, which literally means ‘tasty bread’ in Newari language. Yomari is a sweetmeat of rice-flour (from the new harvest) dough, shaped like fig and filled with molasses and sesame seeds, which is then steamed. This delicacy is the chief item on the menu during the post-harvest celebration of Yomari Punhi. Groups of kids go to the neighborhood to requesting for Yomari cakes from housewives in the evening. Sacred masked dances are performed in the villages of Harisiddhi and Thecho at the southern end of the valley to mark the festival.

Menu Home Career Contact Who are we ? - An Overview Yomari is a privately held company founded in 1997 and has been providing targeted cutting-edge technology consulting services in information management systems to national and international organisations. Its services focus on assisting small and large companies with management of their company information and data through portal-based solutions and data warehouses. Yomari's core competency lies in designing, developing, and deploying hign-end sophisticated web-based information systems. Technology Expertise of Yomari Yomari focuses on emerging software technologies to help organizations meet challenges brought about by fast paced changes in IT industry. Working for years and years with many clients in various sectors we have built expertise in numerous platforms, tools and programming languages. Solutions Overview Software Solutions Hardware and Networking Solution Post-Sales Service Representation & Liaison with Foreign Companies in Nepal Other Special Services

Who are we ? - An Overview Yomari is a privately held company founded in 1997 and has been providing targeted cutting-edge technology consulting services in information management systems to national and international organisations. Its services focus on assisting small and large companies with management of their company information and data through portal-based solutions and data warehouses. Yomari's core competency lies in designing, developing, and deploying hign-end sophisticated web-based information systems. Technology Expertise of Yomari Yomari focuses on emerging software technologies to help organizations meet challenges brought about by fast paced changes in IT industry. Working for years and years with many clients in various sectors we have built expertise in numerous platforms, tools and programming languages. Solutions Overview Software Solutions Hardware and Networking Solution Post-Sales Service Representation & Liaison with Foreign Companies in Nepal Other Special Services

Myth has it that a couple named Suchandra and Krita played around with flour made from recently harvested rice. Their venture took the shape of a yomari, which they offered to their fellow villagers who loved the taste, hence the name yomari, which means “tasty bread” in Newari. The myth further tells that on that same day, the couple offered a yomari to a passerby, who after accepting their kind offer, disclosed his real identity. Kuber, the God of Wealth, blessed the couple with riches. He also declared that whoever prepares yomari on the full moon of December and observes four days of devotion to God, will erase poverty.

On this day, families get together to make yomari, and young people go around the neighbourhood singing, asking for yomari—an act known as ‘yomari phonegu' or ‘tyachim tya phonegu’. People make various shapes of yomari, including shapes of gods and goddesses such as Laxmi, Ganesh, Kubera, and Saraswati, and place it in the bhakari—a large grain basket used for storing—as an offering to the gods, thanking them for a good harvest. In the town of Sankhu, locals also take out a procession for god Ganesh; and in Harisiddhi, locals perform a masked dance.

Locals have different versions regarding the origin of the yomari. One legend has it that a couple in Panchal (today’s Panauti) prepared this form of confection and distributed it to their neighbours. The neighbours loved the confection and hence named it yomari—the Newa word ‘ya’ translates ‘to like’ and ‘mari’ to ‘roti or flatbread’. The legend goes that Kubera, the god of wealth, who had come to the village disguised as a beggar was also given yomari. He was very happy with the couple’s generosity and blessed them with wealth and prosperity. He told the couple that anyone who prepares yomari with the shapes of gods and goddesses on the full moon day will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. Since then, it is believed that the Newa community started celebrating the festival.

Read More

Chhat puja

 

Chhat puja

 What is Chhath Puja?An ancient Hindu festival, dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya (known to be the sister of Surya), Chhath Puja is unique to the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and the country of Nepal. It is the only Vedic festival that is dedicated to the Sun God, who is supposed to be the source of all powers and Chhathi Maiya (another name for Goddess Usha from the Vedic period). The god of light, energy and life force is worshipped in order to promote well being, development and the prosperity of human beings. Through this festival, people aim towards thanking the Sun God for a period of four days. The devotees who observe the fast during this festival are called Vrati.Chhath Puja 2019 DatesSourceTraditionally, this festival is celebrated twice a year, once in the summers and the second time during the winters. The Karthik Chhath is celebrated during the month of October or November and it is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashti which is the sixth day of the month of Karthika according to the Hindu Calendar. Commemorated on the 6th Day after Diwali, another major Hindu festival, it generally falls during the month of October-November.It is also celebrated during the summers and that is commonly known as Chaiti Chhath. This is celebrated a few days after Holi.Source: ShutterstockThe Chhath Puja is being celebrated over four days this year, from 31st October to 3 November 2019, with Surya Shashthi (main day) falling on 3 November 2019.DayDateRitualThursday31 October 2019Nahay-KhayFriday1 November 2019Lohanda and KharnaSaturday2 November 2019Sandhya ArghSunday3 November 2019Suryodaya/Usha Argh and Paran Why is the festival named 'Chhath'?The meaning of the word Chhath is six in Nepali or Hindi Language and as this festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Karthika, the festival is named the same. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?There are many stories that date back to the origin of Chhath Puja. It is assumed that in the ancient times, Chhath Puja was celebrated by Draupadi and the Pandavas of Hastinapur in order to solve their problems and regain their lost kingdom. The mantras from the Rig Veda texts are chanted while worshipping the sun. As the story goes by, this Puja was first started by Surya Putra Karna who ruled over the Anga Desh (Bhagalpur in Bihar) during the age of Mahabharata. The scientific history or rather the yogic history dates back to the Early Vedic Period. Legend says that the sages and rishis of that era used this method in order to restrain from any external means of food and gain energy directly from the rays of the sun.The Rituals of Chhath PujaChhathi Maiya, commonly known as Usha is the goddess worshipped in this Puja. The Chhath festival involves several rituals, which are considerably harsher as compared to other Hindu festivals. These usually involve taking dips in rivers or water bodies, strict fasting (one can't even drink water in the entire process of fasting), standing and offering prayers in water, facing the sun for long periods and also offering prashad to the sun at sunrise and sunset.Nahay KhaySourceOn the first day of the Puja, the devotees have to take a dip in the holy river and cook a proper meal for themselves. Kaddu Bhaat along with Channa dal is a common preparation on this day and it is cooked by using mud or bronze utensils and mango wood over a mud stove. The ladies observing the fast can allow themselves only one meal on this day.Lohanda and KharnaSourceOn the second day, the devotees are to observe a fast for the entire day, which they can break just a while after sunset. The Parvaitins cook the whole Prasad on their own which include kheer and chapattis and they break their fast with this Prasad, after which they have to fast without water for 36 hours.Sandhya ArghyaSourceThe third day is spent by preparing the Prasad at home and then in the evening, the entire household of the Vratins accompany them to the river bank, where they make offerings to the setting sun. The females generally wear sarees of turmeric yellow colour while making their offerings. The evenings are made even better with the enthusiastic folk songs.Usha ArghyaSourceHere, on the final day, all the devotees go to the riverbank before sunrise to make offerings to the rising sun. This festival ends when the Vratins break their 36 hours fast (called Paran) and the relatives come over to their house to have their share of Prasad.Food During Chhath PujaThe Chhath Prasad is traditionally prepared with rice, wheat, dry fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, jaggery, coconut and lots and lots of ghee. One important thing regarding the meals prepared during Chhath is that they are prepared completely without salt, onion and garlic.Thekua, SourceThekua is a special part of the Chhath Puja and it is basically a cookie made with whole wheat flour which you must surely try if you visit the place during the festival. Read More About Food of Bihar The Significance of the Chhath PujaApart from religious significance, there are a lot of scientific facts attached to these rituals. The devotees generally pray at the riverbank during sunrise or sunset and it is scientifically backed up with the fact that, the solar energy has the lowest level of the Ultraviolet radiations during these two timings and it is really beneficial for the body. This traditional festival showers upon you positivity and helps in detoxifying your mind, soul and body. It helps to remove all the negative energies in your body by adoring the powerful sun. Video of Chhat PujaHere is a video by Bihar Tourism which sums up the festival in all its glory. Enjoy!

Chhath Puja is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Bihar and other parts of India by people of Bihar. It is a four-day festival celebrated bu Hindus across the northern part of the country. This year, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from October 31 till the morning of November 3. The Chhath festivities begin with the Nahai-Khai ritual, followed by Kharna. The third day of Chhath puja is evening Arghyadaan and on the fourth day, morning Arghyadaan is performed. What is Chhath Puja?Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month of Hindu calendar. Every year, the Chhath Puja festival commences with oblation to the setting sun and concludes with the rising sun. The festival is of great significance for worshippers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees visit nearby ghats (pond/river) and offer fruits, sweets and water to the Sun god. When is Chhath Puja 2019?Chhath Puja 2019 date and time is very important for worshippers. The Chhath Puja is a four-day long festival. This year, the Chhath Puja 2019 celebration will begin on Thursday, October 31, 2019, with 'Nahai-Khai' ritual. On Friday, November 01, 2019, the devotees will observe 'Kharna'. On Saturday evening, November 2, 2019, evening 'Arghyadaan' (offering prayer to Sun God) will be observed, and, on Sunday, November 3, 2019, morning 'Arghyadaan' will be observed.

Chhath Puja is an important Hindu festival that is mainly celebrated in Bihar and some regions of Nepal. The puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun god and his wife Usha. During the occasion, devotees perform puja to thank god for supporting life on earth and seek the divine couple’s blessing. However, Chhath – the main day – isn’t the first day but the third day of the puja and, this year it will be celebrated on October 26. (Also read: How is Chhath Puja celebrated?)

Chhat festival is celebrated for four days. The ritual of Chhat Parba includes taking holy bath, fasting, standing and worshiping sun for a long time and offering Prasad and Argha to ‘Rising and setting Lord Surya”. Some worshipers observe fasting even without water for 36 hours continuously.

There are many stories that date back to the origin of Chhath Puja. It is assumed that in the ancient times, Chhath Puja was celebrated by Draupadi and the Pandavas of Hastinapur in order to solve their problems and regain their lost kingdom. The mantras from the Rig Veda texts are chanted while worshipping the sun. As the story goes by, this Puja was first started by Surya Putra Karna who ruled over the Anga Desh (Bhagalpur in Bihar) during the age of Mahabharata. The scientific history or rather the yogic history dates back to the Early Vedic Period. Legend says that the sages and rishis of that era used this method in order to restrain from any external means of food and gain energy directly from the rays of the sun.

It is believed that the celebration of Chhath puja may predate to the ancient Vedas, as the rituals performed during the puja are similar to the ones mentioned in Rig Veda, in which the Sun god is worshipped. At the time, the rishis (sages) were also known to worship the Sun and remain without intake of good as they would obtain their energy directly from the sun. However, another significance of the puja is attached to the story of Lord Rama.

Chhat Puja (Pratihar Sashthi/Surya Sashthi) is an optional holiday. Employment and holiday laws in India allow employees to choose a limited number of holidays from a list of optional holidays. Some employees may choose to take the day off on this day, however, most offices and businesses remain open.

Starting tomorrow, October 24 , Chhath Puja festivities span across four days and are observed to worship the Sun god and seek his blessings for the overall prosperity of the family. The fervour around the puja is marked by offering prayers to the Sun god, fasting and taking dips into the holy waters of Ganga (however, with time people have evolved and become less rigid about this rule).

Read More

Ubhauli parba

 

Ubhauli parba

Festivals in Nepal‎ > ‎ Sakela Ubhouli Sakela Ubhauli Parba Sakela is the biggest festival, Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward and Udhauli is downward.  According to the Holy book of Kirat  'Mundhum', a year of 365 days is divided into two phases Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). The birds migrates from one place from other in these period as well in old days people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons.     When is Ubhauli  Every year Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima. It is on same day of Bhuddha purnima or Bhuddha Jayanti.  This year Sakela Ubhauli is in Baisakh 31, 2071. It is on 14th May 2014 in English calendar.   Sakela Ubhauli falls on the month of Baishak (April-May) and Sakela Udhauli falls during then moth of Mangsir (October-November) of Bikram Sambat calendar.                                               How do we celebrate Ubhauli  Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter with similar rituals for Udhauli they used to move down the hill.    The Kirat have strong belief in dead ancestors and the nature. They believe ancestors would get angry when they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practice same way these days too. However, practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days.    In the history of Nepal Kirats are noted to be the first rulers. King Yalamber, the Kirat King was the first King of Nepal. Kirati live mainly in two different parts of Nepal. They are called Wallo and Pallo Kirat.  Wallo Kirat is the Western areas of Arun River.  Pallo Kirat is the Eastern part of Arun River. Arun River is on the eastern part of Nepal.  Mechi and Koshi zones of Nepal are also highly habituated with Kirat population.   Who are Kirat Sunuwar (the people who inhabit the region westward of River Sun Koshi),Khumbu or Khambu (also known as Rai), Limbu (also known as Yakthumba or Subba) and Yakkha (also known as Dewan or Zimdar) are generally called Kirati.   Ubhouli celebration The greatest events of this festival are the Sakela Ubhauli dance.  A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform dance together in circle. Male leader known as Silimangpa and female leader called Silimangma control the dance and other follow them.   The dance style known as Silli reflects different aspects of human life and human relation with nature. This dancing ritual starts with the Chula puja. Chula is Kitchen, the source of food and life. The main leader Nakchhong performs a ritual where a hen is sacrificed in a sacred place known as Sakela Than (place), which is usually under a sacred tree.   After the completion of the pooja, Nakchhong give signal to start the dance. He himself starts to dance to offer others to dance.  Silimangpa and Silimangma guide the dance Silies according to the beat of the dhol and Jhyamta. Dhol and Jhyamta are Nepali tradition musical Instruments.   Please refer page Nepali Musical Instrument to know more about Nepali Musical Instruments. Story behind Ubahauli According to Kirat Mythology Paruhang lived in Heaven. One day he saw beautiful girl named Sumnima walking in the earth and fell in love with her. He made a beautiful comb and gifted it to Sumnima. They both got married. After Sumnima gave birth to four children Paruhang left his family to live in the hut on the bank of Dudhkoshi River and did not return for a long time. One day while searching for food Sumnima found a creeper. She tasted the creeper and found it to be full of power and happiness. She then made a Buti out of it. The buti has high power. Whenever anybody put the buti on he/she used to talk only truth.   One day all of sudden Paruhang came back. He tried to console Sumnima but she did not believe him. So in order to get truth from him Sumnima asked him to put on the buti. With the help of Buti Sumnima knew that Paruhang was looking at the heaven and earth from the top of Chomolongma (Mt. Everest). She also knew that he was meditating and visited entire universe, he then promised never to leave her again. This made Sumnima very happy. To express her joy she started to dance.  The dance of Sumnima became the great Sakela Dance.  To protect this tradition people dance to find their true love of their life.  How is Sakela dance performed The dance have steps similar to the steps of Ducks (hans), River bird (dhobi chara), Black Bird (Kalchuda), Deer (Mirga), Musk deer (kasturi mirga) and other animals.  Nakchhong, the main guy, narrates the mundhum and tells all the stories through dancing these steps and reciting how their ancestors travelled through Dudh Koshi, Sun Koshi, and Tama Koshi and finally settled in the bank of Bhote Koshi River.  Sakela Ubhouli date 31 Baisakh 2071  14 May 2014 Festivals Bala Chaturdashi Bibaha Panchami Biswakarma Pooja Buddha Jayanti Chaite Dashain Chhath Parva Christmas in Nepal Dashain Navaratha Father's day in Nepal Gai Jatra Festival Ghatasthapana Ghode Jatra Gyalpo Lhosar Holi Indra Jatra Janai Purnima Jitiya Brata Karwa Chauth Krishna Janmasthami Maghe Sankranti Maha Ashtami Maha Shivaratri Mani Rimdu Mata Tirtha Aushi Nag Panchami Nepal Postal Day Nepali New Year Pachali Bairav Jatra Ramadan Sakela Ubhouli Saptami and Phulpati Savitri Vrata Shree Panchami Sonam Lhosar Sorha Shradha Swasthani Brata Katha Tamu Losar Teej Tihar Deusi Bhailo Songs Laxmi Puja Matra Laxmi puja method 108 names of Laxmi Laxmi's Footprint Yomari Punhi

Sakela Ubhauli Parba Sakela is the biggest festival, Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward and Udhauli is downward.  According to the Holy book of Kirat  'Mundhum', a year of 365 days is divided into two phases Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). The birds migrates from one place from other in these period as well in old days people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons.     When is Ubhauli  Every year Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima. It is on same day of Bhuddha purnima or Bhuddha Jayanti.  This year Sakela Ubhauli is in Baisakh 31, 2071. It is on 14th May 2014 in English calendar.   Sakela Ubhauli falls on the month of Baishak (April-May) and Sakela Udhauli falls during then moth of Mangsir (October-November) of Bikram Sambat calendar.                                               How do we celebrate Ubhauli  Traditionally the Kirat people used to climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria (epidemic) after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter with similar rituals for Udhauli they used to move down the hill.    The Kirat have strong belief in dead ancestors and the nature. They believe ancestors would get angry when they are not properly worshipped. These rituals are practice same way these days too. However, practice or trend of climbing up and down during summer and winter has been stopped these days.    In the history of Nepal Kirats are noted to be the first rulers. King Yalamber, the Kirat King was the first King of Nepal. Kirati live mainly in two different parts of Nepal. They are called Wallo and Pallo Kirat.  Wallo Kirat is the Western areas of Arun River.  Pallo Kirat is the Eastern part of Arun River. Arun River is on the eastern part of Nepal.  Mechi and Koshi zones of Nepal are also highly habituated with Kirat population.   Who are Kirat Sunuwar (the people who inhabit the region westward of River Sun Koshi),Khumbu or Khambu (also known as Rai), Limbu (also known as Yakthumba or Subba) and Yakkha (also known as Dewan or Zimdar) are generally called Kirati.   Ubhouli celebration The greatest events of this festival are the Sakela Ubhauli dance.  A large mass of people of different ages wear traditional dresses and perform dance together in circle. Male leader known as Silimangpa and female leader called Silimangma control the dance and other follow them.   The dance style known as Silli reflects different aspects of human life and human relation with nature. This dancing ritual starts with the Chula puja. Chula is Kitchen, the source of food and life. The main leader Nakchhong performs a ritual where a hen is sacrificed in a sacred place known as Sakela Than (place), which is usually under a sacred tree.   After the completion of the pooja, Nakchhong give signal to start the dance. He himself starts to dance to offer others to dance.  Silimangpa and Silimangma guide the dance Silies according to the beat of the dhol and Jhyamta. Dhol and Jhyamta are Nepali tradition musical Instruments.   Please refer page Nepali Musical Instrument to know more about Nepali Musical Instruments. Story behind Ubahauli According to Kirat Mythology Paruhang lived in Heaven. One day he saw beautiful girl named Sumnima walking in the earth and fell in love with her. He made a beautiful comb and gifted it to Sumnima. They both got married. After Sumnima gave birth to four children Paruhang left his family to live in the hut on the bank of Dudhkoshi River and did not return for a long time. One day while searching for food Sumnima found a creeper. She tasted the creeper and found it to be full of power and happiness. She then made a Buti out of it. The buti has high power. Whenever anybody put the buti on he/she used to talk only truth.   One day all of sudden Paruhang came back. He tried to console Sumnima but she did not believe him. So in order to get truth from him Sumnima asked him to put on the buti. With the help of Buti Sumnima knew that Paruhang was looking at the heaven and earth from the top of Chomolongma (Mt. Everest). She also knew that he was meditating and visited entire universe, he then promised never to leave her again. This made Sumnima very happy. To express her joy she started to dance.  The dance of Sumnima became the great Sakela Dance.  To protect this tradition people dance to find their true love of their life.  How is Sakela dance performed The dance have steps similar to the steps of Ducks (hans), River bird (dhobi chara), Black Bird (Kalchuda), Deer (Mirga), Musk deer (kasturi mirga) and other animals.  Nakchhong, the main guy, narrates the mundhum and tells all the stories through dancing these steps and reciting how their ancestors travelled through Dudh Koshi, Sun Koshi, and Tama Koshi and finally settled in the bank of Bhote Koshi River.  Sakela Ubhouli date 31 Baisakh 2071  14 May 2014 Festivals Bala Chaturdashi Bibaha Panchami Biswakarma Pooja Buddha Jayanti Chaite Dashain Chhath Parva Christmas in Nepal Dashain Navaratha Father's day in Nepal Gai Jatra Festival Ghatasthapana Ghode Jatra Gyalpo Lhosar Holi Indra Jatra Janai Purnima Jitiya Brata Karwa Chauth Krishna Janmasthami Maghe Sankranti Maha Ashtami Maha Shivaratri Mani Rimdu Mata Tirtha Aushi Nag Panchami Nepal Postal Day Nepali New Year Pachali Bairav Jatra Ramadan Sakela Ubhouli Saptami and Phulpati Savitri Vrata Shree Panchami Sonam Lhosar Sorha Shradha Swasthani Brata Katha Tamu Losar Teej Tihar Deusi Bhailo Songs Laxmi Puja Matra Laxmi puja method 108 names of Laxmi Laxmi's Footprint Yomari Punhi

Read More

About Maghi

 

About Maghi

When to travel Nepal for festival?Maghi festival is celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh (usually around the middle of January). On this special day, the people of the Tharu community celebrate the festival in Nepal.Tharu people from special tribes take blessings from their elders.One interesting and lovely thing is that, they donate rice and delicious food to sisters in the family and everybody eats different varieties of food during the entire day of maghi festival in Nepal.Food containing lots of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins is eaten on this festival of Nepali.If you are in the Tharu village on maghi festival, you will witness different kinds of songs and dances as well as beautifully & culturally dressed Nepali boys and girls. Family members, who may not have seen each other for a long time, exchange gifts and get, chance to meet each other; this makes the festival, one of the biggest celebrations in this community.They celebrate Maghi festival for a week in Nepal and the first day of Magh is the main day of the festival.Introduction of Maghi festivalMaghe sakranti, Maghi or Makkar sankranti are used as synonyms of this festival in Nepal. We celebrate this festival to mark an astronomical phenomenon and start eating winter food. In fact this is our celebration of the winter solstice.This festival in Nepal is celebrated exactly on the day when days get longer and nights shorter. January 14th is the day of transition when days just turns to be long.PIC – Janaki Temple in the region where Maghi festival is celebrated widelyPeople gather in groups and eat food sharing it in a big family get-together. Married daughters and grown-up sons return to their parents’ house for the festival, so this day can be regarded as a reunion day for the family (though most of the festival in Nepal has a theme of reunion as well).Apart from that, Maghi festival in Nepal is really interesting with foods, cultural dresses and much more.People basically eat a lot of root/grounded vegetables such as sweet potato. Maghi festival is also a moment when people donate food to needy people and share cooked foods with neighbors.This builds harmony among people and is an interesting side of this maghi festival celebration in Nepal. What we eat during the festival Makkar sakranti is very similar to the festivals called Tihar and Dashain, a big festival of Hindu people.Besides common food of other festivals in Nepal, people in Maghi eats refined butter, chaku, sakhhar khanda, Til ko laddu, sell roti and much more.People believe that, foods in Maghe sakranti festival in Nepal renew positivity, just like how they start the day with showers.As this is a beginning of the longer days of the year, thus brightens the mind and refreshes the will power.You could be interested to know that god-related rituals, ceremonies, and functions in Hindu families officially begin from this day, as we cannot do them before this date, religiously. We use most of the vegetarian food and soup which keeps warm as this day is believed as one of the coldest day in Nepal.Alcohol in Maghi FestivalThe only possible downside of this day is that you can’t drink alcohol because; if you do, then your fortune will be bad for the entire year. Just be vegetarian; if you eat meat on this day then you will be poor in satisfaction (if not in money or other wealth, is believed).Today is the day when you need to donate, if someone is asking donate blindly. Don’t ignore them because it might mean bad fortune once again. The fourth thing you need to do is start this day with a cold shower.If you shower today you will be clean and healthy for the year ahead. Interestingly, you have to shower just with cold water – not hot water.And don’t sit next to the fire in order to warm, yourself; instead use mustard oil to warm you up like Vaseline does.Pic – Tharu dress worn by Tharu girl, Maghi festival is widely celebrated in Nepal but famous among Tharu community After taking a shower or bath in running water like rivers or under a tap, what you need to do is donate money, warm clothes, or warm bed covers.Another thing is that, if sun is inferior in your horoscope; offer bronze metallic dishes or coins to the river. And something else that you can do in this specific day is greeting your dad’s foot – and why not, mom’s as well!These above things are historical beliefs and cultural practices, as this is the day when even gods bathe in the flowing holy rivers like Bagmati, Kankai, Ganga and many others. Have a warm and happy day of maghi, makkar sakranti or maghe sakranti.How to book this kind of festival participation?If you have friends in Nepal asks him or ask any of the tour operators. We recommend you stay for a week in the Terai region of Nepal, if you are really looking forward to this fest. The people are very welcoming and they will let you see what they will do.AccommodationYou can do a home-stay with a typical Tharu family or stay in a hotel.FoodThis is a festival so you will eat traditional food with your host family and the food will be free of cost, mostly. But you need to be flexible with what they offer.In Nepal we have a practice of accepting whatever is offered to us as a guest of honor.Other article about Nepal you might interest to read:Nepal an introEverest base camp infoKathmanduBhaktapurNational parks in Nepalmaghi festival tour in nepal nepalgrLeave a Comment on Maghi Festival in Nepal0

When to travel Nepal for festival?Maghi festival is celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh (usually around the middle of January). On this special day, the people of the Tharu community celebrate the festival in Nepal.Tharu people from special tribes take blessings from their elders.One interesting and lovely thing is that, they donate rice and delicious food to sisters in the family and everybody eats different varieties of food during the entire day of maghi festival in Nepal.Food containing lots of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins is eaten on this festival of Nepali.If you are in the Tharu village on maghi festival, you will witness different kinds of songs and dances as well as beautifully & culturally dressed Nepali boys and girls. Family members, who may not have seen each other for a long time, exchange gifts and get, chance to meet each other; this makes the festival, one of the biggest celebrations in this community.They celebrate Maghi festival for a week in Nepal and the first day of Magh is the main day of the festival.Introduction of Maghi festivalMaghe sakranti, Maghi or Makkar sankranti are used as synonyms of this festival in Nepal. We celebrate this festival to mark an astronomical phenomenon and start eating winter food. In fact this is our celebration of the winter solstice.This festival in Nepal is celebrated exactly on the day when days get longer and nights shorter. January 14th is the day of transition when days just turns to be long.PIC – Janaki Temple in the region where Maghi festival is celebrated widelyPeople gather in groups and eat food sharing it in a big family get-together. Married daughters and grown-up sons return to their parents’ house for the festival, so this day can be regarded as a reunion day for the family (though most of the festival in Nepal has a theme of reunion as well).Apart from that, Maghi festival in Nepal is really interesting with foods, cultural dresses and much more.People basically eat a lot of root/grounded vegetables such as sweet potato. Maghi festival is also a moment when people donate food to needy people and share cooked foods with neighbors.This builds harmony among people and is an interesting side of this maghi festival celebration in Nepal. What we eat during the festival Makkar sakranti is very similar to the festivals called Tihar and Dashain, a big festival of Hindu people.Besides common food of other festivals in Nepal, people in Maghi eats refined butter, chaku, sakhhar khanda, Til ko laddu, sell roti and much more.People believe that, foods in Maghe sakranti festival in Nepal renew positivity, just like how they start the day with showers.As this is a beginning of the longer days of the year, thus brightens the mind and refreshes the will power.You could be interested to know that god-related rituals, ceremonies, and functions in Hindu families officially begin from this day, as we cannot do them before this date, religiously. We use most of the vegetarian food and soup which keeps warm as this day is believed as one of the coldest day in Nepal.Alcohol in Maghi FestivalThe only possible downside of this day is that you can’t drink alcohol because; if you do, then your fortune will be bad for the entire year. Just be vegetarian; if you eat meat on this day then you will be poor in satisfaction (if not in money or other wealth, is believed).Today is the day when you need to donate, if someone is asking donate blindly. Don’t ignore them because it might mean bad fortune once again. The fourth thing you need to do is start this day with a cold shower.If you shower today you will be clean and healthy for the year ahead. Interestingly, you have to shower just with cold water – not hot water.And don’t sit next to the fire in order to warm, yourself; instead use mustard oil to warm you up like Vaseline does.Pic – Tharu dress worn by Tharu girl, Maghi festival is widely celebrated in Nepal but famous among Tharu community After taking a shower or bath in running water like rivers or under a tap, what you need to do is donate money, warm clothes, or warm bed covers.Another thing is that, if sun is inferior in your horoscope; offer bronze metallic dishes or coins to the river. And something else that you can do in this specific day is greeting your dad’s foot – and why not, mom’s as well!These above things are historical beliefs and cultural practices, as this is the day when even gods bathe in the flowing holy rivers like Bagmati, Kankai, Ganga and many others. Have a warm and happy day of maghi, makkar sakranti or maghe sakranti.How to book this kind of festival participation?If you have friends in Nepal asks him or ask any of the tour operators. We recommend you stay for a week in the Terai region of Nepal, if you are really looking forward to this fest. The people are very welcoming and they will let you see what they will do.AccommodationYou can do a home-stay with a typical Tharu family or stay in a hotel.FoodThis is a festival so you will eat traditional food with your host family and the food will be free of cost, mostly. But you need to be flexible with what they offer.In Nepal we have a practice of accepting whatever is offered to us as a guest of honor.Other article about Nepal you might interest to read:Nepal an introEverest base camp infoKathmanduBhaktapurNational parks in Nepal

Festivals in Nepal‎ > ‎ Maghe Sankranti Maghi Maghe Sankranti is the first day of month of Magh of Bikram Sambat. Magh is tenth month in the year.  Sankranti is the Sanskrit word in Eastern Astrology which refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rashi (sign of the zodiac) to another. In very simple word sangranti is the first day of Nepali calendar. Then obviously, there are 12 such sankrantis in a year. Makar Sankranti  is the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn). In hindu Astrology the sun position during the year is divided into 12 rashis (zodiac signs). It is however, very difficult to reconcile amonst Bikram Sambat months, Zodiac months and lunar calendar's months. While the traditional Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar and so do the Makar Sangranti too.  Maghe Sangranti   Dev Ghat It is believed that Makar Sankranti is begining of new holy seasons, which ended with the start of winter. In other words, it marks the end of inauspicious phase of time which begins around mid December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be carried out starting from Makar sankranti day. This day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days. Simply, Makar Sankranti is end of winter and beginning of spring and harvest season. Makar Sankranti is the festival of Sun God.  Sun God is the symbol power, divinity and wisdom. Sun God is worshiped in this festival.  Maghe Sankranti is also called Maghi. Maghi is New year of Tharu Community of Nepal. Maghe Shankranti falls on the month of Magh, mid of January in Gregorian calendar. It is the first day of month of magh. According to Hindu Lunar calendar the Sun travels northwards to Makar Rashi (Capricorn).  Magh comes with an opening of new festivals and ceremonies. Makar Sankranti also marks halfway to the end of winter in Nepal.   This year Makar Sangranti falls on 15th of Janaury. In Nepali Calendar Maghi is always the first day of Magh.     How do we celebrate Makar Sangranti    We take holly bath known as Makar Snan in Holly Rivers.  The bath is made generally in tribunals (Triveni - the place where three rivers meet).  Shankhamol, the bank of Bagmati river in Patan, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, The Sachi Tirtha at Trivenighat (Panauti) and other rivers are famous for Makar bath.    Fairs are held at the bank of rivers in certain places. Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers at Dev Ghat (near Narayangath) in Tanahu are famous for such a fair. The Kankai River in Jhapa is very famous for holly dip for Makar Snan. People even from India come to Devghat and the Kankai river to take Holly bath during Maghe Sangranti.   There is a tradition to worship Ajima mata and  Rato Machendranath after the bath.   How do Tharu Community Celebrate Maghi Maghe Shankranti is the biggest festival of the Tharu community. They call it Maghi. All the family members come together and have a big feast for this festival. They have grand celebration of Maghi starting from the final week of the month of Paush to 3 of Magh. Tharus mark this festival as end of winter and beginning of summer. During the festival, Bhalmansa (judge giving justice), Guruwa (a person responsible for treating people) and Chiragi (guard) is selected. Bhalmansa is also called Mahato, Mahakama and Wadghar. The name of Bhalmansa is named differently in different places. Since a new individual is selected for handing over the responsibility of the village, this tradition is called Khojini and Bojhini. Tharus of Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya and Dang districts celebrate Maghi as the New Year. Traditionally, Tharus make plans for the entire year during Maghi. The responsibility of each member of the family is also assigned. Moreover, while carrying out responsibilities, if any member of the family makes a mistake, the case is discussed during this festival. But discussions on such mistakes cannot take place before the festival. Even if they are not satisfied with the performance of the individual, s/he has to carry out the duties for one year. Tharus seem busy purchasing pigs, boars, ducks and hens to celebrate Maghi. They make liquor at home for this occasion. Rich Tharus buy their own pigs and boars to eat, and cut it at their homes. Poor ones comes together to buy one jointly. Tharus perform several traditional cultural shows in Maghi.     What do we eat in Maghe Sankranti   Makar Shankranti or Maghe Shankranti reminds us of some delicious food. Till ko laddu (Brown Sesame seed Fudge), Chakku (Molasys), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Tilauri. Spinich and Yam’s curry is cooked as Maghe Shankranti’s special food. A special type of Spinich called Patne Palungo specially grown in Nepal and yam (yam is Tarual in Nepali) is regarded as very important and special food of Maghe Shankranti.   People of Newari community massage their body and head with Sesame oil. Newar calls Maghe Sangranti Ghyo Chaku Sanun.    It is believed that massaging the body with Sesame oil and eating these food items i.e ghiu Chaku, Til ko Laddoo, Spinich and yam helps us become healthier and warmer during the cold weather. Some people call Maghe Sangranti ghiu chaku tarul day.    Stories behind Maghe Sankranti    Maghe Shankranti has its legend. A Merchant of Bhadgaun (now Baktapur) was doing a good business. He had good sale of sesame, but the stock never ran out. He searched for the clue. Cleaning the stock pile he found the Idol of Lord Vishnu down beneath the seeds. Then after the Idol is being worshipped as Til Madhav Idol. It is believed worshipping the idol would bring supply of food, prosperity and wealth to Bhakatapur.  It is believed that Bhismapitamaha. He was the son of river Ganga and king Santanu in the Epic Mahabharata. He had control (Ikcha Mitru) in his death. (Mahabharat is the Hindu great epic, and world’s biggest epic ever written). This is the day when Bhisma was lying in the bed of arrows all hit by Arjun and discovered the words of wisdom of life and death. It is believed people dying this day go to heaven and get to be free from the suffering of life and death and rebirth.  Maghi - The biggest festival of Tharu Community of Nepal Maghe Sangranti date 1 Magh 2072 15 Jan 2016 Festivals Bala Chaturdashi Bibaha Panchami Biswakarma Pooja Buddha Jayanti Chaite Dashain Chhath Parva Christmas in Nepal Dashain Navaratha Father's day in Nepal Gai Jatra Festival Ghatasthapana Ghode Jatra Gyalpo Lhosar Holi Indra Jatra Janai Purnima Jitiya Brata Karwa Chauth Krishna Janmasthami Maghe Sankranti Maha Ashtami Maha Shivaratri Mani Rimdu Mata Tirtha Aushi Nag Panchami Nepal Postal Day Nepali New Year Pachali Bairav Jatra Ramadan Sakela Ubhouli Saptami and Phulpati Savitri Vrata Shree Panchami Sonam Lhosar Sorha Shradha Swasthani Brata Katha Tamu Losar Teej Tihar Deusi Bhailo Songs Laxmi Puja Matra Laxmi puja method 108 names of Laxmi Laxmi's Footprint Yomari Punhi

Read More