Indra Jatra

 

Indra Jatra

INDRA JATRA After installing the lingo, a towering wooden structure brought from Sallaghari in Bhaktapur, on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadasi, according to religious rituals in front of Hanumandhoka, the festival of Indra Jatra commenced. Different forms of dancing, singing, chariot procession, and worshipping of gods and goddesses mark the festival of Indra Jatra that is celebrated for eight consecutive days. Indra Jatra is celebrated to worship Indra, the Lord of Rain and Fertility by Hindus. It is a major traditional festival for the Newari community. It is also called, Yenya Punhi.In Nepal Bhasa (language spoken by Newars), Kantipur valley used to be known as “Yenya Dey” , and Indra Jatra was popular as, “Yenya”. Even today, the day of Bhadra Purnima, is usually referred to as Yenya or Yenya Punhi by the Newars, and not as Indra Jatra. The term “Indra Jatra” was introduced much later. The Newars of Kathmandu valley celebrate Yenya Punhi or “Samaya Baji” festival by lighting up an artistic Diyo, named Dalucha and worshipping the same with worshipping ritualistically by offering Samaya Baji.Indra Jatra is one of the diverse festivals celebrated in Kathmandu valley, also a fun and important one. The major attraction of this festival is the towering of the wooden structure, lingo.From the day of Bhadra Shukla Paksha Yanlathwa Dwadasi, the chariot is taken from Indra Jot than to Yalanga Chauthi or till Indra Dhwaj with celebrations including singing, dancing and the chariot processions. This festival is considered to be celebrated by Hindus since longer time than Dashain, Tihar, or Fagu Purnima, as told by cultural experts. This festival has been known to be observed and celebrated with much enthusiasm not just by Newars, but people of different ethnicities, and backgrounds in Kathmandu.After worshipping a billy goat using “Tantric Vidhi/system”, it is set free in a forest, and the tree it touches is brought down and after worshipping it ritualistically on the day of Ekadashi, it is prepared into a Lingo. Since the lingo is supposed to be straight, it is not easily found in any of the jungles. That is why, any one of either Bhaktapur or Kavre districts’ forests is chosen for lingo selection annually. In the Hanumandhoka Durbar area, in front of the gigantic statue of Kal Bhairav, religious rites and rituals are observed and after the installation of the wooden structure (lingo), the festival of indra Jatra commences. The installed lingo is then known as, “Indradhwajotthan”. Indra Jatra and the process of Lingo installation is talked about in various Hindu scriptures, such as Balmiki Ramayan, Mahabharath, Haribansha Puran, Kalika Puran, Devi Puran, Vishnu Dharmottar Puran, Brihat Samhita, Bhawishya Puran, etc. On the very occasion of Indra Jatra, for the observation of Schhand Bhairav, Shwet Bhairav, Lakhe, Mahakali Dance, etc, Hanuman Dhoka has been opened for the public.It is believed that Lord Indra, the “King of Heavenly Worlds”, once plucked Paarijaat flowers from the valley for his mother’s “Basundhara worshipping” ritual and was accused of being a thief while doing so, tied with a rope and was walked around town like that. This is how Indra Jatra came into celebration. In order to free her son from the trammel, Indra’s mother appeared in the Kathmandu valley herself, and in exchange for her son, promised to give people fog, or clouds to make rain, and took her son back in the mythical legends. It is due to this mythology that the older generation still believes the clouds and fog are responsible for the timely yielding of crops.On the other hand, there’s a legend saying in the mythical times, when the war preparation between gods and demons was going on, the Three Lords (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwor) sent Lord Indra as an envoy along with an “Indra Dhwaja” (victory banner). In the war of gods and monsters, the gods stood victorious and the Indra Dhawja was worshipped, and the ritual ever since continued. In order to bring forth happiness and prosperity, Indra Dhwaja is installed and worshipped as per the traditional styles. As it’s a legendary tradition, the worshipping and observation of the Jatra is done like the President, and the Prime Minister of the country as well.The significance of this festival even encompasses the Nepal Unification times. It is on this day, that King Prithvi Narayan Shah won over Malla King, Jaya Prakash Malla in the annexing of Kantipur valley.On this occasion, the chariot procession of the Living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesh takes place around Hanumandhoka area. Also, in the Tri Lok Narayan Temple, in front of the Kumari Ghar(House of Kumari), the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are displayed. The “Manandhar” community of the Kathmandu valley make a garland out of bamboo and light it on fire and make rounds of the valley. Indra Jatra is celebrated for the prosperity of their family members by Buddhists as well. After the utterance of Nanicha Yan, the festival of Indra Jatra concludes. On the very night, the Lingo that carries the Indra Dhwaja is taken down, and floated away in the Bagmati river, which marks the ritualistic concluding of the ceremony.

Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya, is the largest street festival in Nepal. It takes place in Nepali Bhadra month (August to September in Solar Calendar) and lasts for eight days. Following Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra festival is celebrated by Nepalese to pray to Indra and Dagini for a good harvest and commemorate the deceased in the past year. On the last day, the flagpole erected at Kathmandu Durbar Square will be burned down, which signifies the end of Indra Jatra festival. During Nepal Kumari Festival, you can get a closer look at the living goddess Kumari. Background of Indra Jatra Festival According to legend, Indra, the god of rain, once descended to Kathmandu valley to steal a certain flower for his mother, Dagini. Since nobody knew his identity, Indra was imprisoned like a common thief. The elephant searched through the streets and alleys of Kathmandu but failed to find his master. Indra's mother was so worried and came down to earth. After revealing themselves to the masses, the captor gladly released Indra. In return, Dagini promised to do two things. One is to take those who have died in the last year back to heaven. The other is to spread enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a good harvest. This is the reason why Indra Jatra is celebrated at Kathmandu, Nepal. Celebrations of Indra Jatra Festival Actually, Yenya Festival consists of two parts, namely Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. The celebrations of Indra Jatra include the flagpole ceremony, blood sacrifice, displays of Bhairava's masks, etc. During Kumari Jatra, the living goddess will take the chariot to march through the streets of Kathmandu. And Nepalese carry out the traditional masked dances. Opening ceremony of Indra Jatra At the beginning of Yenya, people would hold a solemn ceremony for erecting a flagpole. This carefully-selected pole is about ten meters long and finally set up outside the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. At the same time, there will be a grand dance ceremony. A series of legends about Indra and the captured scenes will be reenacted through those gorgeous dances. In many temples of Kathmandu valley, buffaloes, goats, roosters, fishes, nuts and other tributes are worshiped to the gods and goddesses. At the end of Indra rituals, those offerings will be distributed to the crowds. People are waiting for the erection of Indra pole outside the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. Exhibitions of Bhairava's masks After erecting the ceremonial pole at Hanuman Dhoka, people would open the screened door of white Bhairava. His horrible face will be displayed in front of Kumari's chariot procession. This grand exhibition takes place only once a year and lasts for three days. You must be amazed at the huge crystal on the masks. In addition to the official displays of Bhairava at Durbar Square, the masks of Bhairava made by the local residents are also packed along the streets and alleys of Kathmandu. It signifies that wherever Goddess Kumari goes, she will be always under the protection of God Bhairava. A sincere devotee is praying in front of Bhairava. When passing by the white Bhairava mask, the living goddess Kumari has to stop to greet him. After paying respect to Bhairava, the music sounds all over the whole Kathmandu Valley. Hence beer starts to pour from Bharirava's mouth. Nepalese believe that getting a sip of this beer will bring them good luck. And a small goldfish would be put to swim in the beer in advance. The person who gets the fish must be the most fortunate one for it'll bring him good luck for the whole year. The living goddess Kumari stoped to greet the image of Bhairava. Kumari chariot procession One of the most popular celebrations for Yenya Festival is Kumari's chariot procession. One day before the grand parade, three golden temple chariots are assembled outside the Kumari Temple. And the whole procession lasts for three days. At that time, people dress in their festive costumes, gather at Durbar Square and wait for the coming of the living goddess. Nepalese officials are heading to Gaddhi Baithak for the ceremonial parade. Before the arrival of the living goddess Kumari, Nepalese officials and consular staff gather at Gaddhi Baithak in front of Durbar Square to observe the impressive military parade. After the ceremonial parade comes Kumari's chariot procession. At the beginning, two boys come out from the home of Kumari, symbolizing the human representation of the deities of Ganesh and Bhairava. Then they will be carried in the chariots separately as the attendants of the goddess. The whole kathmandu valley is packed with cheerful locals and visitors. Finally, the living Kumari is carried by the entourage to board on the last chariot so that her feet won't touch the ground. Some attendants also sit on the chariots to protect those deities and scatter the flowers to the cheerful crowds. Therefore, you'll see each chariot pulled forward by more than ten individuals. Kumari's chariot is pulled forward by a dozen of Nepalese. The beautiful chariots move off slowly and the president would pay homage to the goddess of Kumari on the balcony of the old palace. Then the parading procession leave Durbar Square to Hanuman Dhoka where the living goddess greets the image of Bhairava. While Kumari marches around Kathmandu city, people will act out the story of Indra in route. Mata Biye of Kumari Jatra Mata Biye means butter lamps. On the first day of Kumari Jatra, the family gather together and offer butter lamps to their dead relatives. The parade begins at 18:00 pm and people would march all the way throughout the ancient Kathmandu city to cherish the memory of their loved ones. Nepalese are lighting butter lamps for their relatives at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Indra Jatra is one of the most recommended festivals in Nepal. On this day, Kathmandu Durbar Square will be free for all the visitors. It's also the golden chance for you to take great shot of the living goddess Kumari. The spectacular celebrations and chariot procession are worth your coming. Please feel free to contact us to tail your own Nepal trip.

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Tihar

 

Tihar

Tihar, also called as Diwali or Deepawali, ranks second only to Dashain in Nepal. It usually takes place in Nepali Kartik month (Octorber to November in Solar Calendar) and continues for five days. During this festival, people will honour crows, dogs, cows as well as Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and luck. As numerous candles and festive lanterns will be lit up for the Goddess of Laxmi, Tihar is also well-known as the festival of lights. Thousands of lights will be lit up during Tihar Festival. Since Nepal lunar calendar won't be published in advance, we couldn't figure out the exact date of Tihar Festival. Anyway, it often falls between mid-October and mid-November. And Nepalese have spent this colorful lights festival from Nov.9 to 13, 2015 and Oct.28 to Nov.1, 2016. When is Tihar Festival this year? Please contact us for more details. Traditions of Tihar Festival Tihar Festival is the second biggest festival in Nepal. It's celebrated for five days and bestowed with traditional cultural characteristics of Nepal. And each Tihar holiday has its own saying. The first day of Tihar is to worship crows, "the messenger of death". People often sprinkle rice on the ground for crows' pecking. The second day of Tihar is to honor dogs, "the guardian for the god of death". The third day is to welcome the Goddess of Laxmi. The forth day is to thank cows. The fifth day is to place Tihar quotes (Tihar Tika) to brothers and present Tihar gifts for sisters. Day 1 Kaag Tihar/Crow Day, worshiping crows On the first day of Tihar Festival, people will offer rice to the crows, "the messenger of death". These crows are busy all year round, and only have this day to rest. It is important to ensure that the crows are happy, otherwise they will inform the bad news, and bad things would happen in the coming year. Nepalese are feeding crows at Kathmandu Dubar Square. Day 2 Kukur Tihar/Dog Day, thanking dogs The second day of Tihar Festival is called as Kukur Tihar. On this day, Nepalis will honor dogs for they believe that the dog can guarantee the souls of the dead to get to heaven. People usually wear dogs with Tihar Tika and calendula garlands, and then treat them with a fancy dinner. In Nepal, the dog plays an important role as "the gatekeeper of death", which is said to lead the deceased across the river of death in the underworld. On Kukur Tihar, Nepalese policemen will present beautiful garlands to the patrol dogs and paint their foreheads in red cinnabar to thank for their contributions in social security. Nepali plicemen are wearing dogs with Tihar Tika and beautiful garlands. Day 3 Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, honoring cow and the goddess of wealth On the third day of Tihar Festival, Nepalese often worship cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. This day is also the most important holiday in the festival. People would get up early and clean the room thoroughly. Hence, they start to thank cows. After a cozy bath, those cows will wear red Tika and beautiful wreaths, with holy strings from the priest tied to their tails. Nepalis will hold celebrations for the cows on the third day of Tihar. When the night falls, dazzling candles, oil lamps and bright lights are lit up at the doors, steps, even on the roof. All the Nepalis will make their home as luminous as possible to attract Laximi's attention. If the day happens to be Saturday, shops and stores won't follow the traditional practices and keep open to welcome the goddess of wealth. At this moment, Nepalis kids won't be idle. They come to visit neighbors in small groups and sing Tihar songs like Bhailo and Deusi for blessings. In return, the house owner give them money, fruit and sweets. A Nepali women is concentrated in making the statue of Laxmi. It's time for kids to play fireworks. Day 4 Goru Puja, Govardhan Puja and Maha Puja, celebrating Newari New Year Under different cultural background, people will honor different things on the fourth day of Tihar. As ox is an indispensable helper for the farmer, people will perform Goru Puja for ox. Considered as the representative of Govardhan Mountain, cow dung is worshiped in Govardhan Puja. In addition, this day is also seen as the beginning of the new year for Newar community in Kathmandu valley. All the Newarians will reunite for this festival and perform Mha Puja to worship themselves. On this day, the elder father would draw two geometric figures. One is painted for blessing the whole family and the other is dedicated to the death of Yama and his messenger. Then all the members will have a special family feast and enjoy some lucky food, like boiled eggs, fried fishes, tasty desserts, etc. After the grand banquet, they'll take turns to worship the death of Yama Panchak and exchange Tihar gifts with each other to pray for good luck in the next year. A charming lady is dancing for Newari New Year. The audience are totally attracted by the excellent performance. Day 5 Bhai Tika, performing Kija Puja The last day of Tihar is knowned as Bhai Tika. On this day, brothers and sisters will gather together and accept Tihar quotes on their foreheads. After placing the multi-colored Tika and splendid garlands to the brothers, the sisters would offer them some Shaguns (a kind of candy) as Tihar gift. And then the brothers would follow the same ritual to put Tika on their sisters and give them some money in return. This celebration has enhanced the close relationship between brothers and sisters. A young girl is just taking Tika from her brother. Celebrations of Tihar Festival There is no formal ceremony for Tihar Festival. And it's just similar to Christmas and New Year Festival in other parts of the world. On the eve of Tihar, the husband will buy gold and silver jewelry for his wife. After the festival of lights commences, houses and rooms will be cleaned and painted to show respect for the gods and goddesses. Nepalese put on their new clothes and make determination to start a new life. The merchants begin to use the new account book instead of the old one. At night, each family and stores will lit varieties of colorful lights, and the sky is filled with spectacular fireworks. During this festival, friends and relatives will get reunion and exchange Tihar gifts and greetings with each other. The climax of Tihar in Nepal is bathing in the holy river to purify the body and mind. In addition to pray to the gods for the health of the whole family, Nepalis also pay special respect to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and luck. Generally speaking, Nepalis will celebrate to eleven great festivals from mid-October to mid-November. Tihar comes soon after Dashain. When the night falls, the whole Kathmandu valley turns to be a sea of lights. Why not contact us to tailor your own Nepal trip?

Deepawali Tihar is the five days celebration in Yama Panchak. Tihar is the most celebrated festival after Dashain in Nepal. It is a five-day festival celebrated in late autumn. It has its unique ways of celebration.  When is Tihar this year The Five days of Tihar Kaag Tihar - Crow Pooja Kukur Tihar  - Dog Pooja Gai Tihar or Laxmi Pooja –  Cow or Goddess of Wealth Pooja Goru Tihar, Govardhan Pooja, Maha Puja, (Aatma pooja) –  Ox Pooja Bhai Tika, Bhai Dooj - Bother and Sister Pooja Story behind Tihar There are various stories about the celebration of Tihar. One of the famous stories behind the celebration of tihar is related to Yama the god of death and his sister Yamuna. Yama had been staying away from his sister for a long time. His sister wanted to meet him so she asked various sources to visit him and ask him to give her a visit. She sent crow, dog, and cow and at the end she went herself to see her brother. She worshipped him with tika and flowers, she put him five colored tika. Yamuna made a circle with mustard oil, Dubo Grass (Cynodon Dactylon) and put Makhmali Mala (Globe Amaranth) and asked Yamaraj not to go till the oil, Dubo Grass and the flower gets dry. Therefore, every sister worships her brother keeping him in the circle of mustard oil, putting mala (garland) of Makhmali flower and Dubo grass. How is Tihar Celebrated First day - Kag Tihar (Crow Puja) On the first day of Tihar, crows are worshiped and fed early in the morning. People leave different food items outside for crows to eat. Crow is considered to be the messenger of death. People believe the crow gets the messages to the house in the morning. People worship it to bring good luck themselves.  Second day - Kukur Tihar The second day of tihar is dedicated to the most loyal friend of mankind. Kukur, the dog, Puja  is done by putting a red tika on dog’s forehead and flower garland around the neck offering him foods and sel roti. Generally male dogs are worshiped. It is said dog can see endangers and the death coming.  Third day – Gai (cow) Puja and Laxmi Puja On the third day of tihar Cows are worshipped in the morning. Cows are worshipped with sesame oil light, garland of flower and red color (abir). Wheat flour, sel roti, rice and dal are feed to cows.  Disciples try to pass in-between four legs of the cow. Cow is regarded as mother in Hindu religion, as we grow up drinking her milk. Some look cow as Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In the afternoon we clean our houses, paint floors with Red Mud (Rato Mato) and cow dung (gobar). Small circle are made in front of the main gate and decorated with colorful designs. Some people call it rangoli. Small designs of footsteps are painted from the main entrance to the puja kotha. These footsteps are believed to be the footsteps of goddess Lakshmi. Candles or pala are lit all over the house making it bright and beautiful.  There is a long tradition of going housed in the evening singing songs to ask for money and foods. Generally girls and kids go out to neighbors sing traditional songs called Bhailo songs. The tradition is called “Bhailo” and songs are called Bhailini songs.  The song starts with “Bhailini aain agana gunyo cholo magna, hey ausi ko din gai tiharo bhailo”. Badali kudali rakheko, laxmi pooja gareko, hey ajako dina gaitiharo bhailo…” Meaning Bahilini are at your door to ask for a gunyo cholo (Nepali traditional dress), today is no moon day and Cow pooja and Bhailo day, the house is clean and you have done Lakshmi puja, today is cow pooja day and Bhailo” Fire crackers are blown in this day.  People play cards in Laxmi puja to welcome goddess Laxmi in the night. People believe, laxmi comes to the house which is clean and bright.  In the evening the goddess of wealth Lakshmi is worshiped by lighting numerous lights and lightening works. It is believed that by worshiping Laxmi and pleasing her in return she gives us wealth. People worship wealth and food store this day. Fourth day – Goru Tihar (Govardhan parbat ko puja) and Mah (aatma or self) Puja On Govardhan puja Goru Tihar, three different Kinds of puja are performed. We perform Goru Puja, or worship Oxen. We also perform Govardhan Puja, which is done by making a hill of govardhan parbat using Cow dung. Cow dung has big importance in Hindu culture. In the old days it was used for everything from light at night (Methane) to polish mud floors of traditional houses. Still now no Puja is complete without cow dung in Nepali Hindu culture.  In this night Newar community perform Maha Puja also known as self-puja. It is done to purify our body. In this puja a Mandap decorated with Saipatri (marigold flower), sweets and fruits and a special Mala (garland) which is made of thread is kept. Each member of the family has one Mandap. A female member of the family offers the person sitting on the Mandap a Sagun with her hands crossed. Shagun usually consist of fried eggs, fruits, sweets, meat, fish, lentil and pastries. In the left hand with egg and fish and in the right hand Rakshi (homemade alcohol). This day is also the beginning of Nepal Sambat, Newari New year.   In the evening many Nepali children and young men go house to house singing Deusi song (Aahai bhana mera bhai ho deusi re bhana na bhana deusere). Deusi is very similar to Bhailo. Bhailo is primarily for female and Deusi for male. However, now a days there is such distinction. People go in group with males and females members to celebrate Bhailo and deusi both.  Fifth Day: Bhai Tika or Bhai Duj The fifth and last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika. This day sisters put “Tika of five colours” Paanch Rangi Tika - Yellow, green, red, blue and white on forehead of her brothers, to ensure long life and pray to Yamraja for her brother’s long life and prosperity. Sister offers brothers Shaguns of  dry fruits especially walnut, hazelnut (Katus), fruits and sweets and in return the brothers give their sisters gifts and money. The brothers also put Pancha Rangi Tika to sister and bow her on her feet and assure her to protect her till the end of life. On this day, Rani Pokhari Temple (located at central Kathmandu) is opened for those who do not have any brother or sister. This is the only time in a year the temple is open to general public. Story and legends behind Bhai Tika A legend has it that while performing ‘brother worship’ the messenger of Yama Raj came to collect the soul of the man going through ‘brother worship’, as the lifetime of the man has expired in the human world. However, a sister performing ‘brother worship’ has requested the messenger to wait until she completes the ‘brother worship’. The smart sister invited the messenger to sit along with the brother and get the honor of ‘brother worship’. The sister did ‘brother worship’ so well to the messenger that he became very pleased with her and asked her anything she wished to have as a gift. The wise sister asked the messenger for a long life of her brother. Thus, she saved the life of her brother. Another story about how the ‘brother worship’ has started is that Yama Raj has five days off, as Lord Vishnu gave the boon of ruling the three worlds for five days to Bali Raja. Lord Vishnu has tricked Bali Raja to go to a lonely dark world for his meritorious act that has shacked the heavenly kingdom of Lord Indra. So, Lord Vishnu has granted him to rule all three Hindu worlds for five days in addition to agreeing on guarding Bali Raja for four months. Yamaraj’s world is one of the three worlds. So, he went to visit his sister, as he has not visited her for a long time. Seeing her brother, Yama Raj, sister Yamuna became so happy, she did not know how to welcome the brother who has visited after such a long time. So, she did every possible thing to keep her brother Yama Raj happy for five days. On the last day, before going back to his world, Yama Raj made the presentation of a unique gift to his sister in return for her hospitality. We believe that she has set the tradition of ‘brother worship.’ So, we call the five days of ‘Tihar’ as ‘Yama Pancak’ means the five days of Yama Raj. On these five days we do everything possible for keeping Yama Raj happy, as Yama Raj is going to judge our vices and virtues after our death, and treats our souls accordingly.  Happy Deepawali to All !!! Deusi Bhailo Songs Laxmi Puja Matra Laxmi puja method 108 names of Laxmi Laxmi's Footprint 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  Bhai Tika Mah Pooja

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Lhosar

 

Lhosar

Share Tamu Lhosar 30th December 2020 Abiding the lunar calendar Tamang, Magar, Gurung and other Himalayan communities of Nepal celebrate Tamu Lhosar as their New Year during the month of December. Monasteries are attractively adorned with colorful decorative items. People take blessings from monks for their progress, prosperity and happiness. Each home raises a flag on top of its roof. A party is organized at home and invitations are forwarded to relatives and friends. Delicious food, music and dance become the essence of party. Greetings and gifts are exchanged.

Families prepare for Losar some days in advance by thoroughly cleaning their homes; decorating with fragrant flowers and their walls with auspicious signs painted in flour such as the sun, moon, or a reversed swastika; and preparing cedar, rhododendron, and juniper branches for burning as incense. Debts are settled, quarrels are resolved, new clothes are acquired, and special foods such as kapse (fried twists) are made. A favorite drink is chang (barley beer) which is served warm. Because the words "sheep's head" and "beginning of the year" sound similar in Tibetan, it is customary to fashion a sheep's head from colored butter as a decoration. Another traditional decoration that symbolizes a good harvest is the phyemar ("five-grain bucket"), a bucket with a wooden board that creates two vertical halves within. This bucket is filled with zanba (also known as tsamba, roasted qingke barley flour) and barley seeds, then decorated with barley ears and colored butter.[4]

Tamu Lhosar is an optional holiday. Employment and holiday laws in Nepal 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.

In cities or urban areas, ethnic organizations take initiatives to celebrate Lhosar in the grandest way possible. Sports events, interaction, cultural rallies and cultural shows are organized. People wear traditional dresses, gather in public places and extend best wishes to each other. In the recent years, ethnic organizations are using Lhosar as an opportunity to assert their identity, too. They rightly believe it is an opportunity to make the state understand that they are as important part of the country as other castes.

Tamu Lhosar 30th December 2020 Abiding the lunar calendar Tamang, Magar, Gurung and other Himalayan communities of Nepal celebrate Tamu Lhosar as their New Year during the month of December. Monasteries are attractively adorned with colorful decorative items. People take blessings from monks for their progress, prosperity and happiness. Each home raises a flag on top of its roof. A party is organized at home and invitations are forwarded to relatives and friends. Delicious food, music and dance become the essence of party. Greetings and gifts are exchanged.

People take blessings from monks for their progress, prosperity and happiness. Each home raises a flag on top of its roof. A party is organized at home and invitations are forwarded to relatives and friends. Delicious food, music and dance become the essence of party. Greetings and gifts are exchanged.

People from the community, dressed in their traditional attires, come together and celebrate the festival by letting go of the sufferings of the preceding year and wishing for the prosperity and well being of the community in the coming days. There is also a tradition of visiting Buddhist shrines on the day. Food and dance are also a big part of the festivities.

Each year on 15th Poush, I get to wake up with the amazing smell of sel roti. Poush 15th, also known as Tamu Lhosar, is the festival of the Gurung community and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Lhosar is when the Gurung community ushers in a new year. We divide time in a cycle of 12 years and each year is represented by 12 different animals – garuda, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat which are called “lho.” Each Lhosar we bid farewell to the existing lho season and welcome a new one.

During Losar, the Tibetan celebration of the new year, we did not drink champagne to celebrate. Instead, we went to the local spring to perform a ritual of gratitude. We made offerings to the nagas, the water spirits who activated the water element in the area. We made smoke offerings to the local spirits associated with the natural world around us. Beliefs and behaviors like ours evolved long ago and are often seen as primitive in the West. But they are not only projections of human fears onto the natural world, as some anthropologists and historians suggest. Our way of relating to the elements originated in the direct experiences by our sages and common people of the sacred nature of the external and internal elements. We call these elements earth, water, fire, air, and space.[11]

In our family Lhosar means reuniting with all our relatives and family friends. Early in the morning we visit the gumba and do our prayers and receive blessings for prosperity and happiness. The monasteries are decorated with colorful lights. Each home raises a prayer flag on top of its roof. Since most of the Gurungs have migrated to the cities, to keep their traditions alive, they form a community according to their former villages, which are called samaj ghar. During the day everyone goes to their own samaj ghar to celebrate Lhosar with our traditional food and clothes. The men wear Bhangra, a white cloth shirt-like apparel tied across the chest and open like a bag at the back which was used for carrying things back in the days, and a Kachhad, like a short sarong or kilt. Gurung women, as well as children and adolescents, wear maroon velvet Ghalek and gunyo-cholo, paired with gold accessories and semi-precious stone necklaces.

Losar predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet and has its roots in a winter incense-burning custom of the Bon religion. During the reign of the ninth Tibetan king, Pude Gungyal (617-698), it is said that this custom merged with a harvest festival to form the annual Losar festival.[4]

The Province 3 government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar, the new year marked by the Tamang community. According to the provincial Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, the provincial Cabinet had decided to declare a public holiday on Sonam Lhosar that falls on February 5 this year. Various ethnic Tamang organisations had submitted memoranda to Chief Minister Dormani Poudel demanding a public holiday on the occasion. (PR)

Tamus are worshipper of the nature. They celebrate every year as the year of some specific animal or bird. After 12 years, the cycle repeats itself. They have named 12 years after rat, cow, tiger, cat, vulture, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog and deer.

As well as that, the Sherpas are associated with Losar and enjoy Losar in the high altitudes of the Nepal Himalayan Range. Prior to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Losar began with a morning ritual ceremony at Namgyal Monastery, led by the Dalai Lama and other high-ranking lamas, with government officials participating, to honor the Dharmapala (dharma-protector) Palden Lhamo.[14] After the Dalai Lama was exiled, many monasteries were destroyed and monks imprisoned. Since that time, Tibetan Buddhist practice in Tibet has been difficult to observe publicly.

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Pashupatinath Temple

 

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal – Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is the most important temple dedicated to god Shiva. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. They arrive here to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, be cremated on the banks of the river and travel their last journey with the waters of the sacred river Bagmati, which later meets the holy river Ganges. Hinduists from every corner of Nepal and India are arriving here to die. It is believed that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their karma. The exact day of their death is predicted by astrologers of the temple. If you are attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination. It is a temple with special atmosphere of death; death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it. Pashupatinath complex The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire. It is located on the Western bank of Bagmati and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. It is a cubic construction with four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The two-storied roof is made from copper and is covered with gold. This richly decorated temple with wooden sculptures is believed to make wishes come true. One of the most astonishing decorations of the temple is the huge golden statue of Nandi – Shiva’s bull. Only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple, but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit. From the Eastern bank of the river the main temple can be seen in its whole beauty. The western bank of Bagmati also hosts the so called Panch Deval (Five temples) complex, which once was a holy shrine but now serves a shelter for destitute old people. Numerous religious buildings are also located on the eastern bank of Bagmati, most of them are devoted to Shiva. The majority of these buildings are small single storey constructions made from stone. From the outside these buildings are reminding crypts, but in reality these are sacral buildings, created for holding the symbol of the deity Shiva – lingam (erect phallus). Lingams can be found all over the complex. Along the right bank of Bagmati numerous platforms for funeral pyres are built. The cremations on these platforms are a common activity. Usually tourists have the chance to see at least one open-air cremation. The majority of religious rituals are culturally unusual and even mind-blowing for Westerners, but probably the most culturally unusual thing in Pashupatinath is the specific smell of cremated bodies. Unlike any expectation the smell has nothing in common with the smell of decaying flesh, but rather reminds the smell of clabber mixed with different spices. Another culturally shocking thing in Pashupatinath is the image of local women washing clothes downstream the river. The waters of Bagmati contain animal fat because of the ashes of cremated Shiva followers and easily wash the dirt from linen. It is believed that this is how the soap was invented. As far as Shiva is considered the patron of animals and all living organisms, monkeys and deers are wandering all around the temple complex on both banks of Bagmati. Monkeys are very often unfriendly, they beg for food, snatch things from careless tourists and may even be dangerous. It is also very common to meet sadhus in Pahsupathinath. Sadhus are wandering ascetic yogis, who are trying to acquire liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth by meditating. They have very unique appearance with specific yellow paintings on their bodies. Majority of sadhus are very tourist friendly and eager to pose for the photos with foreigners, but it is not free of charge. They live in caves or tiny cells on the territory of Pashupatinath. Sadhus have extremely ascetic and even miserable life but for a Westerner their independent and unconstrained behavior looks mysterious.

One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal – Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is the most important temple dedicated to god Shiva. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. They arrive here to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, be cremated on the banks of the river and travel their last journey with the waters of the sacred river Bagmati, which later meets the holy river Ganges. Hinduists from every corner of Nepal and India are arriving here to die. It is believed that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their karma. The exact day of their death is predicted by astrologers of the temple. If you are attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination. It is a temple with special atmosphere of death; death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it. Pashupatinath complex The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire. It is located on the Western bank of Bagmati and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. It is a cubic construction with four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The two-storied roof is made from copper and is covered with gold. This richly decorated temple with wooden sculptures is believed to make wishes come true. One of the most astonishing decorations of the temple is the huge golden statue of Nandi – Shiva’s bull. Only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple, but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit. From the Eastern bank of the river the main temple can be seen in its whole beauty. The western bank of Bagmati also hosts the so called Panch Deval (Five temples) complex, which once was a holy shrine but now serves a shelter for destitute old people. Numerous religious buildings are also located on the eastern bank of Bagmati, most of them are devoted to Shiva. The majority of these buildings are small single storey constructions made from stone. From the outside these buildings are reminding crypts, but in reality these are sacral buildings, created for holding the symbol of the deity Shiva – lingam (erect phallus). Lingams can be found all over the complex. Along the right bank of Bagmati numerous platforms for funeral pyres are built. The cremations on these platforms are a common activity. Usually tourists have the chance to see at least one open-air cremation. The majority of religious rituals are culturally unusual and even mind-blowing for Westerners, but probably the most culturally unusual thing in Pashupatinath is the specific smell of cremated bodies. Unlike any expectation the smell has nothing in common with the smell of decaying flesh, but rather reminds the smell of clabber mixed with different spices. Another culturally shocking thing in Pashupatinath is the image of local women washing clothes downstream the river. The waters of Bagmati contain animal fat because of the ashes of cremated Shiva followers and easily wash the dirt from linen. It is believed that this is how the soap was invented. As far as Shiva is considered the patron of animals and all living organisms, monkeys and deers are wandering all around the temple complex on both banks of Bagmati. Monkeys are very often unfriendly, they beg for food, snatch things from careless tourists and may even be dangerous. It is also very common to meet sadhus in Pahsupathinath. Sadhus are wandering ascetic yogis, who are trying to acquire liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth by meditating. They have very unique appearance with specific yellow paintings on their bodies. Majority of sadhus are very tourist friendly and eager to pose for the photos with foreigners, but it is not free of charge. They live in caves or tiny cells on the territory of Pashupatinath. Sadhus have extremely ascetic and even miserable life but for a Westerner their independent and unconstrained behavior looks mysterious.

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Newari cultural custom

 

Newari cultural custom

Bael marriageGirls from the Nepal’s Newar community are married thrice. But not all three times to men. They are first made to marry a bael fruit, also known as wood apple. They are then married to the Sun, before finally getting married to a man! The ceremony known as ‘Ehee, ihi or Bel Bibah’ in Nepal is performed when the girl is at preadolescence i.e before hitting puberty. Here are some facts about Newar community and their unusual tradition. Who are the Newari people?Known for their stringent rules, till a few centuries ago, the Newaris made up the entire population of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Back then, the Newaris primarily indulged in farming and trading, mostly with Tibet. After the invasion of Gorkhali Shah dynasty, the Newari community moved from Kathmandu and spread over the entire valley. Newari girlsWhat is Bael Bibah?Bael means wood-apple fruit and Bibah means marriage. Some Newaris consider Bael (wood apple) to be a symbol of Lord Vishnu, while others consider the fruit to symbolise Suvama Kumar, the son of Lord Shiva. Bibek Shrestha, a 19 year-old Newari, says that once a girl gets married to Lord Vishnu in form of bael, even if her ‘ human husband dies, she will not be called a widow as her husband in form of Lord Vishnu is immortal. This way, any Newari girl married to a bael can remarry after the death of her ‘human husband’. Bael fruitWhy only Bael fruit (wood apple)?Bael is considered to be a very tough fruit because of its hard shell. The ceremony with the Bael is conducted to ask Lord for a similar strong groom. The best fruit is chosen for the ceremony so that the girl gets the best husband. Since the fruit is symbolic of the Lord, it is believed to fulfill all wishes. Why are girls then married to Sun?After the ceremony called ‘Bara Tayegu’ or ‘Gufa Rakhne’ that lasts for almost 12 days, the girls are married to the Sun. Santosh says ‘Bara’ means cave and ‘Tayegu’ means to put. Girls during this ceremony are put in cave like surrounding. They remain in a dark room for 11 days, away from any man to prove their purity. It is must that the girl should not have menstruated ever before this ceremony. The twelfth day is marked by a huge celebration to signify the end of the ceremony. “Sun is ‘eternal’ that is why girls are married to sun,” says Santosh. Sun marriageWhat are the ages for the divine marriages?“There is no specific age. The first marriage, or the marriage with the fruit, is around the age of 5-10, while the second marriage with the Sun is around 10-15 years of age. We usually decide based on the physical growth of girl,” says Sanotosh’s mother. What are girls referred to before and after marriage?Girls before marriage are called ‘Kumaris’ and worshiped as goddesses. After the marriage, the girl is referred to as ‘Parvati’. What is the third marriage in the Newari community?The third, or the first non-divine marriage, of a Newari girl is with a man. The marriage happens as per the beliefs of the family. However, since the girl has already been married twice ,the presence of her husband is not mandatory. A girl in the Newari community is also free to divorce her husband, without being considered a divorcee. What is the significance of such divine marriages?No word in the Newari language signifies widowhood. A widow is referred to as ‘bhata madumha tnisa’ (a woman without husband). This practice actually empowers women since they do not have to suffer the stigmas of widowhood of divorce, according to Santosh. FacebookTwitterLinkedinEMailStart a Conversationend of article

Bael marriageGirls from the Nepal’s Newar community are married thrice. But not all three times to men. They are first made to marry a bael fruit, also known as wood apple. They are then married to the Sun, before finally getting married to a man! The ceremony known as ‘Ehee, ihi or Bel Bibah’ in Nepal is performed when the girl is at preadolescence i.e before hitting puberty. Here are some facts about Newar community and their unusual tradition. Who are the Newari people?Known for their stringent rules, till a few centuries ago, the Newaris made up the entire population of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Back then, the Newaris primarily indulged in farming and trading, mostly with Tibet. After the invasion of Gorkhali Shah dynasty, the Newari community moved from Kathmandu and spread over the entire valley. Newari girlsWhat is Bael Bibah?Bael means wood-apple fruit and Bibah means marriage. Some Newaris consider Bael (wood apple) to be a symbol of Lord Vishnu, while others consider the fruit to symbolise Suvama Kumar, the son of Lord Shiva. Bibek Shrestha, a 19 year-old Newari, says that once a girl gets married to Lord Vishnu in form of bael, even if her ‘ human husband dies, she will not be called a widow as her husband in form of Lord Vishnu is immortal. This way, any Newari girl married to a bael can remarry after the death of her ‘human husband’. Bael fruitWhy only Bael fruit (wood apple)?Bael is considered to be a very tough fruit because of its hard shell. The ceremony with the Bael is conducted to ask Lord for a similar strong groom. The best fruit is chosen for the ceremony so that the girl gets the best husband. Since the fruit is symbolic of the Lord, it is believed to fulfill all wishes. Why are girls then married to Sun?After the ceremony called ‘Bara Tayegu’ or ‘Gufa Rakhne’ that lasts for almost 12 days, the girls are married to the Sun. Santosh says ‘Bara’ means cave and ‘Tayegu’ means to put. Girls during this ceremony are put in cave like surrounding. They remain in a dark room for 11 days, away from any man to prove their purity. It is must that the girl should not have menstruated ever before this ceremony. The twelfth day is marked by a huge celebration to signify the end of the ceremony. “Sun is ‘eternal’ that is why girls are married to sun,” says Santosh. Sun marriageWhat are the ages for the divine marriages?“There is no specific age. The first marriage, or the marriage with the fruit, is around the age of 5-10, while the second marriage with the Sun is around 10-15 years of age. We usually decide based on the physical growth of girl,” says Sanotosh’s mother. What are girls referred to before and after marriage?Girls before marriage are called ‘Kumaris’ and worshiped as goddesses. After the marriage, the girl is referred to as ‘Parvati’. What is the third marriage in the Newari community?The third, or the first non-divine marriage, of a Newari girl is with a man. The marriage happens as per the beliefs of the family. However, since the girl has already been married twice ,the presence of her husband is not mandatory. A girl in the Newari community is also free to divorce her husband, without being considered a divorcee. What is the significance of such divine marriages?No word in the Newari language signifies widowhood. A widow is referred to as ‘bhata madumha tnisa’ (a woman without husband). This practice actually empowers women since they do not have to suffer the stigmas of widowhood of divorce, according to Santosh. FacebookTwitterLinkedinEMail

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Gurung culturr

 

Gurunh culture

Their traditional religious scripture is known as Pye-ta Lhu-ta which contains oral accounts of their traditional history.[3] According to their legend, the Gurung were a wandering tribe that traversed west across Tibet prior to their entry into Mustang. Their Tibetan Sojourn pre-dates the introduction of Buddhism there in the 7th century as the Gurung religious traditions are basically animistic. They celebrate their feasts and festivals and carry out the ceremonies and practices related to worship, birth, death and marriage in accordance with the Bon and Buddhist religion. Losar is the main and biggest festival of Gurung, observed according to the ancient calendar of western Tibet. [4]

Loshar is the main and biggest festival of Gurung, observed it as a New Year at the end of December, according to the ancient calendar of western Tibet. Their main occupation is animal husbandry, including the raising of sheep and hunting. Lately they have a fame of joining British army and renowned as Gorkha soldier. In terms of their living, Gurung are divided into highlanders and lowlanders. Highlanders are those who are living on the slopes of Himalayas who still rely heavily on a pastoral and agricultural way of life. They resemble that of Tibetans in terms of religious beliefs and cultural practices. The lowlander Gurungs are more influenced by Hindu religion, who have migrated to the plain lands in the Terai. Gurungs have their distinct culture and practices include various belief systems, festivals, birth, marriage, and death rituals.

According to their legend, the Gurung were a wandering tribe that traversed west across Tibet prior to their entry into Mustang. Their Tibetan Sojourn pre-dates the introduction of Buddhism there in the 7th century as the Gurung religious traditions are basically animistic. They celebrate their feasts and festivals and carry out the ceremonies and practices related to worship, birth, death and marriage in accordance with the Bon and Buddhist religion.

Gurungs are very rich customs and culture. One of their customs is ‘Pud-pude, the celebratory reception of the first-born male child in the family. Similarly Ghatu, a dance drama performed by virgin girls in the spring, Rodhi, a meeting place where the young, supervised by an elderly women, gather for company and singing and so on.

The beautiful country of Nepal possesses Earth’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, which is located in the Himalayas. Nepal is also home to the plain fertile land of Terai, fusion of different ethnic and caste groups with their own traditions, cultures, languages, and values handed down from generation to generation. It is believed that the legendary Majipat Lakhe arrived from South India in the 11th century with goddess Taleju Bhawani. The goddess is worshipped as Shanta Bhairav in a festival called Indra Jatra;it is one of Nepal’s intangible cultural heritages, specifically attributed to the Newar community.

Gurung is one of the 59 indigenous nationalities in Nepal residing on the foothills of Annapurna, Machhapuchre mountain range. The name Gurung is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Grong’ which means farmers. Gurung call themselves ‘Tamu’ which means horseman in the Tibetan language. They are densely populated in Kaski, Lamjung, Mustang, Manang, Gorkha, Parbat and Shyanja district. According to 2011 Census, the total population of Gurung is 5, 22,641. They are animists or followers of the Bon-religion, which is Shamanistic and animistic in nature. Their oral text is called Pye (Uthon) and their traditional religious scripture is known as Pye-ta Lhu-ta which contains oral accounts of their traditional history.

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The Mount Everest

 The Mount Everest

Mount Everest is a peak in the Himalaya mountain range. It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,850 meters (29,035 feet), it is considered the tallest point on Earth. In the nineteenth century, the mountain was named after George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India. The Tibetan name is Chomolungma, which means “Mother Goddess of the World.” The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings. The first ever recorded people to climb Everest were Edmund Hillary (a mountaineer from New Zealand) and his Tibetan guide Tenzing Norgay. They climbed the mountain in 1953 and hold the record together. The first records of Everest’s height came much earlier, in 1856. British surveyors recorded that Everest was the tallest peak in the world in their Great Trigonometrical Survey of the Indian subcontinent. The Himalayan mountains have long been home to indigenous groups living in the valleys. The most famous of these are the Sherpa people. The word “Sherpa” is often used to mean mountain guide, though it actually refers to an ethnic group. The Sherpa have valuable experience in mountain climbing, which they can provide to other climbers. Most climbs of Everest would be impossible without the Sherpas’ logistical help and knowledge. However, their way of life extends beyond helping Everest climbers. Traditionally, their lifestyle has consisted of farming, herding, and trade. And, because they live at such a high altitude year round, they are accustomed to the low oxygen levels. Climbing Mount Everest has become a popular expedition for mountain climbers. However, it is a dangerous undertaking. Climbing Everest requires a lot of experience mountaineering elsewhere, as well as a certificate of good health, equipment, and a trained Nepalese guide. The snow and ice on the mountain create deadly hazards like avalanches, and there is only a limited climbing season due to bad weather conditions. But perhaps the biggest danger is the altitude. Most climbers are not accustomed to the high altitude and low oxygen levels and rely on bottled oxygen they bring along. This is why the area above 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) elevation on Everest is called the “death zone.” Climbers who spend long periods in this region can develop altitude sickness and even brain swelling. Mount Everest’s climbing industry has become controversial. As popularity of the climb has increased, there have been more “traffic jams” as climbers spend too much time in the death zone waiting for their chance to go to the summit. With more people has also come more pollution up near the summit as climbers often discard unwanted items all along the mountain. Additionally, the Sherpa people have been exploited by climbers, and their traditional way of life has been disrupted by foreign climbers. Sherpa guides are faced with some of the highest death rates of any field of employment, for comparatively little pay. Most disturbingly, because many climbers have died along the way, and their bodies are impossible to retrieve, climbers must frequently travel past corpses as they make their way up the mountain. Mount Everest is the highest of the Himalayan mountains, and—at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet)—is considered the highest point on Earth. Photograph by Barry Bishop, courtesy of the National Geographic image collection

Related Resources Landforms and Landscapes Search through these resources to discover more about unique landforms and landscapes around the world. Landforms are natural and distinctive features. Explore how they show up in various landscapes. These resources can be used to teach middle schoolers more about the natural world, its distinctive features, and landscapes. View Collection Mount Everest Mount Everest has long been a destination for climbers and adventure-seekers. But more than a bucket-list checkoff, the highest point in the world is hugely important to scientists studying climate change. Scientists with the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Everest Expedition are researching climate change, weather, water resources, and changes to plant, insect, and wildlife populations. View Collection The Evolution of Climbing Everest Students explore the changes in climbing Mount Everest over time. They identify changes to equipment, especially considering changes that have evolved due to the popularity of mountaineering. Students then consider how changes in popularity have guided governmental regulation. They analyze how the changes may positively and negatively affect the impact climbing Everest has on the environment and safety of climbers. View Activity Trash and Overcrowding at the Top of the World With more and more people visiting it each year, Mount Everest has grown increasingly polluted. This has led to the contamination of the local watershed, which threatens the health of local people. View Article The Costs of the Climb Students explore the history of climbing Mount Everest. Then, they unpack what it takes to summit Everest today, including the types of costs. Finally, students consider what happens to waste, both organic and non-organic, and how waste has impacted the mountain over time. This lesson is part of the Mount Everest: What Goes Up Should Come Down unit. View Lesson

Mount Everest is a peak in the Himalaya mountain range. It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,850 meters (29,035 feet), it is considered the tallest point on Earth. In the nineteenth century, the mountain was named after George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India. The Tibetan name is Chomolungma, which means “Mother Goddess of the World.” The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings. The first ever recorded people to climb Everest were Edmund Hillary (a mountaineer from New Zealand) and his Tibetan guide Tenzing Norgay. They climbed the mountain in 1953 and hold the record together. The first records of Everest’s height came much earlier, in 1856. British surveyors recorded that Everest was the tallest peak in the world in their Great Trigonometrical Survey of the Indian subcontinent. The Himalayan mountains have long been home to indigenous groups living in the valleys. The most famous of these are the Sherpa people. The word “Sherpa” is often used to mean mountain guide, though it actually refers to an ethnic group. The Sherpa have valuable experience in mountain climbing, which they can provide to other climbers. Most climbs of Everest would be impossible without the Sherpas’ logistical help and knowledge. However, their way of life extends beyond helping Everest climbers. Traditionally, their lifestyle has consisted of farming, herding, and trade. And, because they live at such a high altitude year round, they are accustomed to the low oxygen levels. Climbing Mount Everest has become a popular expedition for mountain climbers. However, it is a dangerous undertaking. Climbing Everest requires a lot of experience mountaineering elsewhere, as well as a certificate of good health, equipment, and a trained Nepalese guide. The snow and ice on the mountain create deadly hazards like avalanches, and there is only a limited climbing season due to bad weather conditions. But perhaps the biggest danger is the altitude. Most climbers are not accustomed to the high altitude and low oxygen levels and rely on bottled oxygen they bring along. This is why the area above 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) elevation on Everest is called the “death zone.” Climbers who spend long periods in this region can develop altitude sickness and even brain swelling. Mount Everest’s climbing industry has become controversial. As popularity of the climb has increased, there have been more “traffic jams” as climbers spend too much time in the death zone waiting for their chance to go to the summit. With more people has also come more pollution up near the summit as climbers often discard unwanted items all along the mountain. Additionally, the Sherpa people have been exploited by climbers, and their traditional way of life has been disrupted by foreign climbers. Sherpa guides are faced with some of the highest death rates of any field of employment, for comparatively little pay. Most disturbingly, because many climbers have died along the way, and their bodies are impossible to retrieve, climbers must frequently travel past corpses as they make their way up the mountain.

Share Everest Region Reach the highest point on earth or choose to live out your dream by standing at the foot of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). The Everest region in Nepal is more than just climbing and trekking, it is a life changing experience and some see it as a journey close to achieving Nirvana. Located in the north eastern province of Nepal, this region is in a world of its own with vast glaciers, icefalls, the highest mountains, deep valleys, precarious settlements, and hardy people challenging the harshest conditions thrown at them by nature in the thin air of high altitude. Passing through legendary Sherpa villages, the trek is a mix of deeply cultural and spiritual experiences and physical challenges that test your strength and endurance. Buddhist lamas, monks and nuns led by Rinpoches (reincarnate at mas) serve the predominantly Sherpa communities from their gompas (monasteries). The journey to Everest or Everest Base Camp, begins with a dramatic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, after which you hike up the Everest region to reach your destination in the Himalayas. However, for die-hard lovers of trekking, there is another switchback starting from Jiri through the mid-hills of Solu, an ethnically diverse section of the trek rich in flora. Taking a flight is a time-saver, while trekking from Jiri gives you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Tenzing and Hillary before their conquest of Everest. With more time to interact with the charming people along the route, you get to see the rich flora and fauna on the long trail. You get the added benefit of natural acclimatization as you go up and down the cliffs and valleys. The option from Jiri will roughly add 10 days to your trip to the famous Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar (3,500m). The Sagarmatha National Park in which Mt. Everest lies is one of the few places on earth with the rarest bio-diversity and the highest mountains in the world. For those with sufficient time, a 10-12 day trek through Solu to the Khumbu and the Sagarmatha National Park is an excellent itinerary both in terms of acclimatization and to observe the changing customs, traditions, and lifestyles as you go from the lower altitude settlements to those in the higher altitudes. A part of the Himalayan ecological zone, the park was added to the list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in 1979. The park has three of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu besides countless other peaks that rise above 6,000 meters from sea level. Climbers and trekkers continue to trek to Everest Base Camp and not surprisingly the "Roof of the World" continues to be the world' top attraction for hardened mountaineers, a haven for alpine enthusiasts and is in the bucket list of adventurers from around the world. The Everest region has been valued as the key to evolutionary history of the Earth, and is also a habitat for some rare and endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and Himalayan wolves.

Everest Region Reach the highest point on earth or choose to live out your dream by standing at the foot of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). The Everest region in Nepal is more than just climbing and trekking, it is a life changing experience and some see it as a journey close to achieving Nirvana. Located in the north eastern province of Nepal, this region is in a world of its own with vast glaciers, icefalls, the highest mountains, deep valleys, precarious settlements, and hardy people challenging the harshest conditions thrown at them by nature in the thin air of high altitude. Passing through legendary Sherpa villages, the trek is a mix of deeply cultural and spiritual experiences and physical challenges that test your strength and endurance. Buddhist lamas, monks and nuns led by Rinpoches (reincarnate at mas) serve the predominantly Sherpa communities from their gompas (monasteries). The journey to Everest or Everest Base Camp, begins with a dramatic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, after which you hike up the Everest region to reach your destination in the Himalayas. However, for die-hard lovers of trekking, there is another switchback starting from Jiri through the mid-hills of Solu, an ethnically diverse section of the trek rich in flora. Taking a flight is a time-saver, while trekking from Jiri gives you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Tenzing and Hillary before their conquest of Everest. With more time to interact with the charming people along the route, you get to see the rich flora and fauna on the long trail. You get the added benefit of natural acclimatization as you go up and down the cliffs and valleys. The option from Jiri will roughly add 10 days to your trip to the famous Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar (3,500m). The Sagarmatha National Park in which Mt. Everest lies is one of the few places on earth with the rarest bio-diversity and the highest mountains in the world. For those with sufficient time, a 10-12 day trek through Solu to the Khumbu and the Sagarmatha National Park is an excellent itinerary both in terms of acclimatization and to observe the changing customs, traditions, and lifestyles as you go from the lower altitude settlements to those in the higher altitudes. A part of the Himalayan ecological zone, the park was added to the list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in 1979. The park has three of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu besides countless other peaks that rise above 6,000 meters from sea level. Climbers and trekkers continue to trek to Everest Base Camp and not surprisingly the "Roof of the World" continues to be the world' top attraction for hardened mountaineers, a haven for alpine enthusiasts and is in the bucket list of adventurers from around the world. The Everest region has been valued as the key to evolutionary history of the Earth, and is also a habitat for some rare and endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and Himalayan wolves.

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About the Gorkhas

 

About Gorkhas

* Contrary to popular belief that the British East India Company was the first to recruit Gorkhas as soldiers, Army officers contend it was, in fact, Maharaja Ranjit Singh who raised a battalion of Gorkhas to serve in the Sikh Army around 1809-1814 * There are about 32,000 Nepalese Gorkhas currently serving in the Indian Army's seven Gorkha Rifle regiments (1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 11th), each of which has five to six battalions (around 800 soldiers each). * The 2nd, 6th, 7th and 10th regiments went to the British Army after Independence in 1947. These have now been consolidated into one Gorkha regiment in the British army. * The current Army chief Bipin Rawat is from the Gorkha Rifles. In fact, several Army chiefs have been officers in on of the Gorkha regiments. * The Gorkha Rifles war cry is "Jai Maha Kali, Aayo Gorkhali! (Hail Goddess Kali, the Gorkhas are here!)", or simply "Aayo Gorkhali Charge!" All the Gorkha regiment soldiers carry a 'khukri', which is a long knife that curves inward. The insignia of all the Gorkha Rifles regiments is a pair of crossed 'khukris'. * All the non-Gorkhas in the Gorkha Rifles have to learn Nepali so they can communicate with their regiments. * The Gurkhas took part in the two world wars, the Falklands conflict and British operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, East Timor and Sierra Leone, according to Reuters. * The Gorkha Rifles regiments had a tradition of sacrificing a male buffalo on the festival of Dussehra. The defence ministry in 2015 put an end to that tradition.

Since partition, the Gurkha regiments that were transferred to the Indian Army have established themselves as a permanent and vital part of the newly independent Indian Army. Indeed, while Britain has reduced its Gurkha contingent, India has continued to recruit Gorkhas of Nepal into Gorkha regiments in large numbers, as well as Indian Gorkhas.[42] In 2009 the Indian Army had a Gorkha contingent that numbered around 42,000 men in 46 battalions, spread across seven regiments.

Although their deployment is still governed by the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, in the post-1947 conflicts India has fought in, Gorkhas have served in almost all of them, including the wars with Pakistan in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999 and also against China in 1962.[51] They have also been used in peacekeeping operations around the world.[50] They have also served in Sri Lanka conducting operations against the Tamil Tigers.[52]

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Nepali tradition

 

Nepali tradition

The Arts and Humanities Literature. Nepal's literary tradition dates only to the nineteenth century with Bhanubhakta Acharya's adaptation of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, for a Nepali readership. The development of literature in Nepal has been hindered by heavy government control and censorship, which led Nepali authors and poets to seek publication outside of Nepal until the 1930s, when Nepal's first literary journal, A Nepalese person carrying a wicker basket filled with fuel. Sharada, created a more open venue for literary expression. Among Nepal's greatest writers and poets are Lakshmi Prasad Devkota, Lekhnath Paudyal, Balkrishna Sama, and Guruprasad Mainali. Graphic Arts. Much of Nepali art is religious. Newari artisans create cast-bronze statuary of Buddhist and Hindu deities as well as intricately painted tangkas that describe Buddhist cosmology. The creation and contemplation of such art constitutes a religious act. Performance Arts. Dramatic productions often focus on religious themes drawn from Hindu epics, although political satire and other comedic forms are also popular. There is a rich musical heritage, with a number of distinctive instruments and vocal styles, and music has become an marker of identity for the younger generation. Older people prefer folk and religious music; younger people, especially in urban areas, are attracted to romantic and experimental film music as well as fusions of Western and Asian genres.

Juju dhau, or ‘king curd’, is a thick, creamy, sweetened yogurt served in clay pots in the city of Bhaktapur. It’s made with buffalo milk, so it’s much richer than regular cow’s milk yogurt. It’s an important accompaniment to many Newari celebrations and a must-try when visiting Bhaktapur. Grab a pot from a street-side vendor.

30 anishaJun 23, 2012 @ 12:00 amThe culture of Nepal is a assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature. This mountain kingdom is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others.Nepal is blessed with one of the richest cultures in the world. Culture has been called 'the way of life for an entire society'. The statement holds particularly true in case of Nepal where every aspect of life, food, clothing and even occupations are culturally guided. The culture of Nepal includes the codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and systems of belief.

Infant mortality is high, respiratory and intestinal diseases are endemic, and malnutrition is widespread in a country where life expectancy is fifty-seven years. Contributing to this situation are poverty, poor hygiene, and lack of health care. There are hospitals only in urban areas, and they are poorly equipped and unhygienic. Rural health clinics often lack personnel, equipment, and medicines. Western biomedical practices have social prestige, but many poor people cannot afford this type of health care. Many people consult shamans and other religious practitioners. Others look to Ayurvedic medicine, in which illness is thought to be caused by imbalances in the bodily humors. Treatment involves correcting these imbalances, principally through diet. Nepalis combine Ayurvedic, shamanic, biomedical, and other systems.

Government. The Shah dynasty has ruled the country since its unification, except during the Rana period from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. During the Rana administration, the Shah monarchs were stripped of power and the country was ruled by a series of prime ministers from the Rana noble family. In 1950, the Shah kings were restored to the throne and a constitutional monarchy was established that eventually took the form of the panchayat system. Under this system, political parties were illegal and the country was governed by local and national assemblies controlled by the palace. In 1990, the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (People's Movement) initiated a series of popular demonstrations for democratic reforms, eventually forcing the king to abolish the panchayat system and institute a multiparty democracy.

Social Stratification Classes and Castes. Historically, caste and class status paralleled each other, with the highest castes having the most land, capital, and political influence. The lowest castes could not own property or receive an education. Although caste distinctions are no longer supported by law, caste relations have shaped present-day social stratification: Untouchables continue to be the poorest sector of society, while the upper castes tend to be wealthy and politically dominant. While land is still the principal measure of wealth, some castes that specialize in trade and commerce have fared better under modern capitalism than have landowning castes. Changes in the economic and political system have opened some opportunities for members of historically disadvantaged castes. Symbols of Social Stratification. Caste and ethnic groups are often identifiable by both physical traits and styles of dress and ornamentation. These symbols of ethnic identity along with distinctive forms of music, dance, and cuisine, continue to be important. The culture of caste Hindus is the national Herding cattle down a dirt road. Grazing land is limited by the mountainous topography. "prestige culture." In a process of "Sanskritization," members of diverse groups have acquired the customs, tastes, and habits of the ruling elite. Westernization is vying with Sanskritization as a cultural influence, and the ability to speak English is a mark of prestige and an asset in the job market. In cities, most men and an increasing number of women wear Western clothes. In the past, status was vested in the ownership of land and livestock; modern status symbols include motorcycles, cars, fashionable clothing, televisions, and computers.

Major Industries. There was no industrial development until the middle of the twentieth century. Much of earliest industrial development was accomplished with the help of private entrepreneurs from India and foreign aid from the Soviet Union, China, and the West. Early development focused on the use of jute, sugar, and tea; modern industries include the manufacturing of brick, tile, and construction materials; paper making; grain processing; vegetable oil extraction; sugar refining; and the brewing of beer.

Historically, members of the highest castes have owned the majority of land and enjoyed the greatest political and economic privileges. Members of lower castes have been excluded from political representation and economic opportunities. The untouchable castes were not permitted to own land, and their civil liberties were circumscribed by law. Caste discrimination is officially illegal but has not disappeared. In 1991, 80 percent of positions in the civil service, army, and police were occupied by members of the two highest castes.

Gender Roles and Statuses Division of Labor by Gender. Only men plow, while fetching water is generally considered women's work. Women cook, care for children, wash clothes, and collect firewood and fodder. Men perform the heavier agricultural tasks and often engage in trade, portering, and other work outside the village. Both men and women perform physically demanding labor, but women tend to work longer hours, have less free time, and die younger. In urban areas, men are far more likely to work outside the home. Increasingly, educational opportunities are available to both men and women, and there are women in professional positions. Women also frequently work in family businesses as shopkeepers and seamstresses. Children and older people are a valuable source of household labor. In rural families, young children collect firewood, mind animals, and watch younger children. Older people may serve on village councils. In urban areas and larger towns, children attend school; rural children may or may not, depending on the proximity of schools, the availability of teachers, and the work required of them at home. The Relative Status of Women and Men. Women often describe themselves as "the lower caste" in relation to men and generally occupy a subordinate social position. However, the freedoms and opportunities available to women vary widely by ethnic group and caste. Women of the highest castes have their public mobility constrained, for their reputation is critical to family and caste honor. Women of lower castes and classes often play a larger wage-earning role, have greater mobility, and are more outspoken around men. Gender roles are slowly shifting in urban areas, where greater numbers of women are receiving an education and joining the work force.

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Nepali culture and their customs

 Nepali culture and traditional custom.

नेपाल एउटा बिबिध जातजाति भाशा धर्म र संस्कृतिले धनी देश हो। यहाँ हरेक एक जातिको आफ्नै भाषा धर्म रितिरिवाज र पहिरन रहेको छ। हरेक जाती धर्म बिशेष आफ्नो पहिचान जनाउने आफ्नै भाषा र पहिरन रहेको छ। आफ्नै जाती अनुसार भिन्ना भिन्नै रितिरिवाज र संस्कृति पनि बिध्यमान रहेको छ। आ-आफ्नै बेग्ला बेग्लै चाल चलन र रितिरिवाज भएको कारण विभिन्न चाड्बाड मनाइने गरिएको छ। नेपालमा मनाइने धेरै जसो चाडपर्व जाती विशेष भएता पनि प्राय सबै समुदाय, जाती र धर्म मनाउने मानिसहरु सङ्ग्लग्न हुने र हर्ष उल्लास का साथ मनाउने गर्दछ।
हरेक जात जाती को आ-आफ्नै भेष भुषा पहिरन मा सझिएर हर्सोल्लाश का साथ पर्व मनाउने गर्दछन। तीनै भेष भुषा को केही झलकहरु याहा देखाउने कोसिस गरेको छु।
मगर:-

लिम्बू:-

राई:-

सेर्पा:-

धिमाल:-

थारु:-

गुरुङ:-

नेवार:-

नेवार हरु प्राय जसो काथमान्डौ उपत्यकामा बसोबास गर्ने गर्दछ र अहिले सम्म पनि आफ्नो भेषभुषा लगाउने र आफ्नो सस्कृती जगेर्ना गर्ने कोसिस मा लागेका छन
नेपालमा धेरै बाहुल्यता रहेको जात जाती मगर छेत्री, ब्राह्मण, नेवार, गुरुङ, राई, लिम्बू, धिमाल, थारु, मैथली दलित आदि रहेक छन। अल्प संख्यक जात जातीहरु पनि धेरै रहेको छ। नेपाल भौगोलिक बिबिधताको साथै जातिय बिबिधाता पनि रहेकोले धेरै पर्बहरु धुमधाम संग मनाउने गरिन्छ। नेपाल मा मनाइने प्रमुक चाड पर्वहरुमा बडादशै, तिहार, छठ, चन्डी, ल्होसार, माघेसक्रान्ती, होलि, क्रीस्मस, आदि हुन भने आफ्नो जाती अनुसार को धेरै पर्वहरु मनाउने गर्दछ।

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