Nepal Through A Lens: A Pictorial Adventure - Part III
Portrait Photography
During my adventures of collecting publications about Nepal, I stumbled upon a book by Dr Harka Gurung and Jane Salter. It featured a collection of drawings and paintings by Salter of the various groups mentioned in the book.
Published in 1999AD, Nepal was different then to what it is now. An endeavour in this genre in the 21st century would be an exhibition to behold. With over 103 ethnic groups and 93 spoken languages, the task would be monumental, but the fruit: legendary.
Historically, migration to the region of Nepal can be classified as follows:
1. Religious Pilgrimage
2. Trade link between Old India & Old China
3. Escaping war
4. Resource gathering
Boddhisatva Manjushri came to this region on a pilgrimage, alike many other sages and Boddhisattvas. The development of Kathmandu Valley, Palpa, Mustang is due to trade and commerce that featured migration to and from these areas.
The strong influence of Maithali culture in Bhaktapur is due to migrants from Simraungadh. Their kingship was the lineage of the Karnataka Dynasty. They fled to Bhaktapur to escape the Mugal conquest, which decimated their city and region.
Why is this important?
It is to show the influence of migration on the historical development of Nepal. Migration helps create diversity, which is seen profoundly in Nepal. Genetic traces of Dravidian, Khas Aryans, Burmese, Mongoloids and others in such a small footprint is quite remarkable. A journey through the lush escapade of Nepal, discovering beautiful faces, is a glorious venture.
Cultural Photography
The amalgam of geography, ethnicity, climatic conditions, religions, and migration creates paramount cultural richness.
When one looks up Nepal on the internet, cultural discovery is a thing that pops up all the time. We have found ways to portray our beliefs, values and deities in unique presentations. These, at times, look bizarre for a stranger. Throughout all our transitions from pastoral to agricultural, feudal to industrial: we have found ways to preserve our heritage, culture and traditions.
Some old practices have sadly gone extinct but are remnant in photographs taken by travellers who experience them. In no other country would one stumble upon living gods and goddesses, old-world chimes and tunes, masked dances, and practices as widely as in Nepal.
This domain has been my field of practice for over a decade. The process of learning and discovery has been no short of a beautiful experience. Experiencing these cultural practises, festivals and instilling them in a frame has been an honour worth lifetimes.
The cultural celebrations in Nepal can generally be classified into three divisions:
1. Communal Celebrations
These type of celebrations are native to a community. Examples of such can be pa: yah celebrated by Khadgi (Newar Butchers), Punchali Bhujya ( Offering of great grains at Purnachadi of Lalitpur), Majipa Lakhey ( A dance and practise of Majipa Tol in Kathmandu), Asta Matrika Dance of Patan, Nyata Maru Ajima Dance of Nardevi, Chandeswori Jatra of Banepa and various others.
2. Regional Celebrations
Regional celebrations are within geographical lines or state boundaries. Sindoor Jatra of Thimi, Biskah Jatra of Bhaktapur, Rato Matsyendranath of Lalitpur, Indra Jatra of Kathmandu, Bag Bhairab Jatra of Kirtipur, Tiji Festival of Mustang, Yarthung horse festival of Western Nepal are some examples.
These celebrations are marked in a particular area, and their importance and understanding are unknown in others. Migration of individuals of these regions to other parts takes aspects of the celebrations with them. For example, Chhat is celebrated by the people of the Terai region. But due to migration, it is now also practised in Kathmandu valley.
3. National Celebrations
These celebrations hold no regional/ state boundaries and are practiced on a national level by Nepalese. Festivals such as Dashain and Tihar are the best example of such observations. They are marked by a national holiday for all citizens.