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festivals in nepal

A Unique Day: Bibah Panchami

A Unique Day: Bibah Panchami

Bibah Panchami, the day that marks the marriage of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, is a beautiful festival of the Mithila Culture hosted every year in Janakpur, the Mithila capital. On this day, a week-long reenactment of the marriage is done with grand celebrations of the deed that frameworks the ancient Mithila culture and its history.

The Tale of Shankadhar Sakhwa - Part II

The Tale of Shankadhar Sakhwa - Part II

The act of Shankadhar Sakhwa is more than of selflessness and grace. His wit and faith did not just bring him good fortune but also to the former kingdom of Kantipur.

Chhath: A Homage to the Sun God

Chhath: A Homage to the Sun God

The festive flair in Nepal never dies. The diversity of various ethnicities and their traditions go on throughout the year. Amongst such festivities, Chhath is the largest festival in the Madhesh community. The celebrations last for a total of four days. During which, devotees worship the sun god and various other deities and pray for prosperity and longevity.

Elements of Indra Jatra - Part II

Elements of Indra Jatra - Part II

The spectacle of Indra Jatra is an experience of a lifetime. It isn't just a tradition but a heritage of the Newar culture and its people.An amalgam of various traditions, it is a period of great joy and devotion.

Elements of Indra Jatra

Elements of Indra Jatra

The festival of Indra Jatra is a grand amalgam of traditions. This day is the biggest festival for the Newar community of Kathmandu. Its sister cities also have their methods to mark the day. The elements of which all-together help create a vibrant atmosphere and pompous flare.

What is Gunla Dharma?

What is Gunla Dharma?

During the month of Gunla, Newar Buddhists pay homage to various Buddhist sites around the valley. It lasts for a month and features numerous activities such as prayers, pilgrimages and rites. Traditional ensembles perform musical acts in monastic complexes and temple premises. It is a spectacle like no other.

The Beginning of Newar Festivities

The Beginning of Newar Festivities

The festive season for the Newar community has arrived. The day of Gathe Mangal is the first of the festive calendar, which shall come to an end before the next plantation season. Newars, native inhabitants of Kathmandu valley, shall rejoice and make merry during this period paying homage to numerous gods and goddesses.

A Friendly Demon: Mi Pwa Lakhey

A Friendly Demon: Mi Pwa Lakhey

While roaming around Patan Durbar Square, if you stumble upon a creature creating ghastly fireballs, don't be alarmed. He is a friendly Lakhey who the locals call Mi Pwa Lakhey. Mi Pwa in Newari means balls of fire and Lakhey, a helpful demon.

Siti Nakha: A day with deeper meaning

Siti Nakha: A day with deeper meaning

Siti Nakha is a special day in the Newar community dedicated to cleaning water sources. From spouts to taps, wells to ponds, the people band together to ensure its cleanliness. If not done right, great evil spawns from these depths, which decimates the entire city.

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part V

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part V

In this edition, we look into the moving temple of Bhaktapur. Commonly referred to as Biska Jatra, it is a unique celebration exclusive to the principalities of Bhaktapur. Celebrated with utmost veneration and respect, it overtime has become an intangible landmark. The highlights are the tug-of-war, vermilion festival and the tongue piercing ceremony.

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part IV

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part IV

The grand jubilation of Kumari Jatra celebrated during Yenya Punhi (Indra Jatra) is a sight to remember. A day when magic and mystery from all parts of Nepal Mandala (Ancient Nepal) meet at Yeh (Kathmandu) for an opulent festival.

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part III

The Moving Temples of Kathmandu Valley - Part III

Every temple has a story. Within it lies a deity who has provided some boon to its devotees. His/her celebration is an act of acknowledging their righteous act and reliving history. The Newars added pomp and flare to this celebration with mammoth chariots, traditional tunes and communal merrymaking.