Although Buddhists all around the world regard every full moon sacred, the full moon in the month of Baisakh has special significance because on this day the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment (nirvana), and attained parinirvana (nirvana-after-death of the body) when he died. This day world wide is celebrated as “Buddha Jayanti”
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“Aama ko mukh herne” ritual, literally “to look upon mother’s face”, is one the most cherished festivals of Nepal. Children cook their favorite food of their mother, buy them lovely presents and visit their mother’s house to celebrate the beautiful bond between mother and children. And the children whose mothers have sadly passed away make pilgrimage to the “Matatirtha Temple” to venerate and in remembrance of their deceased mother’s .
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The three towns of Bhaktpur district; Bhaktapur, Thimi, and Bode welcome the Nepali New year. People of Bhaktapur pull huge yellow chariots through the alleys of the town containing the idols of Bhairabh and Bhadrakali. Thimi people carry 32 palanquins bearing 32 different idols and parade the town while tossing Sindoor at each another to welcome the New Year. Similarly in Bode, people with their tongues pierced walk the ancient route within the town to ward off the evil spirit of Nilbarahi forest.
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Fau Purne or Holi is a festival of colors celebrated throughout Nepal for two days. The main attraction is people throwing color powder, water balloons at each other. It is celebrated at home or at community spaces with large gatherings.
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Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the praise of Lord Shiva annually on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi day. Devout Hindus observe fast, make pilgrimages to Shiva Temple far and near in Shiva’s honor, while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Mrityunjaya” matra from Reg Veda. Har Har Mahadev!!
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The Panauti Mela takes place every 12 years at Trivenighat in Panauti in Kavre. Triveni ghat is a confluence of three rivers- Punyamati, Lilawati, and Rudrawati in Panauti Town. The Mela (fair) begins as the Sun enters Makar Rashi (Capricorn) on the day of Makar Sankranti, the significant day as per Vedic astrology, hence the fair is also known as “Makar Mela”.
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Saraswati Puja or Shree Panchami is a festival observed on Magh Shukla Panchami to worship Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The day also marks the end of harsh winter and heralds Basanta Ritu, the Spring season, hence the day is called “Basanta Panchami” too.
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I had heard many stories about the beauty of mighty Annapurna but never got a chance to see it myself. Luckily in…
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Sonam Losar is a New Year’s day for the Tamang and Yolmo Communities of Nepal. According to the Nepali calendar, Sonam Lhosar occurs on the first full moon of the month Magh, while according to the gregorian calendar, it occurs between early January and mid-February.
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Panche Baja is a collection of five traditional musical instruments that are played together and the set has played a major role in the enhancement of Nepali music since the time unknown. Especially played at many life rites rituals like Janti (a wedding procession) and other religious occasions. A small band of people forms a musical band each specialized in one instrument.