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Prithivi Jayanti

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

by Prakash Dhital
written by Prakash Dhital
Prithvi Jayanti

Prithvi Jayanti is also known as the Nepal Ekikaran Diwas (National Unification Day) or Rashtriya Ekata Diwas (National Unity Day). Prithvi Jayanti is an observance that is celebrated annually on 11 January to commemorate the birth of King Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal hence the first King of Nepal. Before unification, Nepal was divided into multiple small kingdoms and each of them had kings of their own and Prithivi Shah was the King of Gorkha Kingdom, now a district in Western Nepal.

As a part of celebrations, people take out street parades, garland the statues and photos of Prithvi Narayan Shah, and sing and share glories about his mission of unified Nepal.

Prithivi Jayanti

One of the oldest Photo/art of Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Early Life of Prithvi Narayan Shah

Maharajdhiraj Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on Thursday 11 January 1723 (Bikram Sambat 27 Poush 1779) as a prince in the Gorkha Kingdom. He was the first child of King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kausalyavati. Although he was born to Kausalyavati, Prithvi was raised by Chandra Pravawati, the first wife of his father. His siblings were Bisaul Budana Devi, Padma Kumari Devi, Dala Mardan Shah, Prithvi Pal Shah

Prithvi Narayan’s great grandfather was Prithvi Pati Shah who was the longest-serving king of then Gorkha Kingdom. His grandfather was Bir Bhadra Shah who remained succeeding reign until father Nara Bhupal Shah succeed him.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was first married to Indra Kumari Devi, the Makawanpur Princess in February 1738. During the wedding ceremony, a trivial yet unknown conflict arose between the two kingdoms hence Prithvi Narayan returned home leaving his 14-year-old bride behind. Indra Kumari was the daughter of Makawanpur King Hem Karna Sen.

Later, he was married to Narendra Rajya Lakshmi Devi. They had two sons together, Crown Prince Pratap Singh Shah and Bahadur Shah.

Prithvi Narayan Shah with his chief wives enthroned as King of Nepal, from a painting photographed in the early nineteenth century. (source: Nepal Mandala a Cultural Study of the Kathmandu Valley by Slusser Mary Shepherd)

Gorkha Durbar and Guru Gorakhnath

Gorkha Durbar

Gorkha Durbar, the Palace of Prithvi Narayan is a fort, a palace, and a temple is fortified as one is perched atop knife-edge ridge at an altitude of 1000m. The king was born here, and that part of the palace is called “Dhuni Pati”.

The Gorkha Durbar is a religious site, therefore entering with leather shoes and belts on is strictly prohibited like at any other Hindu Temple in Nepal. The main entrance is through the western gate that opens to a terrace in front of the Kalika Temple, Goddess Kali’s temple. Only Brahmin priests and the king can enter the temple while visitors are permitted into terraces and the courtyard. The Durbar is exemplary of the Newar architecture like elaborated carvings of peacocks, demons, and serpents, throughout. Exit is through the northern gate, the former Royal Guest House which has erotic roof struts and the crocodile carvings on the window frames.

Down from there is a life-size orange statue of Hanuman, the monkey god. and inscribed Standing Stones on the left of the exit doorway of the Gorkha Durbar are installed opposite of Hanuman. The stone walkway leading to a rocky bluff has a large chautara, the stone resting platform. The hilltop of that rocky bluff has Siddha Paila and serves the view of Trishuli Valley and Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

Gorkha Palace

Gorkha Durbar an Ancestral Palace of Shah Monarch is set on a ridge crest on the far background. The Palace marks the birthplace of King Prithivi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal in the 18th century.
The eastern wing of the Palace that had King’s throne and fabled Eternal Flame was heavily destroyed during April-2015’s Earthquake is yet to see the restoration.

Gorkha Durbar was built by King Ram Shah in the 1600s. Ram Shah, the 6th predecessor of Prithvi Narayan Shah, was a great ruler and reformer of his time. The man of conscience was mostly known for his social, economic, judicial, and administrative reforms. Ram introduced a standard measurement system, fixed rate of courts, established and developed trade with neighboring kingdoms, and also carried religious reforms. He was known for his just and fair ruling across the mid-hills around the Gorkha Kingdom, so for this, people in his times said “न्याय नपाए गोर्खा  जानु” (Nyaya napaye Gorkha jaanu), literally “if you are deprived of justice, go to Gorkha”.

This 16th-century palace’s main structure miraculously survived the 2015 earthquake, but the internal damage was extensive, and the repairs are still underway. Since Gorkha Durbar is an ancient home of Shah King the annual and biggest festival Dashain would not officially begin until “Fulpati” is brought to Kathmandu from Gorkha. Gorkha is also considered a place where the famous British Gurkha Battalion was established.

The town is also famous for its shrine of Guru Gorakhnath, the patron saint of the region.

Guru Gorakhnath

Gorakhnath was a great Shivaite sage connected to many wondrous legends.  Legend has it that, Guru Gorkhanath was meditating in a cave below the Gorkha Durbar, when the child Prithvi Narayan Shah, the fated first king of undivided Nepal, interrupted his meditation. The sage rose to meet the boy and regurgitated in his hands, commanding the boy to consume it. The disgusted young prince tossed it away immediately and while doing it he splashed some on his feet. Guru Gorakhnath said, had he eaten as commanded, Prithvi Narayan could have conquered the world. But since sacred vomit touched his feet, the land he stepped his blessed feet on would be his. And the prophecy came true for the King.

Gorkha Museum

The grand Tallo Durbar of Prithvi Narayan Shah in Gorkha built in 1835 is now an exquisite museum. The Gorkha museum has 12 sectioned rooms that house historical documents and information and was opened to the public in 2008.

Historical artifacts such as the weapons used during Nepal’s unification, utensils of that period, mannequins of many indigenous tribes wearing their ethnic clothes and ornaments, oil paintings of that era, and musical instruments are some of the many collections that visitors can enjoy seeing.

There are also portraits of kings of the Shah Dynasty from Drabya Shah, Prithivi Narayan to the last king of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah.

Gorkha Museum

Intricately wooden carved windows, doors, column, struts of Tallo Durbar (Lower Palace) are exemplary craftsmanship and building’s exceptional eighteenth-century brick is an unmistakable stamp of Newari craftsmanship from Kathmandu.

Prithvi Narayan on Unification Mission

Attack on Nuwakot

To continue father Nara Bhupal’s dream of unifying Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1743 attacked the neighboring kingdom Nuwakot. Gurkha soldiers famously called “the Gorkhalis” were badly defeated in this first Battle because they were poorly equipped.

Prithvi Narayan Shah then went to Varanasi, India collected the necessary weapons, and attacked Nuwakot for the second time in 1744 under the command of Kalu Pandey. Kalu Pandey, a wise, brave, and farsighted statesman was the commander of the Gorkhali forces during the Expansion Campaign of Nepal. This time the Gorkhalis were well-armed youths between the ages of 12 and 20 and the number of soldiers exceeded 1000.

Nuwakot was invaded thusly.

Unification of Nepal

Oil painting showing
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s Battle of Nuwakot. Courtesy Unknown

Kalu Pandey suggested that King maintained an amicable relationship with neighboring kingdoms to omit the chances of them attacking Gorkha while Gorkhalis were away on their unification mission. In the process, Kalu Pandey held talks with the king of Lamjung and successfully created an alliance between Gorkha and Lamjung, the two traditional enemies.

Similarly, Gorkha also made an alliance with Kaski, Tanahun, and Palpa kingdoms.

The First Attack on Kirtipur

With the intention of capturing kingdoms bordering Kantipur (now Kathmandu) Prithivi Narayan Shah first invaded Farping, Bandegaon, Sunagaon, Khokana, and other villages. And on 4 December 1757, the king attacked Kirtipur with 1200 soldiers. During the six-hour battle with Kirtipur backed by Kathmandu’s Jaya Prakash’s army, on either side of Balkhu River, King lost the battle, many Gorkhalis plus Kalu Pandey, his main man.

Kalu Pandey had actually warned that it was not the right time to attack Kirtipur but Prithvi Narayan Shah had ignored it. As a consequence, the King himself was almost killed in the battle.

Victory over Makawanpur

The Battle of Makwanpur was fought on 21 August 1762 at the Makawanpur Gadhi. Digvandan Sen, King of Makawanpur surrendered at the end of the eight-hour-long battle. Gorkha lost  60 Gorkhalis while Makawanpur lost 400 of theirs.

The Second Attack on Kirtipur

As a second attempt, in August 1764, Gorkha attacked Kirtipur, under the leadership of Sur Pratap Shah, Daljit Shah, and Shri Harsh Pant at night. This time Kirtipur alone defeated Gorkhalis breaking into the Kingdom through the Gopura fort. In this battle, Sur Pratap was struck in his eye by an arrow, therefore troops were forced to retreat back to Nuwakot once again.

The Third Attack on Kirtipur

For the third time, the king of Gorkha sent his army to attack Kirtipur, again under the command of Sur Pratap. After two consecutive defeats, the Gorkhalis had changed its strategy and surrounded Kirtipur during the harvest season, effectively laying siege to the stronghold. The Gorkhalis took over the nearby Balaju fort to create the commodities blockade for several months. The food and water-deprived people of Kirtipur were coaxed into surrender on 17 March 1766.

This time Prithvi Narayan Shah took over Kirtipur without a fight.

Victory Over English Forces

Having captured Kirtipur, the Gorkhalis were now going to attack Kantipur. King Jaya Prakash Malla, having no way out, sought help from the British East India Company.

British East India Company dispatched a large force of 2400 soldiers under the command of captain Kinloch to help the Malla King. Prithvi Narayan Shah fully aware of the plot sent 500 soldiers under the command of Bir Bhadra Upadhyaya and Banshu Gurung as a counterattack. Later it was reinforced by another force comprising 700 soldiers led by Bansh Raj Pandey and Shree Harsha Panta. English forces were attacked in Sindhuli and badly defeated.

Victory Over The Three Malla Kings

Unification of Nepal

The Gorkhali Army preparing for war on Kathmandu Valley. Courtesy Unknown

Kathmandu Valley was divided into the three Malla kingdoms namely Kantipur, Lalitpur, and Bhadgaon; Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur as they are called now.

Encouraged by their victory over Kirtipur, the Gorkhalis surrounded the Basantapur Palace of Kantipur from three sides on the midnight of 28 September 1768. Jaya Prakash Malla along with his people was celebrating the Indra Jatra festival. The attack was sudden, helpless Jaya Prakash fled to take refuge at neighboring Malla Kingdom, Lalitpur, therefore Kantipur’s force surrendered without any resistance.

When Lalitpur was captured on 9 Oct 1768, Tej Narsingh Malla, the Lalitpur King also took asylum at Bhadgaon ruled by King Ranjit Malla. After 3 days of battle, on 16 Nov 1769, the Gorkhali captured Bhadgaon also.

Unification of Nepal

In this painting by Hari Prasad Sharma
Prithvi Narayan Shah is attacking Kantipur in a guerilla style encircling it from three sides in the midnight after the Indrajatra festival of B.S. 1825 (1768 A.D.).

By annexing the last three Kingdoms, Prithvi Narayan Shah finally unified and made a country and called it “Nepal”.

King That United NepalNational Unification DayNepal Ekata DiwasNepal Ekikaran DiwasStanding StonesUnification story of NepalUnifier of Nepal
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Prakash Dhital

A passionate tourism student, a culture enthusiast, trekker, and always a learner

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Nicely artulated well researched article.

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Sama Chakeva clay sculptures by Mira Devi Dutta, B Sama Chakeva clay sculptures by Mira Devi Dutta, Bijay Kumar Dutta, and Priyanka Karna at Kathmandu Triennale (photo1-4). Taragaon Museum, Hyatt, Kathmandu.

A girl carrying a basket full of clay idols for the Sama Chakeva by Sulav Shrestha @sulav.photo 

Tharu girls of Terahaut village in Saptari immersing clay idols on the last day of the Sama Chakheva Festival. By  @sankuchy

Sama Chakeva, a revered festival deeply embedded in the folk traditions of Mithila, unfolds its enchanting rituals in Kartik (Nov/Dec) on the eve of the Chhat Festival. The festivities commence in harmony with the migratory journey of birds, descending from the Himalayas to the southern plains of Nepal. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Puranic lore, this celebration, adorned with folk theater and melodious songs, venerates the profound bond between brothers and sisters.

As the sun dips below the horizon, young, unmarried girls gather near the ghats of Chhath, bearing baskets adorned with idols of Sama and Chakeva, alongside oil lamps, kohl, and everyday clay-made essentials. In the ambient glow of the night, they immerse themselves in the timeless melodies of traditional songs, engaging in rituals that transcend generations. 

On this sacred occasion, the river becomes a sanctifying space as young girls take a symbolic dip, purifying their spirits. The idols of Sama and Chakeva, witnesses to the festival's entirety, are tenderly immersed in the flowing waters, marking the conclusion of this deeply cherished celebration.
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#askmeaboutnepal #samachakehwa #tharu #mithila #hindufestival #claysculpt #claydolls #folklore #folktales #instragrammable #siblinglove #nepalnow #photooftheday #celebration #tharuculture #mithilaculture #naturallynepal
Sikhs of Nepalgunj take on streets performing vari Sikhs of Nepalgunj take on streets performing various dances and activities, an expression of their cultural heritage on the occasion of the Guru Nanak Jayanti. Nepalgunj

Photos by RGB NIHAL RGB Camerography 

In addition to the dance, other cultural activities such as kirtan (devotional singing), recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism), and langar (community meal) are also integral parts of the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration in Nepalgunj. These activities not only strengthen the bonds within the Sikh community but also promote unity and understanding among people of different faiths in the region.

The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti in Nepalgunj is a testament to the diversity and richness of Sikh culture, and the dance performances play a vital role in preserving and showcasing this cultural heritage. Through these vibrant and expressive dances, the Sikhs in Nepalgunj convey not only their devotion to Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also their commitment to fostering a sense of community, joy, and cultural pride.

Read more on: https://askmeaboutnepal.com/guru-nanak-jayanti/
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#askmeaboutnepal #gurunanak #SikhCommunity #sikhdance #nepalnow #learnabundantly #learnaboutnepal #aboutnepal #nepalnow #nepalifeed #happeningtoday #naturallynepal #sikhhistory
Sikhs of Nepalgunj dressed in vibrant and traditio Sikhs of Nepalgunj dressed in vibrant and traditional attire, come together to perform dances as a form of devotion and expression of their cultural heritage on the occasion of the Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Photos by RGB NIHAL RGB Camerography 

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a sacred and joyous occasion celebrated by Sikhs around the world to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The celebration is marked by various religious and cultural events, including prayers, processions, and cultural performances. In Nepalgunj, a city in Nepal with a significant Sikh population, the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti is a vibrant and culturally rich affair.

The Sikh dance during Guru Nanak Jayanti is often characterized by energetic and rhythmic movements, reflecting the joy and reverence felt by the community. The dance is not just a physical expression but also a spiritual one, as it is performed with a deep sense of devotion and gratitude towards Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The beats of traditional Sikh music, including the sounds of the dhol (drum) and other traditional instruments, add to the festive atmosphere.

These dances often take place in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and spill out into the streets during processions. The streets of Nepalgunj come alive with the colorful attire of the dancers, the sound of music, and the rhythmic movements that captivate onlookers. The dance is a way for the Sikh community to share their joy and celebrate the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with the larger community.
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#askmeaboutnepal #gurunanak #SikhCommunity #sikhdance #nepalnow #learnabundantly #learnaboutnepal #aboutnepal #nepalnow #nepalifeed #happeningtoday #naturallynepal #sikhhistory
Shey Phoksundo Lake, at an elevation of 3,611 mete Shey Phoksundo Lake, at an elevation of 3,611 meters (11,849 feet), casts its spell in the remote reaches of the Dolpa district. Cradled by snow-capped peaks, it's a haven where tranquility dances on the ripples of crystal-clear waters. by @pratiigyaa 

The heart-shaped lake nestles within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. A pristine alpine lake renowned for its captivating beauty and tranquil aura located in the remote Dolpa region of Nepal is the deepest lake in the country, plunging to a depth of about 145 meters (475 feet). The lake's turquoise waters contrast with the rugged terrain, creating a visual symphony that beckons adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Dolpa region is home to the Dolpo people, who have preserved their unique culture and traditions for centuries. Trekkers have the opportunity to engage with these communities, visit ancient monasteries like Shey Gompa, and witness the nomadic lifestyle of the locals. Embarking on a trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and cultural odyssey, where every step tells a story etched in the folds of the majestic Himalayas. 
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#askmeaboutnepal #SheyPhoksundoTrek #SheyPhoksundolake #SheyPhoksundo #phoksundo #AdventureAwaits #NepalExploration #dolpo #trekkininnepal #lakesofnepal #landscapephotography #phonephotography #ilovenature
Stone Statue of Buddha at Kumbheshwar Dhungedhara Stone Statue of Buddha at Kumbheshwar Dhungedhara (stone spout) in Lalitpur.

In Lumbini's sacred grove, after giving birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautam, Queen Maya Devi passed away. Following Siddhartha Gautam's attainment of enlightenment and his emergence as Lord Buddha, he intended to teach the path of righteousness for the welfare and happiness of the multitude. However, the opportunity to impart the teachings of dharma to Queen Maya Devi did not arise.

In this context, Buddha, on one occasion, went to the Tushita heaven and, by manifesting himself, bestowed the teachings of dharma upon Queen Maya Devi in the city of Sankasya. This event is depicted in this sculpture, where Buddha's statue is shown with a raised umbrella, symbolizing the presentation of those teachings.

This sculpture belongs to the early medieval period and is a unique representation not found elsewhere in Nepal. Therefore, it stands as an invaluable cultural heritage of Nepal, emphasizing the importance of its recognition and preservation.

Text and Photo by Dr. Jagaman Gurung,
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#askmeaboutnepal #stonestaue #buddhaquotes  #buddha  #stonework #oldstatues  #stoneage #lichhavi  #buddhisminnepal #buddhismquotes #buddhateachings  #stoneart #stonearchitecture #stoneartlover #sculpture #historyofnepal  #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal  #photoscapeofthemonth #canonshooter
It is the auspicious occasion of Kartik Shukla Pak It is the auspicious occasion of Kartik Shukla Paksha Hari Bodhini Ekadashi, today, also known as Thulo Ekadashi. May the blessings of Lord Budhanilkantha Narayan make your days prosperous!

Photo by Pritam Thapa, Priti Thapa

Hari Bodhini Ekadashi is considered the most significant and prominent among the twenty-four Ekadashis observed throughout the year. It is referred to as Thulo Ekadashi due to its importance. In Hinduism, Ekadashi is observed as a day for worshiping Lord Vishnu. According to the legends, Lord Vishnu is said to have awakened from his cosmic slumber in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) on the day of Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. Hence, this day is also known as Hari Bodhini Ekadashi.

It is believed that observing a fast and engaging in prayers on this day brings immense spiritual merit and blessings.
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#askmeaboutnepal #thuliekadashi #haribodhiniekadashi #ekadashitithi #culture #hinduculture #hindutradition #hinduismnepal #budhanilkantha #narayan #vishnu #stoneart #stoneartlover #stonearchitecture #learnaboutnepal #hindugod #hindudeity
The protestants mobilized by Durga Prasai and Mahe The protestants mobilized by Durga Prasai and Mahesh Basnet parade to participate in the massive demonstration scheduled today 7 Mangshir 2080 (November 23 2023)

Video @iamsoosaanshrestha
The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), also known as The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), also known as the dhole or Indian wild dog are pursuit pack hunters that run down their prey, including domestic livestock, over long distances. 
Photo by Siddarth Machado via Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0).

The dhole, the only surviving member of its genus, once roamed large swaths of Asia, from Afghanistan in the west to Laos in the east, and Russia in the north to India in the south. Today, it’s limited to fragmented habitats in Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. Its presence remains uncertain in Pakistan and the Korean Peninsula.

There are many unknowns about the animal, according to an assessment by the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority. The global population is estimated at no more than about 2,200 mature animals, and maybe as low as about 950, with a declining trend. In Nepal, there are an estimated 250-750 dholes, mature and otherwise.

Dholes unlike tigers and leopards, Nepal’s better-known predators, are pursuit pack hunters that run down their prey, including domestic livestock, over long distances.

Read the new post by Abhaya Raj Joshi:
https://askmeaboutnepal.com/on-nepals-day-to-honor-dogs-wild-canines-face-mounting-threats/
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#askmeaboutnepal #dhole #asiaticwilddogs #indianwilddog #predator #wildanimallife #wildlifeofnepal #doglife #wilddogwednesday #picoftheday #photofotheday #tbt #asianphotography #nepalnow
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah: Sorah Hattey Ganesh, Lor Om Gam Ganapataye Namah:

Sorah Hattey Ganesh, Lord Ganesh with sixteen hands is housed in a one-storey Gambuj (dome-style) temple at Bhotahity, the main market area in the heart of ​​Kathmandu. This elephant-headed god’s temple was established by the Malla king Pratap Malla, carved as one of it’s finest during his regime. After the King built Bishnu Tirtha, which is now called Rani Pokhari (The Queen’s Pond), he divined the Bishnu Tirtha by Tantric powers to install four deities on the four corners of the pond. The western corner is Ganesh Pond.

This idol of Ganesh with sixteen hands is rare in Nepal depicts him in a Tantric form. He is seen with his wife Riddhi on his left hence he is also called Riddhi Ganesh. According to some religious text, Ganesh is Bhramachari or unmarried and according to others He is married to Riddhi (Prosperity) and Siddi (Spiritual Power), His two powers.

They are alternatively also known as Karnakeshari and Suvarna Keshari, and have been worshiped separately by Newars, Kathamandu natives. These names are almost lost from the vernacular, but still used in Harisiddhi dance, the first mask dance of the country to venerate the Goddess Durga. She is Tri-Shakti, the embodiment of the feminine force, the divine mother, the energy that gives us all life.  It is said that Pratap Malla lost his life while witnessing the Harisiddhi dance in 1731 B.S.
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"Wasya Dya", The God of Tooth Pain at Bangemuda, K "Wasya Dya", The God of Tooth Pain at Bangemuda, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo1 by Gerd Eichmann

In Bangemuda, Kathmandu stands an unusual wooden deity known as the "Teeth God". It is a local belief that affixing a coin to this divine idol can bring relief from toothaches. This practice has given the area its name, Kilagal. Over time, the wooden idol has become obscured by a substantial layer of coins, making it challenging to discern its original surface. 

Despite the pervasive influence of technology in our lives today, the age-old tradition of nailing coins to seek solace from toothaches persists, drawing hundreds of devotees who ardently worship the Teeth God as a testament to the rich amalgamation of Nepali art and culture.
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"Chhat Puja" is a significant Hindu festival that "Chhat Puja" is a significant Hindu festival that used to be celebrated in Southern Nepal but now almost all over the country except the high Himalayas.

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhati Mai. The festival usually falls six days after Tihar, during the month of Kartika (Oct/Nov), but this year in Mangshir (Nov/Dec), and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

During Chhath Puja, devotees, especially women, observe a rigorous fast and perform various rituals near a water body, such as a river or a pond. The rituals include taking a holy dip, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, and preparing special offerings like Thekua and Rasiao (a type of sweet). 

Photos from Social Media.

Read more at https://askmeaboutnepal.com/chhath/
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The Last Natural Haven: Taudaha hosts diverse lotu The Last Natural Haven: Taudaha hosts diverse lotus flowers and water chestnut varieties, nurturing a complex ecosystem teeming with amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish.

Taudaha, once an emerald oasis nestled amid lush fields in the southwest corner of the Kathmandu Valley, holds immense religious, cultural, and ecological importance. Spanning 463 hectares, it was the largest pond in the Bagmati watershed, home to diverse lotus flowers, water chestnuts, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish, including migratory species.

Over the years (examining data from 2014-2020), Taudaha has welcomed an average of 307 to 423 migratory birds annually. While the overall number has remained relatively stable, a worrying trend has emerged in the decreasing variety of species. Species like the Common Teal, the Great Cormorant, and the Mallard have seen a decline in their numbers over time.
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#savethewetlands #anyhowindrabachau 
#askmeaboutnepal #Taudaha #winterbird #studybirds #bridsstudy #cormorant #migratorybirds #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal  #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
White Water Rafting in Bhote Koshi River. Known a White Water Rafting in Bhote Koshi River.

Known as one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world, the Bhote Koshi River originates from the Tibetan plateau, cascading down through narrow gorges and rocky terrains, providing an ideal playground for rafting enthusiasts.

Rafting in the Bhote Koshi River offers an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Nepal and is not for the faint-hearted. The river offers challenging rapids ranging from Grade III to V, making it a thrilling experience for both beginners and seasoned rafters taking you through powerful waves, steep drops, and intense rapids, offering an adrenaline rush at every turn. The river's fast-paced flow demands teamwork, precise paddling, and quick decision-making, creating an unforgettable and exciting rafting experience. 

There are numerous rafting operators in the region that offer guided trips along the Bhote Koshi River, ensuring safety measures and expert guidance for an enjoyable experience. 
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#askmeaboutnepal #rafting #whitewaterrafting #raftinginnepal #bhotekoshi #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal  #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
Every 🐕 its day and today is definitely that d Every 🐕  its day and today is definitely that day for all canines of Nepal. #kukurtihar

#askmeaboutnepal #tihar #tiharspecial❤️
देश परदेश मा बस्नुहुने शम्पुर्ण जनमा तिहारकाे पावन अवसरमा मङ्गलमय शुभकामना !! जय नेपाल 🇳🇵
Two sisters selling Amriso Brooms, a must-have ite Two sisters selling Amriso Brooms, a must-have item at any Nepali house. Khandbari Haatbazaar, Sankhuwasabha

In addition to jewelry and utensils, people also purchase brooms on Dhanteras, a day believed to bring luck. Dhanteras falls on the first day of Tihar, the festival of lights that occurs within a fortnight of Dashain, however it falls one day prior to it this year.

Acquiring a broom is thought to retain Goddess Lakshmi (the main goddess of Tihar)  in one's home, ensuring prosperity and happiness while eliminating debts. Brooms are essential for maintaining cleanliness in households, and their use is believed to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, buying brooms on Dhanteras is considered auspicious, enhancing the significance of this important Hindu festival that marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.
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#askmeaboutnepal #Dhanteras #tihar #deepawali #diwali #FestivalOfLights #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnonfacebook #learnaboutnepal
A Pair of Griffins Guard the two of the four Templ A Pair of Griffins Guard the two of the four Temple doors of Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur

The first two photos have Griffins, (legendary creature) with the body of Garuda, a mythical bird that is a stride of Lord Vishnu, and the last two with the body of a lion and the head of wings of an eagle.

Changu Narayan Temple is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. It was originally built around the 4C, but the present temple was rebuilt in 1702 after it was destroyed by fire. It is situated on a ridge at 1541m overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, about 22 km to the east of Kathmandu and 6 km north of Bhaktapur. Though the temple is quite beautiful, especially the doors and front facade, Changu Narayan is not known for its temple but for the stone statues, bas-relief carvings, and inscriptions that are scattered around the temple courtyard, created between the 5th and 13th centuries.
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#askmeaboutnepal #Changunarayan #stoneinscription #stonewriting #stoneage #lichhavi #hindudeity #stoneart #stonearchitecture #stoneartlover #sculpture #historyofnepal #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal #photoscapeofthemonth #nikon #nikonphotography
Paani Ghatta, the only water mill in Gati Village Paani Ghatta, the only water mill in Gati Village nestles inside this bamboo hut with a tin-sheet roof. It is run by a father-son duo belonging to the Newar community. Sindhupalchok.

In Gati like many other villages of Nepal, the Paani Ghatta serves as a vital water mill particularly to grind corn. This ingenious mechanism operates by channeling water from a river nearby through a robust pipe, which in turn impels the blades of a rotating wheel (turbine). Positioned directly above the turbine is a grinding stone that crushes the corn kernels steadily funneled from a sizable drum suspended from the ceiling of a windmill hut.

A wooden bird, affixed to the lower opening of the drum, tactfully guides the grains into the grinder, ensuring a steady and efficient milling process. This age-old technology attests to the village's resourcefulness and uses traditional methods to harness the power of water to meet the essential needs of the community, especially during the monsoon harvest.
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#askmeaboutnepal #corn #cornfield #newar #watermill #panighatta #paanighatta #villagelife #agriculturelife #ilovevillage #scienceisfun #reportagephotography #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram #learnaboutnepal #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal
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