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Survival Survivors

Through their enthusiastic lenses, nature film-makers introduced Nepal to a global audience

by Lisa Choegyal
written by Lisa Choegyal

Götz Dieter Plage (above) drove into our lives in one of those iconic early Range Rovers, a red one if I remember right, bristling with all the latest gadgets. His arrival in Nepal heralded a decade-long partnership with our Tiger Tops team and UK’s Survival Anglia television, making a series of wildlife documentaries throughout South Asia.

With lush brown hair and a brow wrinkled with seriousness, Dieter was an earnest German wildlife cameraman, much respected by his peers. Based in Chitwan in a synergistic deal brokered by Jim Edwards, Dieter experimented with the latest 1970s technology for innovative filmmaking in the wild –night scopes, image intensifiers, motor drives, steady cams, and even a single-engine aircraft.

Fresh from filming in Africa, he regaled us with hair-raising stories about close encounters with endangered animals, charging gorillas and marauding hippos. Around the circular river-stone fireplace of a Lodge evening, he laughed loudly at his own jokes before retiring early to tinker with his equipment. In 1977 this pedantic loner surprised us by turning up with a wife (Mary from Norwich always known as “Sweetie Pie”) who faithfully followed Dieter’s peripatetic and obsessive shooting schedule with doe-eyed devotion.

Jim Edwards, Dieter Plage and Prof. Bernard Grzimek in Chitwan, 1975

The facilities at Tiger Tops were the perfect base for Survival’s team which typically took over two years to complete their carefully crafted one-hour documentaries.

Dieter’s long-term camera assistants came in different shapes and sizes, becoming an integral part of our Chitwan routine – a short stocky one was a special friend of mine and a tall bearded one married my sister.

All displayed an infectious commitment to the natural world and went to great lengths to capture rare and authentic footage, sitting for days in canvas hides, hours on elephant back, or perched all night on a tree branch.

Through their enthusiastic lenses, the secret splendours of the forest and wilderness were exquisitely revealed to a television audience of millions. conservation concerns were a recurrent theme – tigers and rhinos in Chitwan, leopards in Dudhwa and elephants in Sri Lanka.

Mike Price was a balding and bouncy Brit, diminutive and dedicated. Night after night he sat in the camouflaged machan set high on the ridge beside a tiger-likely trail, waiting with his camera ready. Each morning he would return for breakfast, weary and despondent – until the day when he appeared, still gasping and hopping with excitement. It was May, and his bare legs were caked in sweat and dust, the heavy camera case slung across his khaki shoulders.



When he had calmed down enough for us to understand him, Mike described the thrill of a tiger appearing silently out of the grass on the path below him – “stripes that moved” in the dawn light. At last, patience rewarded. It was a young male, and with the camera running he realised with some alarm that the purring sound was making it curious – the striped ears flickered with interest as it advanced up the bank. Mike had to remove the camera from the tripod as the tiger came closer and closer, until its face was peering through the slit window of the hide, separated only by a flimsy wall of canvas.

Mary and Dieter Plage in Sanepa, Kathmandu, 1977

Even though primeval instinctual terror made his heart race, Mike had the presence of mind to keep the camera going, his hands shaking. “I was deafened by my own heartbeats,” he said later. In a career of close shaves in the jungle, this unsteady sequence became the centrepiece of Tiger Tiger, one of the first films to document the behaviour of these noble and elusive nocturnal cats.

As Mike recounted the story to us from the safety of the Tiger Tops breakfast table, luckily for him the young tiger decided discretion was the better part of curiosity, and moved on.

In return for logistic support and movies to share with our guests and staff, the partnership with Survival Anglia gave Nepal conservation credibility and accessed global groups such as the Audubon Society, Frankfurt Zoo and Zoological Society of London.

David Attenborough came, the BBC Natural History Unit and National Geographic. The integrity and international standing of Nepal’s Wildlife conservation programme was secured.

The writer Mike Price and Dieter Plage camping out in Bardia.

The Smithsonian Institution’s long-term tiger monitoring project used Chuck McDougal and Tiger Tops’ trackers to pioneer camera trapping and radio collaring techniques, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands brought members of his 1001 Club of WWF donors as the guests of then-Prince Gyanendra, and Sir Peter Scott “launched” the first gharial back into the Narayani River, reared by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to reinstate this threatened fish-eating crocodile. The first batch of gharial eggs was hatched in my bedroom, the white translucent orbs packed into a warm wet sandbox, before the crocodile breeding centre was set up at Kasara park headquarters.

In a poignant footnote, in April 1993 Dieter Plage was killed in a horrific accident, plunging 50m through the canopy of a remote Sumatran rainforest. Hovering above the trees, he was suspended below a small airship in an adapted camera platform when his safety harness failed — a victim of his own inventive commitment to share the glories of Asia’s natural world.

Chitwan National ParkDieterGerman wildlife cameramanGötz Dieter PlageInternational films on NepalJack EdwardsJim Edwards' Tiger Tops NepalThe Survival of Tiger DocumentaryTiger Tops Nepal is Nepal's first LodgeTigers of NepalUK’s Survival Anglia televisionWildlife documentaries of Nepal
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Lisa Choegyal

Lisa Choegyal is a writer, traveller and sustainable tourism specialist who has made Kathmandu her home since she first arrived in 1974 to trek the Himalayan trails, and became captivated by the soaring peaks, low land jungles, diverse people and rich cultural traditions of Nepal. Still here, nearly fifty years and two half-Tibetan sons later, she spends her time trying to write, worrying about the Himalayan climate crisis, advising on ecotourism projects in Nepal and beyond, looking after Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, tending to New Zealanders, and savouring the splendours of Nepal.

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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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#askmeaboutnepal #kilagal #toothache #dental #learnaboutnepal #reportagephotography #photostory #photooftheday #picoftheday #naturallynepal #visitnepal #reportagespotlight #worldphotopress #learnoninstagram  #AsianPhotographyMagazine #AsianPhotography #photoscapeofthemonth #lightroom #canon90d #canonphotography #thingstoseeinnepal #cultureshock
"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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