Cultures

Seto Machhendranath, also known as Janabahaa Dyo, Aryaavalokitesor, Karunamaya and Lokesor is believed to have the capacity to relieve living beings of any kind of suffering and is accredited as the rescuer of every creature on Earth. The chariot festival (Rath Jatra) begins after the idol of...

Nepal is home to numerous gods and goddess. Elders are respected as gods here. And there are many rituals and ceremonies that are dedicated to the deceased ancestors. Among them Bala Chaturdashi is one of the important day for the Hindus. This festival is celebrated for the welfare of the departed soul. It is believed in Nepal that for one...

With the month of December, lights and decoration around the town hints the heralding festival —Christmas—celebrated on December 25. And everyone likes the decoration whether one is a Christian or not. Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.  While understanding the etymology of Christmas, the name 'Christmas' comes...

Along with the preparation of Balachaturdashi, Indrayani Jatra (festival) too happens in parallel way. Goddess Indrayani, also known as Lunti Ajima, is one among eight Mother Goddesses of Astamatrika — Bhramayani, Rudrayani, Barahi, Kumari, Baishnavi, Chamunda and Maha Laxmi—in Shakta cult. Meanwhile, Kathmandu valley which in ancient days also known as Nepal and the dwellers here believe in Shakti...

A total of 200 Nepali and international artists representing seven different countries performed across six stages in and around the bustle of Ason. And the occasion was ‘Echoes in the Valley’ (EITV). This is a free biennale music festival that strives to uncover, revive and make relevant Kathmandu’s intangible heritages and disappearing sounds. It aims at transforming...

Every year 28 ft tall bamboo pole is erected at Basantapur, Kathmandu. This is done on every Falgun Shukla Pakshya Astami to mark the beginning of the century old ritual Holi. Hindus celebrate this festival of colors with great enthusiasm. And the main celebration begins a week after the erection of this pole. This year it has been erected on March 14....

Newars have various life ceremonies that define who they are. And Bahra Tayagu or Bahra Chuyegu is one among many such events meant for girls. Bahra Tayagu or Bahra Chuyegu is an ancient tradition in Newar community in Nepal. Girls between the ages of 7 to 13 have to go through this religious practice once in their lifetime.