Inside Duniya

Nepal, well known for Himalayan ranges, natural beauty and soothing environment. But here, I want to tell you that Nepal has an extremely rich heritage which is gaining tourists’ attraction. Many of Nepali festivals are similar to Hindu religion. Through this article, I am giving you a glimpse of Nepal cultural tour. Let’s fasten the seat belts to have a look of enriching culture and customs of warm and friendly people of Nepal.

Maha Shivratri

It is one of the major festival of Nepal. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on 14th day of Magha month i.e. January/February). In Nepal, Shivratri is related to Lord Shiva and is celebrated as the night when Almighty performed ‘Tandav’ Nritya (dance). It is a belief that on this day, stars in North Hemisphere stay in best position. Beautiful fair is organized in the area around Pashupatinath temple. Throughout the night, prayers are offered to Lord Shiva by everyone. All around the chants of mantras by pilgrims can easily be heard.

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is considered as the major festival among Buddhist of Nepal. Pilgrims celebrate whole life of Buddha like His birth, death and most importantly enlightenment. From all parts of world, devotees make a visit to the birth place of Gautam Buddha, Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini. This festival falls in the month of May/June. Various Buddhist stupas, monasteries and numerous sacred places are seen loaded with large number of devotees. Besides many stupas, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are considered as two famous stupas.

Teej

Teej is the festival worshipped by women in Nepal. On this day, women keep fast for the long and healthy life of their husbands and marital bliss. This festival is celebrated in the month of August/September. It is also famous with the name “Hartalika Teej”. Three days fast are observed by women. Throughout the fast women offers prayer for the peace and prosperity of the family and unmarried pray for good and caring life partner. On the last day, women break their fast by eating colocasia leaf curry. Homage is also offered by women to saints. Women take bath in river with the leaves of datiwan bush. It is believed in Nepal that from this bath woman gets freedom from all sins. It is a treat to attend this festival while your visit because of tough fasting, grand celebration and continuous praying to Almighty.

Maghe Sankranti

Maghe Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of Magh month (Hindu calendar) in Nepal. It indicates the end of winters and start of summer. On this day, people take a dip into holy rivers Devghat and Chitwan. Various yummy dishes are also prepared like sesame seed laddoos, molasses, yam etc. In many communities. It is also celebrated as New Year. Throughout Magh month, the prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu. Many followers take a dip in holy rivers throughout this Magh month. It is believed that on this day, the Sun starts moving towards Northern Hemisphere.

So, what you are waiting for. Plan a visit to Nepal and get yourself close to this beautiful and culture loving country. My suggestion, plan your visit to Nepal according to Nepalese festival and don’t miss to become a part of their festivals.

Ruchi Tripathi