| Festivals of Nepal - 1 |
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Ghode Jatra (April) Visitors are often amazed by the fine horses of the Nepalese army, and Ghode Jatra is a time for the most graceful of these animals to perform before the public eye. Legends relate that this "horse festival" was begun after the Kathmandu people buried a demon under the soil of Tundikhel showgrounds. They say that he may rise again and cause worry to the world if he is not trampled on by horses each year. So every spring, this victory over evil is celebrated in the Valley by organizing palanquin processions and grand display of showjumping, motorcycling feats, and gymnastics. Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Living Goddess Kumari, and thousands of people from all over the country are a part of the jatra audience. Biska Jatra (April) During this important festival, the old kingdom of Bhaktapur and its neighboring areas replay a drama passed on over the centuries. At Bode village, there is a tongue-boring ceremony in which the dedicated may reserve a place in heaven. A wooden pillar is erected in the evening on the first day of this festival. On the second day which is also the first day of Nepali New Year, a chariot is pulled from the pillar to the temple of Bhairavnath in the same square as the five-storey Nyatapolo pagoda. The pillar is shaken violently in the evening and then lowered with the great rejoicing. The chariots of Ganesh, goddess Mahakali and goddess MahaLaxmi are carried on the shoulders of the devotees. New Year's Day(Nava Barsha) (April) The Bikram Era is Nepal 's official calendar. This solar calendar was started by King Bikramditya. New Year's Day is an official holiday. Devotees visit the Pashupati temple to take a dip in the holy Bagmati river.Pilgrims also visit other religious spots and spend the day picniking. It is a day to seek blessings from family priest and one's elders as well. Rato Macchindranath Jatra (May) The festival of Red Macchindranath takes place in Patan over a period of two months and is one of the complex festivals. During the celebrations, a chariot bearing the image of Macchindranat, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists moves in a series of daily stages through the streets of patan. Patan's streets and palace complex are made even more evocative by wavering lamp and candle lights, women busy cooking feasts, and men gathering strength to pull the chariot of their red deity. As Lord Machhendranath views his followers from the high seat of his chariot, its four wheels - representing the powerful Bhairab - receive rice and vermilion powder, the king of serpents is asked for blessings, and his jewelled vest is shown to the public. Buddha Jayanti (May) Since the Nepal is birth place of Buddha there are still many Buddhists amongst Nepalese. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth day of Lord Buddha. On May 6, a full moon day, the Lord's birth, enlightenment, and salvation are applauded throughout the valley with celebrations. Swayambhu and Boudhanath Stupas are prepared for the oncoming festivities several days in advance. Monasteries are cleaned, statues are polished, bright prayer flags waft in the breeze, and monks prepare to dance. On the Jayanti day, people reach the stupas before dawn, go around them and give offerings to the many Buddha images there. Also, pilgrims take a long journey to the birth place of Buddha that is Lumbini on this day. Lumbini is situated at the western part of Nepal . Krishnastami (July-August) It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The best place to watch the celebrations of Krishna 's birthday is at the Krishna temple at Patan and Changu Narayan. Sacred devotional music is played all night. Go early in the evening. Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan (August) All high caste hindus wear a sacred thread over their left shoulder and tied under their right armpit. On this day, each year the sacred thread is replaced after a day long fast. And also the priest put sacred janai or holy thread around the wrist of Hindu people. On this day, specially newar people prepare special dish on their homes. That dish is known as 'Kwati'. Kwati is prepared with nine different types of beans. Kumbheswore temple in Patan and holy Lake of Gosaikunda are important places for this festival where people take holy dips. Naag Panchami (August) Images of the serpent 'Naga' are stuck over the doors of house during the festivals of snakes.Since snakes are to believed to have power over the monsoon rainfall,it is important that they are appeased. Their image also keeps evil from entering the home. |
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