About Kurseong Hill Diaries

Best ICSE Schools in Kurseong, West Bengal - 2021 - Best Educational institutions in the Kurseong Hills

2021-07-28T23:10:00.002+05:30

Kurseong, situated at an elevation of 1458 meters (4864 ft) best known as "The Land Of White Orchids" as the name comes from the Lepcha language word for "little orchids" "Kurson - Rip or Karsan-Rup" because of the little white orchids dotting the valleys. It lies within the district of Darjeeling and is situated in the state of West Bengal. So, in other words, we can describe this beautiful town as the home to flowering species and richly endowed with flora and fauna owing to its favorable climatic conditions. Besides, its scenic beauty, mesmerizing views, and lush green Tea gardens, Kurseong can also be termed an Educational Hub with most of the renowned schools in the area being established pre-independence era. Not only is it regarded as one of the best tourist destinations for travelers and explorers to explore beautiful places. It is also a place to acquire education and also enjoy the beauty of nature in the hills.

Why Kurseong is called an Educational Hub or School of Town?

A million-dollar question arises why the place is called the best educational hub or a school town. Let me explain to you education is not only learning or understanding about the alphabets or numeric’s. Education is important for every child in the world because it is a powerful tool that will help them to excel in life. It helps them to learn how to think and also enhances their creativity and imagination. It helps to create a sense of discipline in them. They also learn to communicate and work as a team. As we can say that school is the first avenue of socializing for a child and also a first and foremost fountain of knowledge children is exposed, to acquire knowledge in various fields. So to get the best education for our children we need to choose a better educational institution or school for them. Here, this small town plays an important role in the growth of the education field and providing high-quality education to the students. Not only the place is famous for its renowned schools established before independence but it is also getting popular with the name of "School town" due to the rise of various English medium schools in the town. Most of the schools in Kurseong are affiliated with the ICSE Board, CBSE Board, and West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.

List of Best ICSE Schools in Kurseong established before Independence:

Dow-Hill School:

Established in 1879, run by the state government (West Bengal) the school is affiliated with the ICSE Board, New Delhi. At almost 142 years old this school still stands strong in the field of education and is recognized as one of the best schools in the town. Due to its prime location far away from the noisy town, the school is situated in between the forested area adorned by tall Pine trees deliberately forming avenues. Not only has the location but also due to the favorable climatic condition of the place, many students from different parts of India come here to study. This school also has co-education only from class LKG - III. And from class IV to X it's only for female students while the male students from class IV to further higher studies move to Victoria Boy's School. The school has worked very hard for almost a decade for imparting high-quality education to its students. Well, one can find a highly educated teaching staff with many years of experience. Not only do they help their students in the academic field but also assists them in extracurricular activities which help the student work as a team member and grow mentally and physically strong.

How to reach Dowhill School?

Dow hill school is located 3-4 km away from Kurseong town. The school can be easily reached by hiring a taxi or a cab from Burdwan road or can hire directly from the motor stand near Kurseong Railway station. It will almost cost 300-500 rupees to hire a taxi from the said place. Else one can also find Dowhill taxi syndicate and travel by paying 50 rupees per person to reach the location.

Address Dow hill School

Dow Hill Road, P.O. Dow Hill, Kurseong - 734204,

Dist: Darjeeling West Bengal.

Victoria Boy's School:

Established in 1879, is also one of the oldest school in the town. It is situated only a kilometer apart from its sister school Dow hill Girls school. It is regarded as one of the oldest schools not only in the town but in the whole country of India. This school is affiliated with ICSE Board and run by the West Bengal government. Focusing on the quality education and the overall development of a child, the school strictly adheres to the syllabus prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. The entire campus is surrounded by tall pine trees which make the campus looks more greenery and beautiful. The institution is well equipped with essential facilities which ensure the effective and efficient running of the school education.

Address Victoria Boy's School

Victoria Boys School, Dow Hill Road,

P.O. Dow Hill, Kurseong,

Dist. Darjeeling, Pin- 734204

Well, to reach Victoria English school, one can follow the same travel route as mentioned above. It's only a kilometer away from Dow hill Girls school, the route applied the same for both the institutions.

Goethals Memorial School:

Established in the year 1907, the school is considered one of the most esteemed schools in the hills and in the country. Named after Jesuit Archbishop of Calcutta, Paul Goethals the school is run by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. With the aim of providing high-quality education to their students, the school is well equipped with modern learning technology, essential facilities, well-qualified and experienced teachers, and good infrastructure. Not only with their excellent academics record, but the school has also proven itself better in the field of sports and other extracurricular activities. Affiliated with the ICSE Board, the school has also become a co-ed institution allowing female students from different schools to apply and study from class XI to XII.

Address Goethals Memorial School

P.O Kurseong -734203

District Darjeeling

West Bengal

India

How to reach Goethals Memorial School?

The school can be easily reached by hiring a taxi or a cab from the local taxi stand situated near the supermarket or community hall opposite to Bata (Shoe)Shop. It is almost 5km away from the main town.

St. Helens Secondary School:

With the foundation laid in April 1890, the school is run and managed by the group of the Daughters of the Cross. It was initially recognized as a “Lovely Mountain Home”, is a minority, Catholic educational institution. This school is highly equipped with favorably and qualified faculties to provide the proper guidance and education to children. With its consistent excellent academic record, this educational institution is counted among the top-rated schools in West Bengal. This school is mainly for female students. This school is located in Dumaram Busty, Kurseong, and can be easily reached by walking.

Address

St.Helens School

Hill cart Road, Dumaram Busty

P.O. Kurseong

District Darjeeling

How to reach St. Helens School?

This school can be reached by hiring a taxi from the local motor stand till Bungdil road and then it takes a 10mts walk to reach the destination.

List of Best WBBSE Schools in Kurseong:

St. Alphonsus School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1891)

St Joseph Girl's School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1944)

Scot's Mission School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1910)

Ramkrishna Girl's High School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1956)

Pushparani Memorial High School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1887)

Kurseong Adarsh Vidhyalaya (Higher Secondary School Established in 1972)

List of Best ICSE and CBSE Schools in Kurseong:

Himali Boarding School (Established in the year 1978 is one of the best co-ed schools in West Bengal India)

St. Anthonys School (Established in the year 1991 is one of the best co-ed schools in the Town)

Glenhill Public School (Established in the year 1985 Co-Ed School)

St. Augustine School (Established in the year 1990 Co-Ed School)

Daisies English School (Established in the year 1983 Co-Ed School)

Modern English School (Established in the year 1992 Co-Ed School)

Cambridge English School Co-Ed

Little Flower School (Established in the year 1978 Co-Ed School)

Belle Vue Boarding School (Established in the year 1981 Co-Ed School)

Godwin Modern School (Established in the year 1992 CBSE Board Co-Ed School)

Jnaneshwar Memorial Academy School (Established in the year 2003 Co-Ed School)

If you're looking for more details regarding results, examinations schedule, application forms, syllabus, and admission procedure, kindly contact the concerned department of the school.

From the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, "Children are like buds in the garden that need to be carefully nurtured, as they are the future citizens of tomorrow. Education acts as the wind beneath the wings for children to grow as healthy and prosperous adults in the future".

Please do check:- The literacy rate of Kurseong city is 93.73 % higher than the state average of 76.26 %. In Kurseong, Male literacy is around 95.54 % while the female literacy rate is 91.92 %.

Are Chayote leaves edible?

2021-07-07T21:17:00.008+05:30

Chayote Leaves

My article about chayote wouldn’t be complete without explaining or writing something about its healthy leaves and which are also good to eat and with lots of health benefits like chayote vegetable or fruit. Most of us think that only the vegetable or fruit (chayote) is only edible, but it’s wrong that the whole chayote plant is edible, such as leaves, stems, and roots. As I have already stated in, my previous post or article the chayote plant is cultivated or grown on a large scale in the northeast region of India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, Shillong). The local people residing or living in this region prepare or cook and eat the chayote vegetables. They also eat the trailing plants, stems, and leaves as it is also one of the favorite local delicacies prepared in the Himalayan region. These trailing plants' leaves and stems are locally called iskush(Squash) ko munta (local Nepali language in Darjeeling, Sikkim). As mentioned above, it is cultivated or grown on a large scale the local people cannot consume or eat these organic vegetables. So, the local people supply or sell it in the local markets which would help them to earn some money for their livelihood and they also can buy other essential goods for their family and household. As of today, these organic vegetables are high in demand because of their medicinal importance, health benefits, and rich in vitamins.

What are Chayote Leaves?

Chayote leaves, scientific name Sechium edule, belong to the cucurbit family along with pumpkin, cucumber, and melon. The leaves are small to medium in size and thin, wide, and heart-shaped. The bright green leaves have a sandpaper-like texture and have pointed lobes with tiny thin tendrils attached near or to the base of the stem. On perennial climbing plants, the stems can be up to ten meters long. This plant can also be scattered on large areas of the ground and use its leaves and tendrils to protect its fruits. This edible plant along with its stem roots and leaves contains a good amount of vitamin C and also rich in fiber and folate. These leaves are available year-round.

How to cook or prepare chayote leaves?

Chayote leaves can be prepared or cooked in different ways it depends on how we prepare them. Mainly in the Himalayan region, we the local people prepare it as a side dish. Sometimes we prepare the whole chayote leaves by washing them properly and putting them in a deep container adding some water, ginger, and a little bit of chili paste and salt as per the taste without using any kind of cooking oil and left it to boil as the leaves and stem becomes tender and juicy and the soup tastes good. This way of cooking the Chayote leaves is not only tasty to eat but it is healthy and beneficial for the people who are suffering from high blood pressure and diabetics as it only simply boiled without using any kind of oil. But if we like to make it a little different way we can stir fry it by adding mixing it with other vegetables or also along with white meat (chicken).

Stir - Fry Chayote Leaves

Conclusion

As I have mentioned above that the whole chayote plant is edible such as its leaves, stems, and roots. In my next post, I would like to explain the chayote roots which are found inside the soil around 2-3ft deep and it is dug mostly in January - February and considered one of the best delicacies in the Himalayan locale. It is better known as iskush ko jara in the local language ( Nepali language).

Nanglo - Local Handmade Nepalese Handicraft

2021-06-22T20:51:00.003+05:30

Nanglo Local Handicraft

As we are dragging ourselves to the 21st century where human beings are attracted towards the illusion of modern technology and comfy life. We have made ourselves dependent on modern-day scientific gadgets even for completing minor chores. Although this technology is beneficial in the modern-day scenario where everything around us has been globalized and digitalized. But we should not make technology the very part and partial of our life side by side we should also preserve and promote our Ethnicity. We all belong to different religions and come from different regions and have behind us a rich cultural and traditional heritage. Hence in the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, we must not forget to preserve them.

Nepali culture and tradition are very rich and its diverse people still hold to their ancient cultures and beliefs. Not only they preserve and promote the rich culture and tradition of the Nepalese community but still people living in the villages from different parts of Nepal and also from the north-east part of India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur) make and practice these traditional local art crafts, which would help the community to carry out a lot of chores easily. Those local traditional articrafts were not only used to carry out works but were also sold or trade with other things to make a living out of it. There were many local traditional articrafts or handicrafts which our ancestors or forefathers use to make and those items were very useful at that period to carry out a lot of household work. Among those local traditional items which our forefathers introduced into our Nepalese community was Nanglo a bamboo woven tray.

Nepalese Bamboo Tray

About Nanglo Bamboo Woven Tray:

Nanglo a traditional local handicraft made up of thin bamboo pieces called Choya ( local Nepali language) intermingled and woven perfectly in a flat round shape. It is also better known as a Nepalese bamboo tray. Nanglo not only is an indispensable part of the Nepali kitchen but it also speaks about our cultural values. One can find this local handicraft in every household of the Nepalese community living in the rural areas. But we hardly get to see those local handicrafts in the household living in cities or urban areas where that particular person or family is interested and have some knowledge in local traditional handicraft items.

Winnowing Rice in Nanglo

How do we use Nanglo?

Nanglo, as already stated that it is an essential part of the Nepalese kitchen and used for various purposes. One of the important purposes of Nanglo is to separate dust particles from paddy, rice, dal, beans, and other grains and this process is called winnowing. Still, the people living in the villages in Nepal and also in the northeast part of India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur) follow this process. In the days of yore, our ancestor's not only used it for winnowing but it was also used as a traditional tray. At the religious festivals, people used to put food items and carry in this bamboo tray as a gift to their neighbors.

Lastly, whether we belong to the Nepalese community or any other communities in the world we should always come forward to protect, preserve and promote our culture and tradition. If we don't then slowly it may be erased and our coming generations may not be able to know about our rich culture and tradition. As it is said, that these local traditional handicrafts or articrafts not only represent our community culture and tradition but also promote the heritage of a place through the use of these indigenous items and preserves the traditional talents. Not only the handicrafts but we must also support the local artisans who make these local traditional items by visiting them and showing great interest in their skillfully work.

Gundruk - Darjeeling Authentic Local Soup

2021-06-18T20:05:00.003+05:30

Authentic Local Soup

Gundruk

Introduction:

When talking about the traditional local delicacy of north-east India ( Darjeeling and Sikkim ), we wouldn't be surprised to say something about the famous local authentic soup which is prepared by using fermented mustard leaves ( Rai ko Saag ) and radish leaves ( Mula ko saag ) locally named as Gundruk. It is considered a famous and authentic local soup cooked and served in every household of Nepalese or Gorkhalis people living in different parts of the world. This local soup is served as a side dish with the main course. Not only it is consumed as a soup but many prefer to savor it as a salad.

Gundruk

How is Gundruk prepared and processed?

As we all know that due to favorable climatic conditions places from North-East India (Darjeeling, Sikkim) is very famous for their organic farming and produces a good amount of organic vegetables. Mustard leaves and radish are grown in huge quantities in these regions for commercial purposes as they are in great demand. During the harvesting period, most of the produce is regulated in the local market and is also consumed and the leftovers are processed into Gundruk rather than discarding them uselessly. Gundruk is processed in a very natural and traditional way without using any type of preservatives. Fresh mustard leaves are collected, washed, and kept in the sun for a day or two to wilt. Wilted leaves are accumulated, compressed tightly in a bag, and buried in the ground by digging a hole and left for at least two to three weeks for proper fermentation. The acidity can be gauged by its smell or also by tasting and when the Gundruk is fermented it is dug out and dried in the sunlight in a proper place. Not only the leaves are fermented and processed but also the roots are also done in the same manner and it is called Sinki (radish) in the local language. After the whole process is completed the leafy vegetable is edible and ready to be prepared cooked as a soup or also as a salad. This soup is not only good to taste but also works wonders during indigestion.

Gundruk Soup

How is Gundruk soup is prepared?

Well, preparing gundruk soup is not so complicated rather it can be prepared in a simple way. Here are a few steps to prepare gundruk soup but it depends on each of us how we prepare it.

First of all, if the gundruk leaves are long and big we need to cut them into medium size and after that, a handful of gundruk is put in a bowl and washed properly.
Hot water is poured into a bowl containing gundruk before cooking to make the gundruk soft.
A deep cooking pot is heated and some mustard oil is poured inside the pot and left for 2-3 minutes.
After that, some finely chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies along with a small tsp of turmeric powder, salt according to the taste, and some chopped tomatoes are added to the pot and stirred for 2-3 minutes, and then the soaked gundruk is squeezed to release the water properly and once done it is added to the pot and stirred and cooked for at least 5-8 minutes.
When the ingredients inside the pot are cooked properly than 2-3 cups of water is added(depending on the requirement) along with some fresh finely chopped coriander leaves and left till the gundruk soup is properly boiled and ready to eat with a plate of rice.

Lastly, I just want to say few things, this is the most traditional way to cook authentic local soup and, the ingredients mentioned above are enough to make the soup delicious and tasty.

Cham Dance - The Ritualistic Masked Dance By Buddhist Monks

2021-06-08T21:30:00.006+05:30

Cham Dance in Kurseong (2016)

Introduction to Cham Dance:

The entirety of the religion has its unique and exceptional method of presenting or performing out their different culture, tradition, customs, and ceremonies which they perform during their religious festivals. Today I will discuss a remarkable unique dance form performed and rehearsed in various pieces of Bhutan and India. Such dance forms are performed in front of large audiences by monks or the local Buddhist people during their annual religious festivals. Yes, I am talking about a vibrant masked and costumed dance form better known as Cham dance.

Origin of Cham Dance:

Cham dance has a unique history, as it is stated that this ritual dance custom was initiated by Guru Padmasambhava in the late eighth century. It has its own story told by our ancestors and legend when Guru Padmasambhava was summoned by the king of Tibet, Trishong Detsen to exorcise evil spirits that would not allow the construction of Samye Monastery, Guru performed a dance ritual to exorcise evil spirits. And over the period as life slowly moved on this religious dance form came to be known as a famous Cham dance. Mainly originated from the Himalayan locale this ritual dance is still practiced and performed to date.

Kurseong Montiviet in 2016

Significance of Cham Dance:

Cham dance as first performed by the Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in the late eighth century is considered to be a sacred and holy traditional dance. From this on, the cham dance spread over the Himalayan region, and many Buddhist people from different places started practicing this ritual dance. This ritual dance is performed during religious festivals and also on the eve of the Buddhist new year ( called Losar). As we can witness that it is generally performed in front of a large audience in the big courtyard and also in the monasteries. It is believed that the monks or lamas performing this ritual dance meditate and pray the week before the main religious festival is held. The monks performing this ritual dance represents themselves as deities, demons and also as an animal by wearing a heavy mask, colorful silk costumes, and ornaments. And some of the monks accompany them by playing traditional Tibetan instruments ( such as the ritual drums ) and the masked monks dance to the tunes of the monastic orchestra reciting the mantras and offering prayers. This ritualistic dance is said to be performed for more than a week during the festivals. The mask is the incarnation of the god of anger. The mask carries terror and great fear in the hearts of evil forces and brings peace and tranquility to Buddhists who seek enlightenment through meditation and prayer. These celebrations are not only fantastic, elaborate theatrical performances, they also have great spiritual and cultural significance, but ritual dances also leave a strong karmic mark. The important significance of the cham dance to hope for a peaceful world, to shield all living beings from demons. it's an associate degree giving to divinity to eliminate all suffering and worries and convey joy and happiness.

Kurseong 2016

Types of cham dance:

Kurseong 2016

According to the Tibetan Buddhist religion, there are various types of cham dance and each of these ritual dances has its importance and significance. We will discuss a few cham dances.

Skeleton Dance: In the skeleton dance, the monks wear the skull mask and the skeleton decorated costume. The monks wearing a skull mask and performing skeleton dances are also known as citipati or chitipati. It is believed that the citipati were protector skeletal deities who performed this dance. As the Citipati skeleton dancer performs in pairs especially male and female.

Gar Cham: Gar Cham dance means coordinating the movement of hands, legs, and body. This dance form is performed secretly by the monks and also considered not for public viewing. It is performed by monks during the annual ritual of Tshechu or religious celebration day.

Deer dance: Performed by a group, the dancers signify and represent ‘one of the many protector deities’ and rid the new year of the negative forces. But when it is performed by one dancer, he represents the deer that was tamed and rescued by Milarepa.

I strongly suggest to all my readers and viewers if you get an opportunity in your life to witness this most ritualistic and religious dance performance please don't let it go or miss it. It is not only a dance form but it is also a spiritual belief to overcome evil spirits and bring peace, joy, and happiness to one's life.

Importance of Buddhist Prayer beads - Japmala in one's life

2021-06-03T19:27:00.006+05:30

Importance of Prayer beads or Japmala in our life

In our day to day to life, we human beings are so focused only on our career family, and income as we can say that we are only focused or attracted towards materialistic things and we simply tend to forget the inner values, happiness, and actual meaning of life and our self.

As today's article or post is all about knowing our self our happiness and our inner values by doing meditation and focusing using a powerful meditation tool traditionally called Prayer beads or Japmala.

JapMala

Origin Of Prayer beads or Japmala.

It is believed to have originated in India back in the 8th B.C. It is stated that the word "Bead" is derived from the old Anglo- Saxon word "Bede" meaning Prayer.

As time passed, many other religions began to include prayer beads in their religious activities, and mala prayer beads became popular in most Asian nations.

Significance of Prayer beads or Japmala.

Prayers beads or Japmala is a set of beads used mainly for spiritual practices, meditation, and prayers. It is also considered a symbolic yet powerful tool for meditation. Mala word originates from an old Sanskrit word that means meditation garland. Mostly prayer beads are practiced in different religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Traditionally the main body of mala is made with 108 special and unique beads. This number symbolizes the 108 forms that the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is able to assume in order to help devotees. It is considered that this number was chosen to enable worshippers to repeat the sacred name of the Buddha 100 times, the extra beads allowing for any miscounts made through not focusing on counting or for the loss or breakage of beads. In Buddhism and Hinduism, the number 108 is considered a sacred number. An additional bead 109th referred to as the guru bead or the head bead is the larger bead used for counting rounds and helps remind you of your positive intentions, thoughts, desires, dreams, and wishes. Prayer beads or Japmala are primarily used as a powerful tool to incite a greater ability to meditate or pray. We should always maintain absolute focus and clear the minds while doing meditation or offering prayers. Each bead signifies a breath or a mantra that you concentrate on as you travel from one to the next. They reflect our spiritual identity as well as our link to the rest of the cosmos.

What is Guru Bead?

The Guru bead is considered as a head bead often larger than the other beads which indicate the starting and the ending point of the prayer beads. This bead is used to symbolize the bond between the influence from who the student has received their recited mantra and pay homage to this either literal or symbolic bond. At the point when the Guru Bead is reached through reflection, it ought to help the wearer to remember the mindfulness accomplished through mantra practice and that such mindfulness ought to be raised to be utilized in regular daily existence. This head bead or the Guru bead is not counted during repetition and rather is a moment of reflection before continuing to another round of meditation. The Guru Bead is utilized to make aim inside the wearer and to be a token of the intentions in sitting in reflection.

Buddhist Mala

How to count or use Prayer beads or Japmala?

The prayer beads are mostly used while meditating and offering prayers as we visit a monastery or a temple we often find Buddhist monks or Nuns sitting in a quiet place holding prayer beads or mala in their right hand draped between the middle finger and the index finger and slowly pulling it in towards using their thumb to count each smaller beads starting from the guru beads chanting mantras. As we can observe that it is repeated 108 times traveling around the prayer beads or mala once it reaches again to the guru bead. Again if we want to continue meditation we reverse the direction of the prayer beads and start it over again. During the meditation process, we should keep our eyes gently close and then breathe slowly in and out through our noses and keep our mind focused till we finish the meditation.

Life of a Nepalese Porters in Himalayan locale

2021-05-26T15:00:00.003+05:30

My dear companions let us spare some time, sit back and go through this post. As many of us live our lives in a comfortable environment and we enjoy our life in a luxurious way. But have you noticed there are also some people in our human community who are struggling to live their lives, struggling for food, struggling to secure a good life for their family, and the people who exhaust themself to the limit to earn their daily bread just simply to survive in this world? Well my dear friends I am talking about those people who carry enormous loads on their back using a head strap called Namlo in the local language and head towards their destination either in rainy, summer, or bone-chilling winter seasons. Yes, I am talking about the Porter’s (Bhariya Dai in local language) who sacrifice their health to earn some amount of money to give their family a better future. In my hometown Kurseong (Land of White Orchids) we get to see a lot of Porter’s walking on the roads carrying enormous loads on their back. Lots of them sitting near the roadside and some of them loitering around the Motor-station waiting for the customers to start their daily work by offering their services as a carrier or a bearer. They are an essential part of Hill’s daily life as they ship almost every item like furniture, ration goods items, and other heavy goods. Most of the Porter’s in the hills come from the neighboring country Nepal to secure a better life for their family back at home. And among them, 30 percent are women porters. We normal people cannot imagine living a life of a porter. In our hilly region we see them working from the crack of dawn to the late hours of darkness or in other words, a life of a porter is hilarious and miserable as they have to engage themself in all kinds of odd jobs starting from carrying heavy luggage in Railway stations, grocery shop, ration shop with a meager charge which is often bargained to further lower. Although technology has advanced to a far-reaching level and slavery has decreased, the role of carriers for specialized transport services remains strong to date.

One day early morning I rush to the LPG distribution agency in my home town (Kurseong) to book a gas after finishing the procedure I was able to get new refill gas and I came out of the agency and started looking for a porter(Bhariya Dai) and mostly all of them were engaged with their work and waiting outside for quite a long time a middle-aged man approached towards me and start talking with me and offered a service to carry the new refill gas from the agency to my home but as I saw that person he was old and I asked him twice thrice that will you be able to carry this load and able to walk several upstairs and the porter replied yes but still, I was not sure to hire him for this work and I replied to him that you will not be able to carry and walk almost 20 minutes from here to my place but this man started telling me that he is not able to get a job because of his old age and health. He requested me many times and kept on telling me if he did not engage himself for work he will not be able to feed himself as well as his family. I offered him some money as a help to him but this person refuses to accept the money as a kind help and again said me to hire him to carry the refill gas and as there was no option for me but to hire him and he brought his head strap (Namlo in local language) and put it around the gas cylinder and tied it and I helped him to carry it on the back. While heading towards my home I was also helping him from the backside as there was many upstairs to walk through and we finally reached home and then invited him inside my house and told him to relax for a while because he was out of his breath and sweating and I offered him a glass of water to drink and some food to eat as I watched him his hand was trembling and was not able to hold the glass properly and I told him that why are you engaging yourself in such hard work. He looked at me smiled and simply answered just to survive and then again he said this is our life as a porter.

Last but not least a small request to my dear companions please respect people and their job and try to put yourselves in their shoes and see the world through their prospective.

Meaning and significance of Prayer Flags

2021-05-25T17:59:00.007+05:30

Prayer Flag

As most of you have gone to the Himalayan locale, you should have presumably noticed that in a large portion of the houses, we frequently see a set of colorful flags hanging above their homes, and some are attached to poles a tall bamboo close to their homes. Yes, I am talking about the prayer flags that are hung above their houses, and as the wind blows, the prayer and mantra will be blown by the wind to spread goodness and compassion in the surrounding areas and overcome darkness and misfortune. Well, it is also believed that it also brings good fortune and less misery. Not only placed above the houses as we can also notice that it is hanged in the mountain areas in the Himalayan locale and also in the monasteries. As Buddhists, we always believed that mountains are sacred places on earth.

Traditionally there are two kinds of prayer flags Lung ( meaning "Wind Horse") and Darchog(meaning "flagstaff"). Lung-Ta prayer flags are rectangular and are usually connected diagnol inline between the two objects in the high mountain regions and the top of the monasteries and stupas with the help of string or strong threads. Well on the other hand Darchog prayer flags are large single rectangles attached to the poles or tall bamboo and are planted in the ground and sometimes on the rooftop.

Darchog Prayer Flag

Traditionally, the Lung-Ta Prayer flag symbolizes a strong or powerful horse that is believed to carry all the prayers from the earth to heaven with the speed of a wind and strength as a horse transforming negative energy into positive energy and bringing back peace, harmony, and good fortunes. Prayer flags are usually in a set of five combinations each with five colors and five elements. They are arranged in a specific orders from left to right representing different colors and elements such as Blue(color) for Sky(element), White(color) for Air or Wind(element), Red(color) for Fire(element), Green(color) for Water(element) and Yellow(color) for Earth(element).

Prayer Flags

The Prayer flags are printed with the powerful mantra Om Mani Padme Hum which refers as:

Om - The sacred syllable

Mani - Jewel or Bead

Padme - Lotus symbolizing Wisdom

Hum - Unity, and spirit of the enlightenment.

People from different religions can practice this spiritual belief by themselves by hanging prayer flags while visiting the monasteries or sacred places up in the hills and mountains to spread and bring goodness, positive energy, and peace and harmony to society and surrounding areas.

Traditional way of Offering Butter Lamp

2021-05-18T18:52:00.004+05:30

Butter Lamp

A Guiding Light

Butter Lamp is a guiding light to find enlightenment. Light stands for the freedom of all conscious beings from the obscurity of obliviousness. In this manner, the act of lighting butter lamps acts as a symbolic way of dispensing with ambiguity and obliviousness from this World. It will also help the mind to focus on the eternal path of salvation. It is taken into consideration that the lamp offerings are associated with the transitions of life and also represent the wisdom of awakened ones and compassion. With each lamp offering, we celebrate the enlightenment of Buddha and also bring good fortune. The offerings of Butter lamps are practiced continuously throughout the year to emanate the prayers and aspirations of pilgrims. As the guiding light, Butter Lamp's offering is related to good fortune. It is deeply believed that offering butter lamps and praying at the same time help us to bring less misery or sufferings, more prominent satisfaction at the time of sickness, misfortune, and death. We offer butter lamps and prayer for the good health of our family members and our friends also on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and for their better career.

Offering Butter Lamp:

When we offer butter lamp we should maintain certain things on our minds.

First, we need to clean the surrounding areas properly and make sure that the entire area is neat and clean.

Second, we need to check the lamp are clean or not if not then we have to clean them properly using a clean piece of cloth to use them.

Third, we need to insert or put cotton wicks properly in the lamp before pouring the hot butter into the lamps.

Fourth, while pouring the butter in the lamp we have to make sure that we don't pour butter in the cotton wick as if we do so then the cotton wick gets heavy and it might not stay straight in a proper way in the lamp. So we need to carefully pour the hot butter into the lamp before it gets cold and becomes solid. We need to place all 108 lamps on a flat surface before we start lighting the lamp.

We need to clean ourselves by washing our hands and also our feet. Then we wear the mask to prevent the breath from contaminating the purity of the butter lamp.

The entire process is done in such a meditative way and also at the same time chanting the mantras (OM VAJRA ALOKE AH HUM EMA HO), meant to draw one in both physically and spiritually.

It is essential to practice the offering of butter lamps. As Buddhists, we should at least make 100,000 butter lamp offerings in our lifetime to achieve the path of the sutra and possess pure heavenly eyes and clear wisdom in the future.

How to prepare a Butter Lamp?

To prepare or to make a butter lamp we need few things such as a chunk of butter and a medium-sized

the container where we can put the butter into the container and then place it on top of the stove then we heat the container till the butter melts. After the butter is melted properly we then pour it on the other container like a kettle. By using the kettle, it is easy to pour the butter into the lamps. We also need cotton to make wick which is easily available in medical stores in the market. After that, we need to roll the stretch of the cotton fiber gently and then roll the fiber by using the hands, or else we can also use a piece of straw to roll the fiber properly. And last but not least we need a lamp (brass or copper) where we can pour the butter and place the wick to complete the butter lamp.

As Lord Buddha said, "If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."

Buddhist Prayer Wheel - A spiritual blessing

2020-08-07T17:55:00.005+05:30

Introduction Of Prayer Wheel

Prayer is spiritual communication between a person and a god as prayer is said to be a universal human activity. The purpose of Buddhist Prayers is to awaken our inner capacities of strength, courage, wisdom rather than to petition external forces. As Buddhists, we believe that nothing is fixed or permanent and that change is always possible. The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation, and wisdom. As one can discover wonderful Monasteries, Stupas or a Buddhist place of worship, Prayer flags and Prayer wheels heading out to the Himalayan locale (Nepal, India) which represents Buddhist culture and custom in the Himalayan area (Nepal, India). Many of us have also noticed that old aged Buddhist people carrying a handheld prayer wheel spinning and chanting mantras and walking towards the Monasteries in the morning and evening time to pray to invoke good karma in their next life. It is also believed to be a part of meditation practice. So today let me share some information with my companions about the Prayer wheel and its significance.

PrayerWheel:

Likewise many of us have visited Monasteries while traveling to the Himalayan region (India, Nepal) and have noticed or seen Prayer wheels beautifully embossed or mounted on a rod handle or axis made of wood or a precious metal-containing a tightly wound scroll inscribed with a mantra and also a small handheld size Prayer wheel which signifies the ancient Buddhist Tradition. A Prayer wheel is a hollow cylindrical wheel made from metal, wood, or stone, and on the wheel are written or encapsulated prayers or mantras. The inner and outer portion of the cylinder is inscribed by a sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in an ancient Indian script or in Tibetan script. The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is the most ubiquitous mantra and the most popular form of religious practice. Prayer wheels are also well-known as Mani wheels within the Tibetan language. It is believed in Buddhism that when a worshipper spins or turns the prayer wheel it will purify the negativities and will accumulate good karma and wisdom. It is also said that simply touching the prayer wheel and uttering the mantras brings great purification of negative karmas and obscurations. The Worshippers most often spin the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky. It is believed that turning the prayer wheel with millions of mantras inside is the equivalent of saying those millions of mantras, so turning it one time is the same as having recited that many mantras.

Om Mani Padme Hum

It is the six-syllable mantra particularly associated with the four-armed Shadakshari form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. It is also one of the most powerful mantras in Buddhism, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. It is said that each of the six-syllable mantras has great meaning and significance in life. As Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche has beautifully described the true meaning of these six the syllable in his book “Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones”

The first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics,

Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience.

Pä, the fourth syllable helps to achieve perfection of perseverance,

Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration,

The final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom.

"So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. The path of these six perfections is the path walked by all the Buddhas of the three times. What could then be more meaningful than to say the mantra and accomplish the six perfections?"

Sources: “Om Mani Padme Hum.” Wikipedia.

Types of Prayer Wheels:

• Mani wheel (a hand prayer wheel)

• Water wheels (turned by flowing water)

• Fire wheel (turned by the heat of a candle or electric light)

• Windwheel ( a type of prayer wheel is turned by wind)

• Stationary prayer wheels

• Electric dharma wheels(powered by electric motors)

Mani Wheel

Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. -Buddha

Classic traditional percussion instrument - Madal

2020-07-16T21:26:00.003+05:30

Madal

Nepalese music integrates fanciful and rhythmical sounds of melodies with a typical sharp resonance. The traditional folk songs or tunes are sung in the foothills of the Himalayan region by the locale symbolizes the religious and agricultural life. Talking about the traditional folk music and songs the traditional instruments also plays a vital role in completing the excellence of Nepalese music. The traditional instruments have their own importance in the Nepalese culture and tradition. There are three most popular traditional instruments which are widely played during festivals and celebrations and these instruments are commonly known as Madal, Sarangi, and Bansuri. But today let us talk about the most popular traditional instrument which is commonly famous in the villages of the Himalayan region of Nepal and as well as in the northeast region of India( Darjeeling, Sikkim where the majority Nepali people are living). Yes, today I am talking about the popular Nepalese traditional instrument Madal (Nepali local language).

Madal:

Madal is a classic traditional percussion instrument that is widely played by hanging the drum over the shoulders or around the neck. Madal (Traditional Folk Drum) is also considered as the backbone of the traditional folk music and one of the ancient folk instrument played by the Nepalese community during the festivals (Tihar, Deusi-Bhailo) and celebrations. It is popularly used as a hand drum and mainly for rhythm keeping in folk music and songs. It is believed that the Madal (Traditional folk Drum) was originated from the Magar community in western Nepal. Madal (Traditional folk Drum) is also the national musical instrument of Nepal. Basically, Madal is a double-headed hand drum used in Nepal and the north-eastern part of India. It consists of a cylindrical body with a slight bulge at its center and heads at both ends, one head larger than the other. It is usually played horizontally in a seated position, with both heads played simultaneously. Normally, a wooden log is cut in order to form a hollow cavity, well known as Ghar (घर). The drum heads are double-layer skin usually used from a goat’s skin. The drum heads are then covered by dried leather (goat’s skin) and the leather is stretched in such a proper way that it produces a melodic sound when played by the hands from both ends of the drum. Basically, the right side is smaller and the left is bigger, hence the left side gives a bass sound. The dark surface of the drum head mainstream known as 'Khari' while the external plain surface is famously known as 'Maidan'. The peripheral piece of the drum heads which somewhat lifts is well known as 'Chatti'. The long segment of skin string running along the body of the Madal is well known as Tan or Tana. From that point forward, we have the piece of the drumheads where the strings around the body of the Madal weave called 'Tana Ghar' or 'Mathura'. What's more, at long last, the lash uses to mount the Madal on the hips of the player called 'Juiina'.

Madal is an indispensable piece of Nepalese culture and has numerous strict and social essentialness like the acclaimed Nepalese 'Panche Baja'. Madal dominatingly is played in Nepalese Folk and Lok geet. It is likewise a renowned instrument for Dohori and Rodhi melodies just as for the celebrations Dashain, Tihar and other celebrations among the Nepalese people group. The musicality produced using Madal hoists and delivers a euphoric and lively tone, which is among the principal highlights of Nepalese customary people music. Other than being only an instrument, Madal is likewise the image and mascot of Nepalese culture and society, and it will proceed to prosper and advance both the way of life and sound of Nepalese society and its way of life.

What are Bamboo Shoots are they good to eat?

2020-07-04T19:29:00.004+05:30

Bamboo Shoots locally known as Tama (Nepali language) in the north-Eastern part of the Himalayan region of India are considered as one of the popular traditional dishes. Bamboo Shoots (Tama) are utilized as vegetables in various local dishes in the Himalayan region. The diverse ethnic groups take fresh or fermented bamboo shoots as one of the most favored traditional food items. It is considered an eatable shoot of numerous bamboo species including Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis. Bamboo Shoots are not only famous in the North-Eastern part of the Himalayan region (India), the creamy color Bamboo shoots are also famous and popular in various Asian cuisines. As in other words, we can also describe it as the integral constituents of many of the popular traditional cuisines. The dark outer sheaths around the Bamboo shoots are peeled off until the soft white interior (the eatable portion is exposed). After that, Bamboo shoots should be processed and boiled properly before it is consumed as a freshly harvested shoots because it contains cyanogenic glycosides, natural toxins which may pose serious health problems and the boiling process completely destroys the toxins present in the fresh Bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoot should be cooked and consumed as soon as possible because it becomes bitter in taste when we store it for a long period of time. The eatable Bamboo shoots are soft such as asparagus, that spring from the ground in the spring. The spring shoots are bigger and harder than those reaped in winter.

Why Bamboo Shoots are good to eat?

Bamboo shoots are not only a good edible item but it also has good medicinal importance. Bamboo shoots have a tremendous capability of being utilized as significant well-being food as they contain high proteins, amino acids, starches, numerous significant minerals, and nutrients. Bamboo shoots-based weight control plans are a rich wellspring of dietary strands and phytosterols and less cholesterol substance which make them one of the famous common wellbeing nourishments. Some ethnic clans of Northeast India utilized Bamboo shoots to control hypertension and cardiovascular afflictions. The high dietary fibers and low fat present in the Bamboo shoots help in reducing the thickening of arteries and can effectively control blood pressure. Bamboo shoots contain phytochemicals, which have antibacterial and antiviral impacts on the body. These Shoots also helps in boosting the immunity as it contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals. These Shoots are low in calories which helps in losing body fat and weight. Bamboo shoots are a potential source of antioxidant properties. Phenolic acids have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce the risk of several chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

How to make Bamboo Shoots Pickle (Tama KO Achaar in the Nepali language)?

1. Fresh Bamboo shoots are boiled and processed properly for about 10 – 15 minutes after that it is peeled and chopped into small pieces.

2. Add roasted 1tsp of cumin seeds, 1tsp of fennel seeds, 1tsp of fenugreek seeds, and 1tsp of mustard seeds.

3. Coarsely ground the roasted masala along with hot chili Dalle Khursani and some chili powder.

4. Slice some ginger into small pieces.

5. After that put the grounded masala, chopped Bamboo shoots, sliced ginger, vinegar, mustard oil and salt as per the taste in a bowl and mixed it properly.

6. After mixing all the items properly it is now ready to be transferred in an airtight pickle jar and for long term use place the pickle jar in direct sunlight at least 1-2 days.

Ingredients to prepare Bamboo Shoots Pickle:

Fermented Bamboo Shoot - 2 Cup

Cumin Seeds - 1 Tsp

Fennel Seeds - 1 tsp

Fenugreek Seeds - 1 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Dalle (Khursani) Chili - 3

Vinegar - 2 tbsp

Mustard Oil -half cup

Salt to taste

Damphu (Tamang Selo) – Instrument played by Tamang Community.

2020-06-27T23:06:00.004+05:30

DAMPHU - FOLK MUSICAL DRUM

Music is a universal language that ties all the people together and has the ability to make us upbeat and re-stimulate our brain, body, and soul and brings harmony. This is the reason why people all around the globe love to tune in to and even play music. Music is a lovely solid which is a blend of tunes and congruity and which mitigates you. Music may likewise allude to the craft of forming such wonderful sounds with the assistance of the different instruments. It plays an important role in Nepalese (Gorkha) community as music is inescapable in Nepalese (Gorkha) culture. Talking about the music and the musical instrument, Nepalese (Gorkha) are rich in cultural diversity as they celebrate many festivals. Due to the different Ethnic groups present in the Himalayan region, it has its own way of expressing different traditional folk music and playing various traditional folk instruments. Not only the song plays an important part in the Nepalese culture but also traditional instruments have their own charm and harmony. As talking about the traditional musical folk instrument Damphu is one of the ancient and popular traditional musical folk instrument which is played widely in the Himalayan region by the ethnic tribe Tamang.

Traditional Folk Musical Drum

Damphu (डम्फु): Damphu is a percussion instrument that somewhat resembles a huge tambourine. It is believed that this traditional musical instrument is used by the Tamang individuals to play the Tamang Selo music. Tamang Selo, performed by the Tamang community, is not only entertaining but also has a religious appeal. Tamang Selo dance is incomplete without the beats of the Damphu. This instrument symbolizes the culture and tradition of Tamang culture. As per old stories, Damphu was concocted by Peng Dorje a Tamang King and named it after Nepal's national winged animal the Daphne fowl. The Damphu and Tungna are the primary instruments of the Tamang individuals and these two instruments are supposed to be the 'nail and tissue' on a finger. Numerous accounts exist in the Tamang people group about how the drum was first made and turned into a backup to Tamang melodies. It is said Peng Dorje once executed an especially excellent deer which profoundly disheartened his loving wife and was in tears so and Peng Dorje chose to brighten her up. He made the drum utilizing the deer's delightful skin. To begin with, he bought a portion of wood and made a circle. At that point he fixed the dried deerskin on one side of the circle, utilizing 32 bamboo sticks called phurba. The circle made resonant sounds, trak dhin. He began to sing, recollecting his predecessors and divine beings with the beat of that new-conceived instrument. The story goes that all animals danced after hearing the melodious music generated by the Damphu, as did his wife. A fowl, the bird "Danphe", was likewise moving to the tune. So Peng Dorje named the circle drum, "Damphu". At this point in time, the instrument became a part of Tamang culture and tradition. Tamangs play on the Damphu on the occasion of worship and prayer and during exhibitions and festivities and resembles a bodhrán, a solitary-sided round edge drum embellished with images or left plain. It can have a little stick 4 to 6 inches since quite a while ago joined to the instrument body or played just with the hands. This stick is made of a slim bit of bamboo and the skin is fixed and held set up by 32 bamboo pegs. These 32 pegs speak to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas or Buddha's 32 physical symbols (lakshanas). Sometimes it has a versatile metal or wooden winged creature appended speaking to the legendary eponymous fledgling. The Damphu isn't to be mistaken for a comparative drum, the Dhyāngro having jingles, which is utilized only in custom by Nepali shamans. The Dhyāngro is a twofold-sided circle molded drum finished off with a calfskin having a long wooden handle. Dhyāngro is utilized for strict and custom work as it were. As a customary society instrument, the antiquated Damphu is well known. Alongside the first cadence of Tamang Selo music, it has a significant impact on Nepalese culture. It is anything but difficult to learn and simple to play. Tamba artists present Tamang chronicled and ceremonial melodies with the Damphu. Tamang individuals use Damphu in each occasion, for example, weddings, burial services, uncommon events, ceremonies, and celebrations where significantly, they express satisfaction, pity, recall progenitors and tell their history through melodies joined by the Damphu.

Types of Damphu: Damphu is generally of two types (i) A regular Damphu and (ii) A Bird-shaped Damphu. A regular Damphu generally comes with a small bamboo stick to keep rhythm, while on the other hand the bird-shaped Damphu an extra wooden bird carved with artisanship is attached.

How is Damphu Played: Damphu is quite simple to play as it expresses simple rhythms like the catasra (4/4) beat and the second and third strikes are made with four fingers of the right hand in a straightway. On the other hand, both the suspension and intensity of the first strike are comparatively higher. A long stick is used to generate the sound. On striking a Damphu the leather membrane vibrates, alternately compressing and releasing air and this constant vibration generates a deep-toned sound.

Legendary Gorkha Knife - Khukuri

2020-06-25T18:22:00.006+05:30

KHUKURI

Khukuri represents four great virtues of life i.e., Honour, Dignity, Courage, and Loyalty. It is a curved blade knife used as a weapon or a tool which is originated from the Indian subcontinents. It closely resembles the –Kopis, a Greek knife, and also ancient Japanese swords which have some of the distinguished features of khukuri. The exact history and sources are still up for debate. The oldest existing khukuri belonged to the Drabya shah (the king of Gorkha) in 1627 AD, kept in National Museum of Nepal, Kathmandu. The khukuri was known to the western world from the war between the British in India and the Gorkha army in western Nepal back in 1814-1816. After this, khukuri came to be amongst the most popular unarmed combat weapon in the world. Burton (1884) writes that a khukuri–like a falchion inscribed with writing in pali was housed in the British Museum. Dracula, a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker in 1897 also gave khukuri literary attention. It is the symbol of prized possession of Gorkha soldiers who have fought various wars in different terrain including historic World War I & World War II. Khukuri is the characteristic weapon of Gorkha regiments in India and the different Gorkha army of the world. All Gorkha armies are issued with two khukuri, one being ceremonial and the other for exercise /combat. This weapon has the unique distinction of being the only ancient battle weapon still in use in the field today which can be seen as absolutely unique in the entire history of edged weaponry. The “Biswakarma” is the traditional inheritors who are well known for making the world-famous ‘khukuri ‘, who has been forging this for many generations. Khukuri are of three types –shirupatha, baspatha, and buduna (slightly heavy). Types of khukuri are named after the shapes of leaves. The strength of khukuri can be seen on the slashing edge and not in the weight of the khukuri. Well, skilled artisans are needed to give the khukuri the right balance and edge. Two little knives are featured with the khukuri one being ‘Karda’ and the other ‘chakmak’. Each one as different aspects, to sharpen the khukuri and to cut small things karda is present while chakmak is used to start a fire using stones and some fibers. The scabbard of the khukuri or Dabh (a local name for the cover) is made of wood and metal stripes it and also the leatherwork can be seen in scabbard sometimes. Meanwhile, the artisans do not include the karda and chakmak as people tend to carry only the khukuri nowadays which leads to the absence of a complete set. Kaudi (notch) at the base of the blades of a khukuri signifies the powerful Hindu symbol “OM” and also signifies cows' hoof. Kaudi is seen as a sighting device to capture the enemy’s view to behead him and also to lock the sword of the enemy in it to disarm him. Amongst the many reasons practically it is there to drop off the blood from the blade without making the handle slippery. The handles of the khukuri are often made of hardwood and butt plates are made of brass or steel. The khukuri is also used as a multi-purpose tool like cutting woods for fire, cutting meats and vegetables, other farm and household activities. It is used in traditional rites such as wedding, Dasai, Bhai-Tika. Whereas in sacrificial rituals such as maar and Kul puja (offered to ancestors) a khukuri must have a single clean shot otherwise it is believed to bring misfortune.

Khukuri is one of the major things which you will find in every house of the Gorkha community. To safeguard a family mentally and religiously, the khukuri is believed to have a spiritual power to scare off evils and also is kept under the pillow of the people facing sleeping disorder .A khukuri which once belonged to a man is kept in his absence. One can buy it as a souvenir, for their close ones or friends while traveling to the places of the Nepalese people. To conclude khukuri can be seen as a guardian and a boon to the Nepalese community.

Introduction to the Ethnic Tribe - Gurung (Tamu)

2020-06-25T17:58:00.003+05:30

GURUNG (TAMU)

Today I feel exceptionally pleased and glad to write something about my own locale called Gurung (Tamu). As I was born in a Gurung family and was raised in rehearsing the way of life and convention of the Gurung community. So it would be a great honor and privilege for me to portray my companions to know something about the Culture, Tradition, and History of Gurung (Tamu) Community. So let us not sit around however experience the words underneath which portray the Gurung Community in an excellent manner.

Gurung (Tamu)

About the Gurung (Tamu) Community: The Gurung (Tamu) are nomadic people who migrated to the Himalayas many centuries ago. Gurung (Tamu) is one of the main Gorkha Tribes located on the slopes of the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal and in the Hilly region of northern India (Darjeeling, Sikkim). They are full of people in Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, Parbat, and Syangja districts. The first village of Gurung in the southern Himalayas is believed to be Khhol, their highest base in the forests north of Larjung. It is also believed that Gurung (Tamu) from the Ethic movement moved to Tibet 2000 years ago. The name Gurung is derived from the Tibetan word 'Grong' meaning farmers. The name 'Gurung' is actually known as 'Gu-Rewan', which is a combination of two sounds - 'Gu' and 'Rewan'. The word 'Gu' means nine according to the Tibetan language and 'Rewan' means Mountains and Hill. Thus the name 'Gu-Rewang' signifies people living in the vicinity of the mountains and the mountains. Gurung is also called Tamu in their own language which means actually Horse Man in the Tibetan language. But the Tamu word also symbolizes Sky Thunder (Ta means Sky and Mu mean Thunder).

The text of their traditional religion is known as the Pye-ta Lhu-ta contains the oral accounts of their traditional history. According to their history, the Gurung was a nomadic nation traveling westward through Tibet before the entry of Mustang. Their Tibetan Sojourn pre-dates the introduction of Buddhism there in the 7th century as the Gurung religious traditions are basically animistic. They celebrated their feasts and festival and performed ceremonies and rituals related to worship, birth, death, and marriage depending on the religion of Bon and Buddhism. Gurung Dharma Priesthood practitioners include Ghyabri (Ghyabring) and Pachyu (Paju). Shamanistic elements among the Gurung’s remain strong and most Gurung’s often embrace Buddhist and Bön rituals in communal activities. Gurung later came to adopt Tibetan Buddhism. Some Gurung of eastern Nepal and the northeast hilly region of India have also been influenced by the Hindu religion. Gurung religion is thus a mix of Buddhism, Hinduism, and local animistic practices it clearly shows the origins of this group and its changing place between the Hindu and Buddhist worlds.

Language: Gurung have their own mother tongue called ‘Tamu kyi’, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family. Although Gurung doesn't have any written records, they passed on their culture through oral tradition. Most of the Gurung are bilingual, speaking Nepali as well as Gurung.

Types of Gurung Caste: There are two types of Gurung. Char Jaate and Sora Jaate. Meaning four castes and sixteen castes. Char Jaates is regarded as the higher caste Gurung.

Traditional Dress of Gurung People: The traditional dress of Gurung men consists of a blouse-type shirt (Bhoto) fastened with ties across the front of the body and a kilt-like garment (JAMA) that goes around the waist and reaches to mid-thigh. A long piece of cloth is tied around the waist like a belt (into which a khukuri may be slipped). The typical Nepali cap (topī) completes the dress. A sheep's-fleece cover is utilized in winter or in wet climates to keep the wearer warm and dry. Gurung ladies wear a cotton or velvet pullover (Cholo) that ties at the front, over a since quite a while ago creased skirt (phariyā) that is generally dull red in shading. A scarf is folded over the midsection, and the ahead fabric finishes the outfit. The Ghalek is a fabric hung opposite one shoulder to the contrary midriff, shaping a sack for conveying things. Adornments incorporate enormous, overwhelming, silver studs that stretch the ear cartilage, nose rings, and square talismans held tight a series of glass dabs called pothe neckband.

Gurung Festival: Lhochar is the main and biggest festival of Gurung, observed according to the ancient calendar of western Tibet. It is the New Year for the Gurung people and it is celebrated on every 15 Poush of Nepali calendars which fall around 30 December of the English calendar. It is related to the common wonders and the morning dawn of the fifteenth Poush is the New Year. It denotes the start of the Tamu Sambat or Gurung Calendar year. Lhochar also heralds the change in ‘Lho’. Gurung divides time into cycles of twelve years (lohokor), to each year of which a special name is given, which is known as barga (Lho). As per the oriental mysterious framework, there are 12 Lhos – garuda, snake, horse sheep, monkey, winged animal, hound, deer, mouse, bovine, tiger, and cat. So in this manner, every year is set apart by a specific animal and they are masterminded in a solitary circle, following intently the Tibetan schedule with 12 animals. Notwithstanding, these animals may differ in the Tibetan Lhosar and Chinese New Year. The Lho returns after the twelve-year cycle. By knowing a man's barga, his age can promptly be determined. Poush 15 heralds the end of the winter and the start of the spring and traditionally it is celebrated by having ‘ban bhoj’ (‘shyo kain’ in Tamu), merry-making with, songs and dances, and playing traditional games. These days, especially in major cities, all the Gurung come together at a commonplace and celebrate the event by having various cultural procession, cultural programs, and feasts.

Traditional Folk Song - Deusi Bhailo

2020-06-22T17:23:00.006+05:30

DEUSI - BHAILO

Today as we go through the post I would proudly like to narrate you all to the Traditional and Culture of the Gorkha people. As talking about the Traditional and Culture, we the Gorkha people are fond of traditional folk songs and music and among the traditional folk songs, one of the popular folk songs is Deusi-Bhailo the folk song which is sung during the festival of Tihar and it is celebrated and sung all over the world where the Gorkha people are residing. Wherever we are residing or living and no matter where we are celebrating the festival but there is one common theme and this traditional folk song is not only the song but it is also a blessing of peace and prosperity given to that family where they allow them to perform the traditional Folk song Deusi-Bhailo. It is also considered as the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The most beautiful and meaningful traditional song is sung during the Tihar festival in Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, Assam, and some parts of India and in Nepal the whole nation celebrates.

In Tihar (Diwali) festival this traditional song (Deusi-Bhailo) is sang and played by the Gorkha men woman wearing their traditional dress, Daura Suruwal for the men and Chaubandi Cholo and Guniu for the women by visiting different houses in their villages and community. Traditionally Bhailo is celebrated on the third day of Tihar (Lakshmi Puja) and is mostly played by the Gorkha woman popularly known as Bhailenee and singing the traditional song “Bhailenee Ayo Agan Ma, Balari Kulari Rakhana” and on the other hand, Deusi is celebrated and played on the fourth (Govardhan Puja) and the fifth day of Tihar by the Gorkha men carrying a Traditional Nepali Drum called Madal singing traditional folk song Deusurey and dancing Maruni a Traditional Nepali Dance after celebrating Bhai-Tika. It is observed by the sisters after applying seven-colored tika on the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and thank them for the protection they provide. It is believed that the God of Death, Yamaraj, visited his sister the Yamuna, on this special day to receive Tika. In the end, Yama gave her a boon that whoever would visit his sister on this day, would be liberated of all his sins and would achieve Mokshya (liberation). Deusi and Bhailo is not only a traditional song but it is also a way of blessing the entire family with peace and harmony, wealth, and also for their good health. And in return, the women of the house serves food and gives money to the Deusi and Bhailo group.

It is also stated by the experts that, the exact origins of the Deusi-Bhailo tradition are unclear. However, the songs of Deusi and Bhailo point out that this tradition is related to King Mahabali, as the lyrics of the song are "Posted by King Bali". The word "Deusurey" used in songs can be a combination of the two words "Dev" and "Asur". King Mahabali had a mixed list of Dev and Asur. He was the great-great-grandson of the Asura king Hiranyakshipu, the grandson of Prahlada, and the son of Virochana. Also, the word "Deusurey" (a variant of "Deusurey") used in songs may be broken by "Deu", meaning "give" in Nepali, and "Surey", which is a Sanskrit word meaning "head". A Deusire can therefore mean giving one’s head for a great cause or in other words giving up. According to the Puranas, King Bali surrendered his head to Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. King Bali was practicing Ashwamedhya Yajna when Vamana came to Bali and asked for land equal to the three routes he took. Bali was known for giving gifts to anyone who came to his palace. Bali has agreed to fulfill his request. To the great surprise of Bali, Vamana covered Earth and Earth in two steps and asked him where he should place his third step. Bali offered his head. Lord Vishnu, upon seeing the devotion of Bali, blessed him and exalted him to Suthala, the highest position in heaven. Through his sacrifice, Bali gained the favor of Lord Vishnu and was saved.

Chayote : Healthy and Nutritious Vegetable on Earth

2020-06-19T21:39:00.005+05:30

CHAYOTE

Iskush

Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश):
Chayote popularly known as Iskush (ईस्कुश) in the local language Nepali in the Hill is one of the popular vegetable grown everywhere in the Hilly region of North-East India (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, and Kalimpong). As we can also say it is one of the favorite dishes cooked almost in every household of the local people. Chayote (Squash, ईस्कुश) is a popular vegetable crop grown in the traditional way in backyards and kitchen gardens. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is an edible plant belonging to the gourd family Cucurbitaceous, along with melons, cucumbers, and squash. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is an important part of traditional diets in the Hills (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, and Kalimpong) and the shoots, fruit, and roots are widely used for different varieties of curries. In the Hills (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, and Kalimpong) it is mainly considered as a vegetable rather than a fruit and mostly cooked as a curry popularly known as Iskush of tarkari in the local language. In the Hills (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, and Kalimpong), the chayote plants are treated as a summer annual or perennial and once the plant begins to grow, they can take over the whole garden and grow onto anything. The trailing plant starts climbing wildly over and across the roof of village houses, over the fences, and climbing out around the trees. The chayote plant does well where there is an abundance of full sun that helps to yield a lot of vegetables. It is said that one Chayote plant (Iskush, ईस्कुश) can produce almost 60 to 80 palm-sized fruit. It is a favorite and staple vegetable for many Nepalese who live in the hilly parts of North – East India. It is consumed in different ways in the hills as some of us boil it whole (Iskush, ईस्कुश) and consume with homemade Dalle KO Aachar (Chili paste) and some of us chopped it in pieces and cook with different other vegetables and also with meats. Not only the vegetable is consumed but also the trailing plant and stems are also cooked as a curry (Iskusk ko Munta in local language) and consumed in the hilly area. But the most important are the roots of this plant which is found 2 – 3 feet inside the soil and it is dug in the month of January – February and considered as a delicacy around these parts. It is popularly known as Iskush ko Jara in the local language and also considered to be costly than Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश). It is also becoming a good source of income for the families residing in the hills who are engaged in growing Chayote Vegetables.

Health benefits of Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश):

Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is not only famous for its taste but it also considered as an organic and healthy vegetable with lots of health benefits. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is rich in nutrients, as it offers various essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Chayote is particularly high in folate, which promotes proper cell division. Due to its nutrients density Chayote also happens to be low in calories, fat, sodium, and total carbs. As such, it’s quite healthy and makes for a good fit for various diets. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) contains potent antioxidants compounds that protect against cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and lower stress within our body. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is an excellent source of vitamin C, which serves as an antioxidant in your body. Eating chayote squash may improve several heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor blood flow. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) is low in total carbs and high in soluble fiber, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and soluble fiber slows down your digestion and absorption of carbs, which reduces your blood sugar response after eating. It also improves blood sugar control by affecting insulin. It is also said that because of the antioxidants compounds present in Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) helps to slow the aging process by protecting cells from free radical damage. Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) boasts very few calories but a lot of fiber — two attributes which can support a healthy weight. Whole chayote (203 grams) provides 39 calories and 4 grams of fiber. Fiber slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, leaving you feeling full and satisfied for longer, decreasing food intake, and promoting weight loss.

To all my dear companions who wish to a traveler to the hilly regions in the coming days should try this delicious and healthy vegetable Chayote (Iskush, ईस्कुश) it is considered one of the most healthy and organic vegetables grown in the foothills of the Himalayan region.

What are the medicinal benefits of Nepali Pepper (Zanthoxylum Armatum)?

2020-06-13T22:49:00.005+05:30

Himalayan Nepali Pepper:

Kurseong is not only famous for its beautiful tourist spots, mesmerizing view,s, and Tea gardens but it is also rich in flora and fauna. Travelers who are interested in learning about the natural resources and flora and fauna found in the foothills of the Himalayan region then Kurseong (Land of White Orchids) would also be a better place to acquire knowledge about different types of natural medicinal plants. Talking about the different natural medicinal plants found in the Himalayan region (Kurseong), Timur is one of the best natural medicinal plant found and grown in the different parts of the Himalayan region (Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik). One can find it flourishing almost everywhere, such as in the kitchen garden areas and also in some parts of the farmlands. In the Himalayan region (Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik) people mostly use Timur (Nepali pepper) in the form of spices and medicine. When the Timur (Nepali pepper) is fully ripened it is plucked and kept in the wooden tray in direct sunlight to dry and preserve in a small airtight container for future use. The water contained in the Timur (Nepali pepper) evaporates with the heat of the sun. The pericarp opens revealing a black seed. This drying phase lasts one week. Timur (Nepali pepper) are then sorted by hand with the help of a flat round woven tray made up of bamboo better known as Nanglo in the local language. The pericarp is separated from the branches, leaves, thorns, and black seeds which give a bitter taste. Only the very ripe Timur (Nepali pepper) is kept. It is also often used to prepare Aachar (Pickles) and ate with the local food. In other words, the local people named and call it’s as a Timur ko Aachar (local Nepali language). It is also widely used in Asian and Indian Cuisines.

Description of Timur (Nepali Pepper):

Timur (Nepali pepper) is a shrub or a small tree usually armed with thrones, often forming thickets. It is scientifically known as Zanthoxylum Armatum which belongs to the family of Rutaceae which includes citrus and rue. It is an indigenous spice mostly found in the warmer valley of the Himalayan region of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. When the fruit is fully ripened it is usually reddish in color and 3-6 mm in diameter. Timur (Nepali pepper) has a special aroma and flavor, which does not taste spicy like a chili pepper or pungent like black pepper. When the Timur fruit is chewed it creates a tingly numbness and anesthetic feeling on the tongue. The Timur (Nepali pepper) is well grown in areas having moist soil and exposed directly to the sunlight. The harvesting time of Timur (Nepali pepper) starts in the month of mid – September and lasts about 3 weeks on average. Harvesting of Timur (Nepali pepper) is found to be tough and inefficient as a result of its spines and thrones that decrease the per day assortment. The Timur collectors customarily come off the branches or stem particularly in open access so as to facilitate the gathering. And such lopping off follow has negative effects on the plant and reduces the next fruit production.

Uses Of Timur (Nepali Pepper):

Timur (Nepali Pepper) is not only used in flavoring in different types of traditional spices but also it is used for various purposes such as traditional medicine to cure various common ailments such as toothache, common cold, cough, and fever, as it is believed to give warmth to the body. The fruits and seeds also used as an aromatic tonic in fever, dyspepsia, carminative, stomachache, and expelling roundworms. It is also considered an auspicious plant and the Timur (Nepali Pepper) the stick is used for various religious rituals. Timur (Nepali Pepper) also helps in purifying the blood and promote digestion due to its medicinal properties. The entire parts of the plant are aromatic and hence, supposed to possess essential oil. The essential oil is said to possess antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodorant properties. In the Himalayan region, the local people are using Timur (Nepali Pepper) for years for its unique aroma and flavor and also for medicinal purposes. Not only the Timur (Nepali Pepper) has its important for various purposes but it also plays an important role in the local tradition and culture.

Dowhill most haunted place in India - Is it a Myth or Truth

2020-06-09T22:25:00.004+05:30

Is it a Myth or Truth

Dow Hill is situated in the uphill part of Kurseong (Land of white Orchids) 30 kilometers away from Darjeeling (Queen of Hills) a lovely hill station that belongs to the state of West Bengal India. It is a Forested area adorned by tall Pine trees deliberately forming avenues. These woods are home to different animals like Monkeys, Cheetahs, Deer, Hedge Hogs, and Squirrels, etc and also are a habitat for different species of birds. As we can also describe it as a “Gateway to Heaven”. But all that is beautiful has negative aspects to as going through this note; Dow hill is also considered as a most haunted hill station for its paranormal activities where a lot of ghost stories have been heard and described by the local people and the travelers who have visited this place in the past. Now the question arises in our mind is it really a haunted place in the Hills. As many of them have described it as a home to death roads. But it is guaranteed that one gets a creepy sensation while walking along its misty avenues especially in the wintry mornings and evenings. It is also believed that in the evening time the faint-hearted should avoid the forested road. Many tourists and travelers are attracted to Dow hill because of the ghost stories and paranormal activities which they have heard and read on the internet. As many of them believe that the local people have heard loud whispering and crying sounds coming through these tall pine trees and it is also believed that while walking through the area it feels like followed by someone. The locals also believed in saying a young headless boy strolling on the road and disappearing in the woods. It is also believed by the local taxi drivers while passing through the Dow hill roads many of them have seen witch (chudail in local language) standing along the roadside at the night and because of the incident, many of them have been mentally disturbed. As it is also believed that because of the numerous unnatural deaths in backwoods in the yesteryears the place is cursed with evil spirits all around the backwoods.

Nevertheless, it still stands a mystery to date.

Hot and spicy Himalayan fire ball - Darjeeling's famous Dalle Khursani

2020-06-08T22:18:00.010+05:30

Dalle Khursani ( The Himalayan Fireball):

The Himalayan fireball better known as Dalle Khursani is one of the hottest chilies found in the world. It is mostly grown in the Himalayan region like Darjeeling and Sikkim. Dalle Khursani belongs to the Capsicum family and it is one of the hottest chili found in the Himalayan region. The plant is mainly grown in the pots, sack and grows about nearly 1 meter and mainly grown in the monsoon season. It is round in shape and almost looks like a cherry and bright red when fully ripen from August and keeps yielding till December. It is also a good source of income and livelihood for the people of the Himalayan region and it costs around near rupees 200-400 per kilo. It is also famous for its taste and aroma. In the Himalayan region (Darjeeling. Sikkim) this Himalayan fireball (Dalle Khursani) is served as an Achaar (local language) with a meal in every household of Nepalese family. It is widely known as “Dalle KO Achaar”(local language) in the Himalayan region and in the other words it is also called Akbare Khursani. One can easily find out that it is also served with famous local dish Momo (Dumpling) and Thukpa because of its hot and spicy taste. It is popular during the cold winter season as its heat keeps the body warm. This Chili is processed in an airtight bottle by adding some salt, mustard oil, and vinegar and can be stored for several months before processed it is placed in a bamboo woven tray commonly called Nanglo in the local Nepali local language and kept for a day or two in direct sunlight. It helps in drying out some moisture and also helps in preserving the pickle for a long period of time. “Dalle KO Achaar” is mainly consumed alongside authentic Nepali food. These packed chili bottles are a high-demand commodity in the market, even in the local market as well. One can easily find the Himalayan fireball (Dalle Khursani) in the local vegetable markets and also can be purchased along with the roadside market of the Himalayan region (Darjeeling and Sikkim). The Himalayan fireball (Dalle Khursani) is not recommended for the timorous people but on the other good side once tasted the people will be attracted towards its hot and spicy flavor.

Why the Himalayan fireball (Dalle KO Khursani) is so hot and spicy:

The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, a rating system for the chili the quotient of various spices gives these Chili Pepper pretty impressive scores. It is rated between 100,000 to 350 000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), these figures are quite similar to what habanero chilies score on SHU.

How to prepare Dalle Ko Paste:

It can easily be prepared at home by adding some ingredients such as ginger and garlic paste, dry chili, yellow mustard (coarsely grounded) cumin, and coriander powder, Fry fenugreek seed, turmeric powder, a cup of mustard oil, 1-2 Lemon, vinegar, and salt as per the taste and put it in a mixture grinder. It can be kept in an airtight bottle and consumed for a long period of time.

History and Origin of Famous Darjeeling Tea

2020-06-01T17:19:00.006+05:30

Himalayan tea gardens:

A cup of morning tea and a panoramic view of mesmerizing Himalayan Mountains energize the mind, body and activate thoughts. One can enjoy the scenery to Lush Tea Gardens nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas by paying a visit to the Himalayan regions of the northeast part of West Bengal, India (Darjeeling and Kurseong ).Most part of Himalayan regions(Darjeeling and Kurseong) is surrounded by the hedge of tea gardens. Tea Gardens have added a charm to the natural beauty of the Himalayan region (Darjeeling and Kurseong). Tea Gardens are an integral part of the simple joys of our lives. As one explores the many tea gardens of this region one finds them unveiling many untold stories. Strolling around the lush green tea gardens at the Himalayan region (Darjeeling, Kurseong) in the misty environment gives an amazing experience. Well in other words we can also describe it as a “Gateway to Heaven” for the tea lovers. Not only tea gardens has added charm to the natural beauty of the Himalayan region (Darjeeling, Kurseong) but also placed the region prominently in the world Economy. It has something majestic for every traveler to go back with a lifetime of memories.

History of Darjeeling Tea: The History of Darjeeling Tea started in the late 19^th century when Mr. Archibald Campbell a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service was transferred as superintendent of Darjeeling in 1839 from Kathmandu, Nepal. In 1841, he brought seeds of the Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from Kumaun and began to experiment with tea planting in Darjeeling. The British government also established tea nurseries during that period (1847 in Lebong near Darjeeling). Commercial development began in 1850. In 1856, the Aloobari tea garden was opened by the Kurseong and Darjeeling Tea company. The first commercial tea gardens in Darjeeling hills were Makaibari and Aloobari. And later in the year 1892 the “Darjeeling Planters Association” was formed. Currently, there are 87 operational tea gardens in the Darjeeling district covering an aggregated area of about 19,000 hectares (i.e. 46,950 acres) under tea plantations. The tea gardens in Darjeeling presently employ about 52,000 permanent workers (including both garden and factory workers). Darjeeling tea has been acknowledged as the finest tea in the whole world due to its unique flavors which can’t be replicated anywhere in the world. The distinctive aroma and taste make the tea Darjeeling Tea is also often called a Champagne of Tea due to its muscatel flavor and distinctive aroma.

MakaibariTea Estate:

At the point when we talk about the Darjeeling Hills and Tea gardens we won't be astonished to discuss the most famous Makaibari Tea Estate at the end of the day we depict it as the Home of Tea Lovers. It is situated in lovely Kurseong valley "Land of White Orchids" of Darjeeling Hills. The world's first tea factory was set up in Makaibari in the year 1859 by Girish Chandra Banerjee, the establishing "Father of Makaibari Tea Estates". It is one of the most seasoned tea cultivates in Darjeeling. The main tea garden to be certified for the" Fare-Trade" in the world and was additionally among the couple of to be granted for the fair trade certifications. In the year 1970 Swaraj Kumar Banerjee notable as Raja Banerjee the fourth generation planter and researcher-led the tea garden (Makaibari). A man with his extraordinary character and a dream for the turn of events and improvement of the place and the individuals living there (Makaibari). For he believes within the old adage,” Healthy Soil is that the Healthy Mankind”.Makaibari Tea Estate compromises seven villages Kodobari, Fulbari, Koilapani, and Cheptey are on the western side of the homes, while Makaibari, Thapathali, and Chungey are arranged on the eastern side. Those also are the simplest places to go to while visiting Makaibari Tea Estate. It is the primary tea garden where organic Camellia Sinensis grows in concordance with the basic sub-tropical rainforests. This is a direct result of the home's biodynamic/permaculture practices. In case you're a natural tea darling and a devotee to reasonable improvement rehearses, at that point visit this tea garden and evaluate their well-known Organic Pearl White tea. Makaibari tea garden is the meaning of a model natural Darjeeling tea garden. Makaibari has embraced permaculture, which is a coordinated methodology towards dealing with the ranches and forest. In this framework, the tea brambles exist together with backwoods and different manors. In most different gardens just one harvest is refined. The forest has its own untamed life including panthers, deer, feathered creatures, arachnids, snakes, and numerous different creatures that live normally. It was the first Garden to be certified as the fully Organic Tea Garden in 1988. Makaibari Tea Estate employs nearly around 700 workers and 45 staff and all the workers working in the garden are permanent. As of now, Makaibari Tea Estate is acquired by Luxmi Group in the year 2014. Not only Makaibari Tea Estate is famous for its lovely tea garden and organic tea but it is also well known for its Home to Stay. One can find a lovely place to stay within a village with the locals enjoying traditional local food cooked by the locals.

How to reach Makaibari Tea Estate:

Makaibari is located in Kurseong which is almost 45 kilometers from Baghdogra Airport and 37 kilometers from N.J.P station. Travelers can opt for Pankhabari road via Dudey enjoying the fresh air and a picturesque view of the Hills. The best time to visit Hill stations and Tea Gardens is in the months of summer from April to June.

Doko “A traditional Nepalese Bamboo Basket“

2020-05-29T23:27:00.006+05:30

DOKO - BAMBOO BASKET

Doko

Introduction to Doko (Bamboo Basket):

Doko a traditional Bamboo basket. It is used with a shoulder strap or a head strap called Namlo used in rural areas to carry goods from one place to another. As we can say in the early times there were hardly a transport or motor roads to carry out goods, at that time this Bamboo baskets (Doko) were used as a container or basket to carry goods and also for other services by the people in the early days. People used to carry all sorts of goods for eg. Food items, utensils, and even they used to carry a sick person or a disabled person (person who cannot walk) to take them to the hospital for treatment. People actually used it for different purposes in the early days, because of its durability and sometimes they even used it as a temporary cage for animals. This Bamboo Basket (Doko) production was a good source of income for the people, as in the rural areas or villages in the early days old people made this Bamboo Basket (Doko) as we can say it was a traditional practice of homemade goods and basically to fritter away the time as there was no mode of entertainment ( for eg. Television) and people made a livelihood selling these products (Doko). It was a traditional practice that they passed it on to their family members from ages to ages. And still, this tradition is alive in the rural areas or villages of different parts of Nepal and also in the North East region of India (Darjeeling, Kurseong). We can still see the people using Bamboo Basket (Doko) for fetching water from the sources by placing the water pot firmly inside it and people can be seen carrying firewoods(purpose of cooking) and forage (for their cattle’s) till date. It was and still is one of the convenient ways of carrying loads by the porters.

While describing this unique and beautiful Bamboo Basket (Doko), I would like to share a memory from my yesteryears when I used to visit my maternal grandparent's place (Makaibari Tea Estate) at that time, my cousin brother and his friends used to visit the forest area and go for swimming in a small river (natural swimming areas) we used to carry our extra clothes and some food items inside the Bamboo Basket (Doko) and while returning back to home we used to bring a few firewoods, Mushrooms and Gooseberry is locally known in Nepali as “Paani Amala” and we used to pack those eating items in a banana leaf and put them inside the Bamboo Basket (Doko). Sometimes we used it as a stool to sit on top up it. Well, lastly I just want to say, that we Nepalese have a sentimental touch with this traditional item Bamboo Basket (Doko) because it symbolizes the culture and tradition of Nepalese people.

How Bamboo Basket is made?

Doko (Bamboo Basket) is made of green bamboo strips and is manually hand woven in a conical or V-shaped. It is believed that bamboo is durable and withstands harsh weather.

Well, Guys more to come, stay in touch till then take care and goodbye......

Nature's Photo Gallery "To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles"

2020-05-28T20:47:00.000+05:30

Land Of White Orchid - Kurseong

2020-05-23T22:16:00.017+05:30

KURSEONG

Introduction To Land of White Orchids:

Today when we talk about "Hill Stations", the first name that strikes our mind is undoubted"Darjeeling"

(The Queen Of Hills) situated in the state of West Bengal India. But within the district of Darjeeling lies the small town of Kurseong "The Land of White Orchids" which the people hardly talk about. It is a small but beautiful town that lies on the way to Darjeeling when we hop from N.J.P or Siliguri. It is a place of scenic beauty with glorious views of mountains and tea gardens but it seems to have been unnoticed by travelers or explorers. People, especially travelers come on the quest of Darjeeling forgetting about its counterpart. Darjeeling seems to have surpassed its magnificent beauty and glory. Nevertheless, Kurseong quietly stands amidst its natural beauty sighing quietly and blessing its natives with the bounty of nature.

Talking about the geographical features of Kurseong is located at an altitude of 1482.55 meters (4864.0 ft). Kurseong is 34 kilometers away from Siliguri and 32 kilometers from Darjeeling and is connected to the city by roads and Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. Actually, it lies between the two places. And if someone likes to visit Kurseong from Abroad or from different states of India one can find the nearest airport at Bagdogra and the nearest railway station at N.J.P (New Jalpaiguri) which is almost about 45 kilometers from the town.

Now Lets us talk something about the place itself, Kurseong as we know it is called "The Land Of White Orchids" as the name comes from the Lepcha language word for "small orchids", "Kurson -Rip or Karsan-Rup" because of the little white orchids dotting the valleys. Well also in the other words we can describe this beautiful town as the home to flowering species and richly endowed with flora and fauna owing to its favorable climatic conditions. Besides, its scenic beauty Kurseong can also be termed as an Educational Hub with most of the renowned schools in the area being established pre-independence viz:-

Goethals Memorial School ( I.C.S.E Missionary School Established in 1907).

St. Helen's Secondary School ( I.C.S.E Missionary School Established in 1890)

Dow hill School ( I.C.S.E Government School Established in 1879)

Victoria Boy's School ( I.C.S.E Government School Established in 1879)

St. Alphonsus School (Higher Secondary School Established in 1891)

St Joseph Girl's School ( Higher Secondary School Established in 1944)

Scot's Mission School ( Higher Secondary School Established in 1910)

Besides its educational institutes now lets us talk about its scenic beauty which can deliver eternal peace to its visitors. Any new travelers can begin to explore by visiting the places mentioned below.

Places to visit in Kurseong:

1. Eagle's Craig:- It is situated in the heart of the town and one of the beautiful viewpoints among many others as one can enjoy the bird's eye view of the tea estate's surroundings mountains, hills, hamlets, and slopes. Most important is that we can get a beautiful panoramic and mesmerizing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its ridges. The place gains its own importance with the construction of Sahid Smarak made in comm-oration of the Martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives in the course of the Gorkhaland movement. Every year their sacrifice is remembered on the 27th of July which is marked as Sahid Diwas. It also has a water reservoir that supplies water to the adjacent areas, an Observatory or Watchtower that provides a beautiful glimpse of the evening sun, a small flower garden with a variety of flowers, and a cafeteria where you can enjoy a sip of local organic hand-picked tea. On the way to Eagle's Craig, one can behold a life-sized statue of Captain Ram Singh Thakuri, a freedom fighter and also a patriotic song and music composer like the Indian National Anthem and Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja.

How to reach Eagle's Craig:

The popular viewpoint can be reached by a short walking distance from Kurseong Railway station. The place is perched on a cliff above Naya Bazar.

2 . Dow Hill:- As we move towards the upper part of Kurseong, leaving behind the beautiful memories of Eagle's Craig and Kurseong Town we will find a place which I may describe as a "Gateway to Heaven" and the place is called Dow Hill. It is a Forested area adorned by tall Pine trees deliberately forming avenues.

These woods are home to different animals like Monkeys, Cheetahs, Deer, Hedge Hogs, Squirrels, etc, and also is a habitat for different species of birds. The place is counted amongst one of the haunted places in India but it stands as a mystery to date. But it is guaranteed that one gets a creepy sensation while walking along its misty avenues especially in the wintry mornings and evenings. Nevertheless, it is always astounding to witness the tall Pines kissing on the face of Heaven. Truly you feel like you are standing before the Gateway of Heaven. Besides the beauty of woods here also lies the Zoological garden, Forest Museum, and locally famous Dow Hill Eco Park or commonly called Deer Park. Here amidst the beauty of woods every year in the month of October The Pine Tree musical festival is held in Victoria Boy's school with great pomp and show, featuring popular bands like Ginger feet, Rig-Mona, Mantra, and the local bands in and around Darjeeling. A person can find eternal bliss once he gets to step into this marvelous creation of nature.

How to reach Dow-hill: Dow-Hill is 3 -4 kilometers away from Kurseong town. It can be reached by hiring a taxi from the main town or can take a local taxi per person from Burdwan road hospital area.

3. Chimney:- The place is situated at the hilltop and the name is derived from the tall Chimney built by the Britishers in the year 1839. It is said that in the bygone day's meetings use to be held here by the Army personnel. Though a small village, it gives a mesmerizing view of its natural landscapes. The locals basically depend on Agricultural Farming for their livelihood and with the growth in tourism and hospitality business, these days numerous Home-stays can be seen mushrooming within the village itself. City dwellers can enjoy and relish the very natural and organic foods grown by the villagers along with a panoramic view of the mountains. Inner tranquility and peace can be experienced to their fullest here in Chimney. It also serves as a good trekking spot with narrow paths leading to the green woods and rocky hills. When we walk further down from the Chimney at a distance of 3-4 kilometers lies an isolated yet serene village of Majwa.

We can witness nature at its fullest play here in this small village. It's for sure that the visitors would always want to revisit the place after their first stay.

How to reach Chimney:

The Chimney is 8 kilometers away from Kurseong town and it can be reached by hiring a taxi or trekkers may find it worth walking among the green vegetation via Downhill and Deorali Busty.

Kurseong yet has other miscellaneous places worth visiting like the Netaji Museum located in Giddha Pahar 3 kilometers from east of Kurseong town which has its own historical glory. It is associated with the sacred memory of the two prominent figures of the Indian National Movement- Sarat Chandra Bose and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose It is said that Netaji remained under house arrest by the Britishers for 7 months here between 1936-1937. Hence now the Bengal government has renovated and converted the house into Netaji Museum. It is a place worth visiting.

Grotto in St. Mary's Hill is a place of religious importance for the Christians but it is a pilgrimage site most frequently visited by people hailing from different communities as well. It is a replica of the Lady of Lourdes, France. It is deeply believed that the statute of the Virgin Mother Mary has divine power within it to fulfill the wishes and has also healing powers within it. Candles are lighted and wishes are written on a small sheet of paper and are left in a box. So that the wishes would be granted to their fullest. St. Mary's Grotto is located 6 kilometers away from the Kurseong town and is engulfed by green woods on all sides.

The places that have been mentioned above are definitely worth paying a visit however there are still more places yet to be explored, regarding which my readers and followers would be informed in my later posts. Being a local chap I shall exert my sources and keep everyone updated with the untold, unseen stories of in and around Kurseong.

To my Dear Readers, my Friends, and my Pals hope you have enjoyed a short description of my place. No worries, I will be posting and updating you with more articles about Kurseong such as Tea Gardens, Hotels & Resorts, and also about Homestay.

Till then take care and stay safe.