Nepali Information

Kagbeni

2010-05-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

With the openness in Nepali media, and a boom in documentary filmmaking in late 1990s, film critics, audiences and film enthusiasts hoped that some of the investment, enthusiasm and expertise would influence feature filmmaking.
In 2000 Quest Entertainment started movie exhibition business via the duplex Kumari Cinema and Jai Nepal in Kathmandu. Right from the time the theatres opened the owners saw that there was a clear demand for Hindi and Hollywood movies. They observed the crowds and concluded rightly that they would never watch mainstream Nepali movies. AntiVirus
The demand for multiplexes was growing in India and more Bollywood directors were looking to have their films released internationally. Hindi movie directors had understood that the money was in middle and upper middle-class audiences, and Indians living abroad determine the success and failure of movies. However, in Nepal it was exactly the opposite.
"It is the general masses who determine the success and failure of mainstream Nepali movies, and the middle and upper-middle class do not even consider watching commercial Nepali films," explains Bhaskar Dhungana of Quest Entertainment. One reason is because the Kathmandu movie industry is not open to change and does not understand that filmmakers need to evolve.
Dhungana was keen on making a Nepali movie that is different, so he got together with others who shared his vision, and discussed the possibility of working on a feature film that would impress even those who are used to Bollywood and Hollywood. Quest sought help from those who worked in the music video industry because it understood digital media and had successfully used it.
The filmmakers brought in the high-definition digital camera that Silken Imaging, an American company, was just trying out. In October 2006, the cast and crew set off to Jomsom. They shot non-stop for thirty days in Kagbeni, Marpha and Shyang.
"The camera is as big as a CCTV and does not use tapes for recording, everything is saved on hard disk," explains director Bhusan Dahal. The challenging part was that the crew was a guinea pig for the camera in South Asia, so every time there was a technical problem they had to walk a few hours to a cyber caf? to write to the US manufacturers and wait for instructions by email.
Kagbeni is the Nepali adaptation of W W Jacobs' Monkey's Paw. The story begins with Krishna coming back to his village after spending time in Malaysia. After visiting his friend Ramesh, they decide to travel together. On their journey they come across a hermit who hands Krishna an animal's paw that has power to fulfil wishes, but also create horrific consequences. Unaware of its ominous powers, Ramesh makes a wish, and the journey of betrayal and revenge begins.
The filmmakers say that the story will remind the audiences of Nepali folk stories. They describe Kagbeni as a dark drama and say that the story is very simple. "If you compare it to other mainstream films, it is less noisy, there's uniformity in terms of colour and tint, and the film does not exaggerate," says Dahal.
Kagbeni is releasing in theatres on 11 January. Quest Entertainment has digitised
14 theatres all over Nepal, with most theatres also upgrading to digital surround sound. "It took a lot of coaxing, cajoling and convincing the theatre owners about the benefits of digitising movie theatres, not just for this, but also future releases," says Dhungana, who is also the producer of the film.
Kagbeni is directed by Bhusan Dahal, produced by Bhaskar Dhungana, Nakim Uddin and Rajesh Siddhi. The film features dancer-turned-actress Deeya Maskey, pop singer Nima Rumba, actors Saugat Malla, Puja Gurung, Hanif MD, and Anup Baral. Kagbeni is the first Nepali film releasing simultaneously all over Nepal, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Sikkim, Dehradun, Shimla, Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai and New York

Chitwan

2010-05-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Chitwan is a national park south west of kathmandu and about 8 hours on the bus. Buses are easier and cheap enough to catch from Thamel.. though a little early in the morning for my tastes. Chitwan has everything a budding safari-ist could hope for. There are lots of lodges to suit every taste and budget. When you arrive by bus you will be hounded by them all asking for your business and it is easy to haggle if you want the cheapest deal, alternatively you can book in advance in kathmandu. The standard package will bring you rhino spotting by elephant ride through the jungle, crocodile spotting by dug out canoe, bird watching, elephant sanctury breeding programme and a jungle walk. You can book a few nights in a woodern hut on stilts and camp out for the chance to spot tigers at night! It is beautiful and peaceful and highly relaxing, a definate must for anyone spending time in this magnificant land.

The various parks scattered around the country offer a unique opportunity to view a variety of animals from close quarters. Several resort that boast comfortable accommodation and delectable cuisine dot the parks. Manned by trained personnel they provide various wildlife activities like safaris on elephant backs, walks thorough the jungle, canoe trips that take you deep into the jungle, beyond the beaten tracks. The anticipation of encountering a rhino or a tiger face to face or listening to the sights and sounds of the jungle gives you a high beyond comprehension. Apart from animals the culture and lifestyle of the Tharus, the local indigenous people of the terai, offer a unique cultural experience.

Sights:The hilarious guy in our hotel gave us a slide show of all the animals that inhabit the area, he was funny, informative and really nice. I booked with ultimate descents in Thamel and got the entire package for 30USD. It was worth every penny!

What's really great:Getting up at 6am (something i never do!) to paddle about the river in a dug out canoe that was barely 2 inches from the water filling it up and sinking it.. in the search for man eating crocodiles whilst the front of the canoe sat 3 enthusiastic japanese tourists tilting the boat wildly to take pictures. I thought i'd gone insane that day!

Favourite spots:

The jungle. Riding on elephants for hours we found Rhinos and their babies throughout, living wild, feeding and bathing... a beautiful sight to behold. We also came across loads of monkeys, man eating crocodiles and wild birds to name but a few.

Butwal (बुटवल)

2010-05-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

Butwal (बुटवल)Lying at the very foot of Chure Pahad (Fragile Hills), Butwal (Nepali: बुटवल) is a large town in southern Nepal on the banks of Tinau river in Rupandehi District, in Lumbini Zone of which it is the adminisrative center. It is 240 kilometres west of Kathmandu and 22 kilometers north of Rupandehi District headquarters Bhairahawa. Through highway and air links, Butwal connects western Nepal to the capital Kathmandu. It also has a highway connection to the Indian Border at Sunauli[1] via towns Manigram, Bhalwari and Kotihawa.[2] Butwal is one of the major gateways to Nepal.
Fossils of ancient hominoids Ramapithecus were found near the Tinau (Tilottama) River as early as 1932, including 10.1 million year old dental bones.
History in Butwal
Historically Butwal connected Nepali people with their Indian neighbors. As the British East India Company annexed Awadh from its hereditory rulers while the Shah Dynasty attempted to annex the Terai, Butwal became one of bones of contention leading to the Gurkha War 1814-16. [1] .
When King Tribhuvan fled from Nepal to India in 1950, he travelled through Butwal, then little more than a village on the western bank of Tilottama River (also popularly known as Tinau River). However with the construction through Butwal of Siddhartha Rajmarg from the border at Sunauli to Pokhara and then the east-west Mahendra Rajmarg across the Terai, the village grew rapidly and developed into a modern township.

Economy
The economy of Butwal centers around education, trade and transportation. Butwal has always been a major trading centre for Pahari (hill people) from districts to the north, as is evident from the establishment of Batauli Bazar at the edge of the hills in old Butwal. Presently the main trading centre is near Traffic Chowk. Numerous shops sell Chinese and Indian goods. Butwal also has small and medium scale manufacturers of woodwork, ironsheet, metalware and aluminium sheet. There are rice mills including Siddhababa Rice mill and Sita rice mill.
An influx of students from nearby hilly regions contributes to Butwal's economy. Additional income is remitted by expatriate Nepalis and from Gurkha Soldiers employed by the Indian and British Armies.
Like most of Nepal, buses are the most important means of transport with private operators offering service to various destinations. Until 2003 most of the fleet was older large buses. Since then operators have added newer minibuses popularly called micro. Older jeeps are used to take people to nearby hilly regions. Rickshaws are also a popular means of urban transport, however taxicabs are gaining popularity with growing affluence. Motorcycles are a common means of personal transportation around town. Numbers registered have increased from 1200 in 1999 to 80,000 in 2008.
Education
Butwal has emerged as a major center of education in Lumbini Zone. Butwal Multiple Campus (Nepali: बुटवल बहुमुखी क्याम्पस) affiliated with Tribhuvan University is the largest campus with more than 5000 students and classes in Arts, Education, and Science.
Local schools affiliated with Pokhara University include:
• Lumbini Engineering College
• College Of Computer Technology
• Tilottama Campus.
Private colleges offering courses for so-called +2 (two year post-secondary) and other courses in commerce and management include: Achievers College:
• Lumbini Banijya Campus
• Ram Mani Multiple Campus, Manigram
Private Renown College:
• Tilottama campus for science, management and BBA
• Glorious College for science and management.
• Oxford College for management and education.
• New Horizon College
Phulbari (Manimukunda Park)
Phulbari, the winter palace of Palpali Sen clan is very fascinating from natural and archaeological values. There are ruins and antiquities of the majestic palace of Manimukunda Sen an ancient Palpali King containing 6 large rooms as well as royal residence, administrative and fascinating scenic grandeur of Butwal, Siddharthanagar and other neighbouring villages of Rupandehi district can be vividly seen from here at night also. His Majesty's Government, archaeological department has attempted to maintain it in 1991. Now Butwal municipality has formed council for the conservation of Manimukunda Sen Park to conduct Phulbari Development Programme and attempted to make it an amusing and a tourist resort.
Butwal Hill Park(Deepnagar)This famous place was one of the historic for the people of Gurung community. This hill was called Gurung Gada before the hill park idea came into context, because Gurung people were buried here. But now it has been changed to view Butwal and nearby cities like Bhairawa. This gives good view of whole Butwal in either side. It separates Butwal city into 2 parts. The big growing city on east with population more than 45000 in small suburb (Deepnagar) with other parts of Butwal. You also can visit Aap Khola (mango river) popular among the residents of Butwal where people go for swimming and to collect water during drought.
Siddha Baba Temple
This famous temple is located on hills at the border of Butwal Municipality [5] . In fact the temple lies in Palpa. Devotees believe that Siddha Baba will grant their wishes, and whosoever's wishes are granted offers pigeons at the temple. Large number of pigeons can be seen at the temple.
On Saturdays, the weekly holiday in Nepal, large number of devotees from Butwal as well as nearby places visit the holy temple. Special Micro services are pressed into service on these days by bus operators for the convenience of devotees.
Sainamaina
Located about 12 km. west from Butwal and to North from Banakatti, Sainamaina as an open museum is very famous and fascinating resort from historical archaeological culture and natural points of view. Among the different Gramas villages of Shakya King, it was in the samgrama site. An Indian queen (Begam) because of the revolution in her kingdom came to this area with her soldiers and porters (‘Sena’ and Mena’) and finally this area came to be known as Saina Maina. It is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient ruins and antiquities: statues of dancing saints, ruins of palace, well etc. The statue of Buddha (Jogidanda) was very significant different ruins of having the values of classical art are scattered here and there. This famous archaeological site is being occupied by homeless and landless people. Some of the antiquities of this site are seen thrown around the Lumbini museum.
Jitgadhi
Jitgadhi a fortress during Angol Nepal war, Narayan temple built by (1864 B.S.) Hanuman temple and Shivalaya of Hanumagngadhi, Jalabinayak Mehadev temple, Siddababa temple, Nuwakot etc. are famous centres of attraction in Butwal.

Gautama Buddha born in Lumbini

2010-05-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

Lumbini (Sanskrit for "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.
Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees.
The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death).

Introduction

Lumbini that means 'The Lovely One' in Sanskrit is a famous Buddhist site in the Lumbini District Zone of Nepal. Lumbini is considered the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
Many a times referred as 'The Light of Asia', Buddha was the founder of Buddhism faith. His period is estimated to be approximately between 563 and 483 BC. Lumbini is located 25kms east of the municipality of Kapilvastu. Kapilvastu was the seat of governance of the then kingdom of Nepal. In the year 1896, the Indo-British archaeology team discovered a great stone pillar at the site. Later that pillar was attributed to Ashoka, the Mauryan ruler and propagator of Buddhism. The records maintained by Fa Hein were also taken in to consideration in the process. For Buddhists, this is one of four pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautam Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath. Going by its cultural, religious and historical importance, UNESCO declared Lumbini, a world heritage site in the year 1997. The place is famous for Maya Devi temple. It is believed that the present temple has been built at the place where Queen Maya gave birth to lord Buddha. Another important structure is the Ashoka pillar. Apart from that Lumbini has ruins of various Stupas and monasteries. Then there is Pushkarni pond where Queen Maya took bath before giving birth to Buddha. The Lumbini region comes under Lumbini Trust, an NGO. Foreign pilgrims here have constructed new temples and monasteries. The Buddhist associations of China, Myanmar and Gautami Nuns have their separate pagodas. The ones by Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are under construction.

Histoty

Lumbini is the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in the 7th or 6th century BC.
According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold of the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha. The Buddha is said to have announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.
In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Ashoka's Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: "King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan ["blessed one"] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)".
Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha's birth was lost for a thousand years.
The site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Ashoka's Pillar, identified by its inscription. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

See in Lumbini

Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha's birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Ashoka.
The modern temple consists mainly of simple white building that protects ancient ruins, with the exact spot of the Buddha's birth identified. The delicate sandstone sculptures discovered here are now in the National Musuem in Kathmandu.
Atop the temple is a small square tower of the type seen in Kathmandu, with Buddha eyes on each side and a golden pinnacle on top.
On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool (see top photo), where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth, and where the newborn Buddha was washed by two dragons.
The Maha Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. All around Lumbini, long lines of colorful prayer flags are strung between trees. They carry prayers and mantras heavenward as they flap on the breeze.
The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka's Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful. Around the courtyard containing the pillar are bowls for incense sticks, and there is room to sit in front of the pillar for contemplation.

Rani Mahal

2010-05-03T04:38:00.001-07:00

Syangja district is a part of Gandaki zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. Alamdevi is a Village Development Committee in Syangja District in the Gandaki Zone of central Nepal famous for religious place
.
The most popular and beautiful village SATUKA is on the lap of Alamdevi which is one of tourism area of the syangja district as well Nepal. It is the best place for trekking. The KaliGandaki river flows on the lap of SATUKA. Besides this, SATUKA is lucky being the nearest village of Rani Mahal (The Taj Mahal of Nepal).We can see a clear view of Rani Mahal and KaliGandaki from Satuka which attract people to visit there many times. It is also to be noticed that nowsdays RaniMahal is re-maintainance and constructed by SSGG club, Satuka.The Ranimahal palace is a spectacular site. Built in 1892 AD/1949 BS by Commander-in-Chief and Governor Khadka Shamsher in memory of his beloved Queen Tej Kumari.
The complex including a huge main building surrounded by layered gardens, stone walls and a small shrine, set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the rushing Kali Gandaki river.Ranighat is also a popular short trek. The trail runs along the Bharangdi Khola river featuring a scenic gorge, mountain brooks, steep forested hills and the rock side of Baikuntha Pahad and Hatti Dhunga, the elephant rock. There is tea, cold and local drinks, food and water to be found along the way.

Manakamana

2010-05-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Manakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess fulfils the wishes of the people. The term ‘mana’ means the ‘heart’ or ‘soul’ and ‘kamana’ means the ‘wish’.

The most popular temple of Manakamana is in Gorkha. The others are in various places like Tumlingtar. It is said that a King of Gorkha was blessed by the goddess to get victory over small kingdoms and make a big Gorkha. Manakamana of Tumlingtar is a popular place for a specific fair called Ekadashi. The temple was initially inaccessible and one had to ride on horseback for 2–3 days. Now it is easily accessible by Cable Car.

The queen of Ram Shah, the king of Gorkha born in 1614 AD, was a goddess known to only her devotee, Lakhan Thapa. One day the king saw his queen in the form of a goddess. He told about it to the queen and he died instantly, in 1636 AD. The queen committed Sati (commit cremation with the husband's pyre as per custom of that time). Lakhan Thapa lamented on her Sati.The queen consoled him to reappear again. Six months later, a farmer hit a stone while ploughing his field. Blood and milk came out from the stone. Lakhan Thapa came to know the news. He worshipped the place with 'tantric' rituals. The flow of blood and milk ceased. The site became the foundation of the present-day shrine- Manakamana Temple. Manakamana meaning wishes fulfilling goddess. The current pujari, Priest, is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa.

The shrine is at an altitude of 1302 meter high at Gorkha. There is cable car service, the only cable car servic

e in Nepal, from Kurintar to Manakamana, It is 10 minutes cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana. Kurintar is 95 km, 2 hours drive, from Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. Kurintar is at an altitude of 258 meter high from sea level. When there was no cable car service people us
ed to walk 3–4 hours all the way to Manakamana. Due to the Cable Car it is now very easy to get into this one of the most famous religious destination.

Manakamana DarshanThe cable car in Nepal takes you up on a spiritual adventure to the abode of Mankamana, the wish-fulfilling Hindu Goddess. Even if you have no wishes to make (assuming that you have got it all or you are not a believer), this place offers a unique look into Nepali people's faith in the Goddess Mankamana. The Mankamana temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys. The hilltop (1302m) also offers a vantage point for taking in the breathtaking view of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna massifs to the north. Venerated since 17th century and commanding royal patronage, Mankamana is located south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling.In the past, millions of pilgrims used to do the long arduous trek up to the hilltop. Much still do. The cable car station in Cheres is about 104 kms, west from Kathmandu and about 102 kms east from Pokhara. From the base-station at Cheres one can get to Mankamana temple in 10 minutes flat or less. The ride covers a distance of 2.8 kilometers. With 31 passengers and 3 cargo-cars, each with a seating capacity of handling 600 persons per hour. You can book the trip to Manakamana by Cable Car with us or one of our national branches in the country.

Kali Gandaki River

2010-04-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

The river is called Sapta (seven) Gandaki for seven tributaries rising in the Himalaya or further north along the main Ganges-Brahmaputra divide. These are called Daraudi, Seti, Madi, Kali, Marsyandi, Budhi and Trisuli.

Rara lake in nepal

2010-04-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

The rara lake is the biggest lake of Nepal. Along mountain paths and a series of picturesque villages, one reaches the magnificent banks of Rara lake.

The park includes Trans- Himalayan valley with high ridges covered with forest and alpine pastures. Being among the local people with their distinctive culture and traditions, gives the visitor a unique experience and makes for a wonderful holiday. The primitive people give the trekker a look backward and a chance to reflect on his own modern society and development. The great high mountains scenery enchants and fascinate as always. Like most of Nepal , Rara National Park is a naturalist's dream. Animals like the gaur, serow, musk deer, yellow-throated martin and a wide variety of birds such as the Impeyan pheasant, Kalij and dove are ever present.

Tansen in Nepal

2010-04-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Before Nepal was united, Tansen was the capital of the Palpa kingdom ruled by the Sen Dynasty. The history of Tansen dates back to the 16th century. Prithvi Narayan Shah, who united Nepal, mother was from the Sen Family. For years the Gorkha and Palpa kingdoms were in alliance and combined they took control of western Nepal. In 1806, Prithivipal Sen, the last king of Palpa, was asked to come to Kathmandu and he was beheaded. Palpa became parted of the Kathmandu kingdom and Tansen became the administrative city for the area. Members of the Shah and Rana family have ruled the region, often after being exiled from Kathmandu trying to overthrow the king of the time. This former palace of the provincial governor was built in the Rana style and is now government office. It has an impressive but run-down eastern gate called Baggi Dhoka, or Mul Dhoka. Outside the gate is a public square called Sitalpati.

Newars and Newari culture !!!

2010-04-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak a Tibeto-Burmese language, which indicates they originated in the east, but their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid, again suggesting to east, to Indo-Aryan, which of course points to India. In balance, it seems most like that the Kathmandu valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot, with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newar culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture.The Newar golden age peaked in the 17th century when the valley consisted of small city-states, and Nepal was a vitally important trading link between Tibet and the north Indian plains. the valley's visible history is inextricably entangled with the Malla kings. It was during their reign, particularly in the 1600's and 1700's, that many of the valley's finest temples and palaces were built. Competition between the cities was intense and an architectural innovation in one place, such as the erection of a column bearing a statue of the ruling king, would inevitably be copied in the other cities.Sorting out who built what and when is considerably complicated by the fact that at any one time there was not just one Malla king. Each of the three city-states in the valley – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – had its own.The unification of Nepal in 1768 by Gorkha's king Prithvi Narayan Shah signaled the end of the Kathmandu Valley's fragmentation.

Nepali, an Indo-European language spoken by the Khas of western Nepal. replaced Nepalbhasa as the country's language of administration. It is not surprising that the Newar people were influenced by Tibet and India. What is surprising is their creativity response to this stimulus, which actually led to a genuine exchange with their giant neighbors. Mediaeval Near society has left a religious architectural and artistic legacy that is unique, and spectacular by any standard.Although most Newars have Mongoloid physical characteristics, some don't, so their origins are shrouded in mystery. It is now generally accepted that they are a mixture of many different peoples who were attracted to the valley, possibly origination with the Kiratis, or an even earlier group, Perhaps the Newars' most striking characteristic is their love of communal life. Newar houses were invariably clustered together, usually around sites of religious significance. Although their economy was centered around agriculture and trade, they created sophisticated urban communities which catered to a breadth of human needs in an integrated way that has rarely been matched.Today there are around 600,000 Newars largely centered in the Kathmandu Valley. Always traders and merchants, the Newars continue to fill this role throughout the kingdom. Their proximity to the center of power has also led to them having a disproportionate influence in the bureaucracies of Kathmandu. many now live in heartbreakingly ugly bungalows on the outskirts of the city proper, and many of their traditions are on the wane. The Newars are very much rich in traditional, classical and folk music as in dances. Various music and dance events take place in different parts of Newar societies on the occasion of different festivals. In fact, the Newars are so duly intermixed with music and dances that not a single festival, feast or ceremony, 'from womb to tomb', passes without a music or music and dances.Various songs, musical instruments and dances are connected with various religious, social and cultural life of the Newars Different musical instruments are in practice in the festival, feasts, ceremonies and also in funeral procession.

HistoryThe Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak a Tibeto-Burmese language, which indicates they originated in the east, but their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid, again suggesting to east, to Indo-Aryan, which of course points to India. In balance, it seems most like that the Kathmandu valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot, with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newar culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture.The Newar golden age peaked in the 17th century when the valley consisted of small city-states, and Nepal was a vitally important trading link between Tibet and the north Indian plains. the valley's visible history is inextricably entangled with the Malla kings. It was during their reign, particularly in the 1600's and 1700's, that many of the valley's finest temples and palaces were built. Competition between the cities was intense and an architectural innovation in one place, such as the erection of a column bearing a statue of the ruling king, would inevitably be copied in the other cities.Sorting out who built what and when is considerably complicated by the fact that at any one time there was not just one Malla king. Each of the three city-states in the valley – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – had its own.The unification of Nepal in 1768 by Gorkha's king Prithvi Narayan Shah signaled the end of the Kathmandu Valley's fragmentation. Nepali, an Indo-European language spoken by the Khas of western Nepal. replaced Nepalbhasa as the country's language of administration. PeopleIt is not surprising that the Newar people were influenced by Tibet and India. What is surprising is their creativity response to this stimulus, which actually led to a genuine exchange with their giant neighbors. Mediaeval Near society has left a religious architectural and artistic legacy that is unique, and spectacular by any standard.Although most Newars have Mongoloid physical characteristics, some don't, so their origins are shrouded in mystery. It is now generally accepted that they are a mixture of many different peoples who were attracted to the valley, possibly origination with the Kiratis, or an even earlier group, Perhaps the Newars' most striking characteristic is their love of communal life. Newar houses were invariably clustered together, usually around sites of religious significance. Although their economy was centered around agriculture and trade, they created sophisticated urban communities which catered to a breadth of human needs in an integrated way that has rarely been matched.Today there are around 600,000 Newars largely centered in the Kathmandu Valley. Always traders and merchants, the Newars continue to fill this role throughout the kingdom. Their proximity to the center of power has also led to them having a disproportionate influence in the bureaucracies of Kathmandu. many now live in heartbreakingly ugly bungalows on the outskirts of the city proper, and many of their traditions are on the wane. MusicThe Newars are very much rich in traditional, classical and folk music as in dances. Various music and dance events take place in different parts of Newar societies on the occasion of different festivals. In fact, the Newars are so duly intermixed with music and dances that not a single festival, feast or ceremony, 'from womb to tomb', passes without a music or music and dances.Various songs, musical instruments and dances are connected with various religious, social and cultural life of the Newars Different musical instruments are in practice in the festival, feasts, ceremonies and also in funeral procession.Musical instrumentsIt is believed that there are about 200 (two hundred) types of original musical instruments in Nepal, and 108(one hundred eight types) of musical instruments have been found till now. A great number of Newar musical instruments are included init. These instruments can be classified into four classes according to Sangeet Shastra.1. Membranophones - Dhimay, Dhah, Paschima, NayaKhin etc.2. Idiophones - Bhusyah, Chhusyah, TainNain etc.3. Chordophones - Piwancha4. Aerophones - Murali, Nekoo, Bansuri etc. Newars and Newari culture !!!

Muktinath Treakking

2010-04-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana or status of Liberty / Free, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meter. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Sets into the wall around it are 108 waterspouts from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimage of four special religious sites in India. This temple held sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty. Muktinath is the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal after the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. Hindu pilgrims come here to bathe in the 108 water spouts shaped as cows’ heads and Buddhists come here to pay homage at a shrine enclosing an eternal blue flame. Pilgrims take bath in holy water spouts to purify their bodies before visiting the main Temple for worship. The flight from Pokhara to Jomsom offers magnificent views of Himalayas as it flies through a narrow slice between the tips of two Himalayan giants: Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). Visitors can enjoy with magnificent views of the Himalayas, fabulous and typical valley of Kaligandaki and diversity of ethnic culture. The trail from Jomsom passes along the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world to Kagbeni, a fascinating old citadel. The trail then divides into four directions of which the east route leads to Muktinath. The trail down from Muktinath via Eklya Bhatti (single teahouse) meets with the one coming from Kagbeni and then we walk into the Kaligandaki gorge visiting Marpha, which is well known for garden of apples, apricots and peaches sold fresh, dry and as distilled liquor brandy and its narrow lanes of cobbled stones with houses painted in white on each side. This trek begins from Pokhara and fly out from Jomsom. Alternatively, the trek commences from Jomsom and trek out to Pokhara.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah

2010-04-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. Situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, Gorkha offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountain.

Then the small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice.

In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors. This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.Ten meters below the palace's southern side, is the sacred cave temple of Gorkhanath. The cave is is carved out of the solid rock and is among the most important religious sites for mainstream Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal. Gorkha is also an alternate starting point for a few trekking routes in the region. Gorkha-Trisuli is an easy three day walk along unspoiled Nepali country side. One can also walk a long day's walk to Besishahar, which is the usual starting point for Annapurna and Manang area treks. One can also walk through Besishahar area to Pokhara in a four days.
On a beautiful ridge south-east of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, the holy goddess of aspirations. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. Manakamana is 4 hour's walk uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway.

The new democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on November 9, 1990. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC of which the third summit was held in Kathmandu in November 1987.

Dhaulagiri mountain

2010-03-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

After its discovery in 1808 by the western world, Dhaulagiri was thought to be the highest mountain in the world. This lasted for 30 years before Dhaulagiri's place was taken by Kangchenjunga.In terms of rise above local terrain, Dhaulagiri is, in fact, almost unparalleled in the world. For example, it rises 7000m over the Kali Gandaki gorge to the southeast in about 30km of horizontal distance. The Kali Gandaki is especially dramatic since Dhaulagiri र Annapurna both stand near the river, giving a unique example of two Eight-thousanders facing each other over a deep valley.

लुम्बिनी अञ्चल

2010-03-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

लुम्बिनी अञ्चल

लुम्बिनी नेपालको नेपालको क्षेत्रिय बर्गिकरण अनुसार पश्चिमाञ्चल विकाशक्षेत्रमा पर्ने एउटा अञ्चल हो। यसलाई ६ जिल्लाहरुमा वर्गिकरण गरिएको छ।

नामाकरण
गौतम बुद्धको जन्मस्थान लुम्बिनीको नामबाट यो अञ्चलको नामाकरण गरिएको हो।

जिल्लाहरु

1.अर्घाखाँची

2.पाल्पा

3.गुल्मी

4.रुपन्देही

5.कपिलबस्तु

6.नवलपरासी