Wishing all brothers and sisters a very happy, auspicious, and wonderful Bhai Tika! Sisters offer tika to their brothers and wish them a long life, health, and prosperity. In a special ceremony, they are garlanded and given sweets, walnuts, breads, and spices. The brothers, in turn, offer tika to their sisters and give them gifts.… Continue reading Celebrating Bhai Tika!
Tag: nepal
Untitled
Wishing all a blessed and wonderful Tihar (Diwali)! Colorful lights, sweets, the worship of certain animals and birds, and the playing of deusi bhailo make up some of the unique and fascinating aspects of this traditional and eagerly awaited holiday in Nepal.
Utpalasia’s 10th Anniversary: Celebrating Asian Culture & the Arts
We turned 10 this month! It has been quite a journey, beginning with Nepal Dance School in 2007 and culminating in today’s Utpalasia. During that time we transformed ourselves and our programs, focusing more on public engagement and education while continuing to attract students interested in learning dance and music through classes and workshops. Our… Continue reading Utpalasia’s 10th Anniversary: Celebrating Asian Culture & the Arts
Buddha Jayanti
Kathmandu celebrated Buddha Jayanti at a freshly cleaned and painted Swayambhunath. Honoring the 2561st anniversary of the birthday of Lord Buddha, the day included special events for worship and prayer, social programs, and other festivities, including a beautiful night illumination. See more at https://goo.gl/pCNyh4
Bada Dashain Begins in Nepal – Happy Ghatasthapana!
People are celebrating Ghatasthapana with the planting of barley, rice, wheat, and corn seeds in a clay pot as part of a puja, or offering, in their homes. Sprouted seedlings are called jamara and will be offered as part of tika on Vijaya Dashami, or the main festival day, which occurs in ten days time. The… Continue reading Bada Dashain Begins in Nepal – Happy Ghatasthapana!
Sheshnarayan Temple
Pharping lies in a beautiful green area beyond Chobar, and is highly sacred to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus alike. There you will find Sheshnarayan, one of the four most revered temples of Narayan, or Vishnu, in Nepal. The area is steeped in a blend of religion and lore where caves and cliffs form the backdrop… Continue reading Sheshnarayan Temple
Happy Buddha Jayanti!
Today we celebrate Buddha Jayanti. Celebrations were inaugurated in Lumbini, Nepal, birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the occasion was marked by the attendance of over 350 monks from 28 countries. Butter lamps were lit to commemorate the day. Followers of the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana sects also recited sermons of Lord Buddha.
Happy Holi!
Wishing all of our families, friends, and students a very happy Holi, the festival of colors. Holi – or Phagu Purnima – celebrates the start of spring. Photo by National Geographic
Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum
Senior dancer, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, will be performing the Vajrayogini dance, a charya nritya, or meditative Buddhist dance, as part of Kites of Asia, a free family program at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum this Saturday from 10:30-3 pm. The Vajrayogini is a rare and beautiful dance in which the qualities of a… Continue reading Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum
Maha Shivaratri
Kathmandu is expecting over 1.1 devotees to throng Pashupatinath Temple on March 7, 2016 for Maha Shivaratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. People observe a fast and perform six rituals for purification and to show their virtue. Vigils are held on the temple… Continue reading Maha Shivaratri