Durga Puja in Nepal

Valley of joy
The friendliness and hospitality of the people of Nepal along with the variety of exciting adventure activities combined with a culture that epitomises peace and harmony, make a visit to the Himalayan kingdom a memorable experience, says Swaati Chaudhury

The Himalayan kingdom has the richest and most diverse culture landscapes. Nepal is the holy land of Lord Pashupatinath and Gautam Buddha where the Hindus and Buddhists have lived together in harmony for centuries. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesised in the Kathmandu Valley. The three ancient cities of the Valley- Patan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur-represent an epitome of harmony in urban design, elegant architecture and refined culture. The land of Nepal Himalayas is tempting with its virginal beauty and during the puja season, the land unfolds its myriad charm with its festive flavours. There is Dashain or Dussehra, the five-day event that not forms the favourite but is also the national festival of the Himalayan country. Dedicated to goddess Durga, the festival bears resemblance with celebration of Durga puja in Bengal and marks with kite flying and animal sacrifices to symbolise the victory of the goddess. Another significant celebration during the autumn months is Mani Rimdu, a nine-day cultural event held at Annapurma base camp. A favourite festival of the Sherpa community, the festival is based on the Tibetan Lunar almanac. The Himalayan land is replete with diverse culture and traditions. There are a host of other celebrations during the peak tourist season including Kanyam, a nature and cultural event held at tea gardens at Ilam, Chhat Parva observed at Janakpur and Tatopani Mela that comprises hot water bathing at Rasuwa in the Nepal-Tibet border. Teej falls in the month of September and devotees crowd at the shrine of Pashupatinath. The most prominent festival of the Himalayan region is Tihar or Deepawali that follows with Govardhan puja.The influx of tourists heading to the Himalayan land is quite high during this festive season. Informs Maitrayee Ray, honorary public relation representative, Nepal Tourism Board (Kolkata), “Indian Airlines is operating its daily flight services from Kolkata to Kathmandu barring Friday. All air tickets have been booked in advance from Kolkata and New Delhi. Many tourists are driving to make their way from Kolkata to Biratnagar or Birgunj in Nepal and thereafter heading to Kathmandu. Pokhra is only a few hours drive from Birgunj. Hence tourists prefer dropping in at Pokhra from Birgunj and then reach Kathmandu.” A well-known pilgrim spot that is highly revered by devotees has been Manakamana shrine at Kurintar. Lying in the midst of Pokhra and Kathmandu, the age-old shrine of Manakamana is three-and-a-half hour drive from Kathmandu. There are cable car services for pilgrims to reach the shrine. The shrine is in the form of a pagoda and provides impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna Himalayas. The country is increasingly becoming a safe bet for tourists and its spectacular beauty has fascinated many over the ages. “Travelling to Kathmandu has become easier since Indian tourists do not require any passport. It is also relatively cheaper to embark on a journey to the Nepal Himalayas than any other South-East Asian destinations,” says Maitrayee Ray. In a bid to raise awareness among tourists about the festive colours of the land, Nepal Tourism Board brings out a calendar of events every year. Add to this, the board makes a prominent presence at leading travel exhibitions of India.
source: the statesman