Interesting Facts

What was it like to find a scorpion in our backyard? Well, I wasn’t there at the exact moment but the story is longer than that. I never thought of meeting a scorpion in India but well, life can be exciting! We lived in India already for a few months and this time we were renting a place in Auroville…

Many of us have a very idealistic idea of monasteries, thinking of some high things. In fact, everything is much simpler. The monastery is principally a school. But what they study and who teaches in this school is already a question of the quality of education and the matter of every educational institution. What do the monks learn in the…

Navratri–or the nine sacred days–mark the most auspicious days of the lunar calendar according to Hinduism. Celebrated with fervour and festivity all over India, and every Hindu community the world over, these nine days are dedicated solely to Maa Durga (goddess Durga) and her nine avatars. The prominent story associated with Navratri is the battle that took place between goddess…

The Mahabharat is one of the two major epics in Sanskrit of ancient India. It contains over one lakh couplets and is thrice as long as the Bible. However, only a fraction of the narration deals with the main story with the rest containing additional myths and teachings. It clearly states: “What is found here may be found elsewhere but…

The purpose of this article is to present the most common Nepali spices, along with their medical properties. Akhbare khursani Akhbare khursani is also known as dalle khursani, meaning round chili is the spiciest spice in the world. The fully mature fruits are mostly shaped like cherries and are glowing red. Grown in households in Nepal and commonly used as a…

Perhaps you are in shock seeing,  for the first time, a small child with intensely painted eyes. However, it has been very common in Hindu culture for a long time. Also today, many mothers, in India, Nepal, and the Middle East, paint their children’s eyes with kayal – an Indian equivalent of eye-liner – obtained from oil, herbs, and soot….

Lemongrass, gingergrass or palmarosa – ‘Cymbopogon martini’ Known in India as ganjan or gavti cha, is a species of grasses. It grows wild in wetlands of rural areas of India, Nepal, China and neighboring countries. In Ayurveda known as Rohisha – is a component of many ayurvedic prescriptions and is used in traditions of natural healing. The Chinese usually use the…

Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest man of India well known around the globe. Here are few interesting, as well as important facts about this great man. He wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler. In 1939, he wrote a request letter to Hitler to avoid war, but it never reached its intended recipient because of an intervention by the British government. During his…

Quick Introduction Emperor Aurangzeb was considered as the last great Mughal Emperor who extended the Empire over nearly all the Indian subcontinent. He was born in 1618 and ruled for 49 years. He brought to his rule a strict Islamic law called Fatawa-e-Alamgiri. It was said that he imposed a ban on music but it seems that not completely. The story Long ago…

Katthak is one of the classic Indian dance styles, also practiced in Nepal. “Now I present a well-known katthak dancer from Nepal, whose special feature is to overcome her imperfections on the way to fulfill her life dream. The katthak style is characterized by very quick leg movements at certain times. Sita has one leg and is very good at…

Gandhi left South Africa forever and returned to India in July 1914. Initially he stayed at Shantivan ashram of Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. By 1917, he had established Satyagraha ashram on the banks of Sabarmati river . In 1917, Gandhiji led a successful satyagraha campaign fighting for the rights of the indigo planters at Champaran. Champaran was a turning point…

Hijra is one of the castes in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, which includes representatives of the “third sex”: a community of transgender people, bisexuals, homosexuals, and eunuchs. They dress and behave like women, call themselves a female name. The number of Hijra varies according to different estimates from 50 thousand to 5 million. But traveling in India and meeting men…

The Mahabharat is one of the two major epics in Sanskrit of ancient India. It contains over one lakh couplets and is thrice as long as the Bible. However, only a fraction of the narration deals with the main story with the rest containing additional myths and teachings. It clearly states: “what is found here may be found elsewhere but what…

“I am Ranjana Dhami. I’m 27 years old. Originally my family comes from Nijgadh Bara in south-eastern Nepal. My family belongs to the Tharu community, which is indigenous to the Terai area of Nepal. Terai is the plain territory of south Nepal. The tradition of my family is farming, but because of the hard situation of the Nepal economy, my…

Gandhi arrived in Durban, Natal (now kwaZulu-Natal) in 1893 to serve as legal counsel to a merchant Dada Abdulla. In June, Dada Abdulla asked him to undertake a rail trip to Pretoria, Transvaal, a journey which first took Gandhi to Pietermaritzburg, Natal. Hard Experience There, Gandhi was seated in the first-class compartment, as he had purchased a first-class ticket. A White…

The Mahabharat is one of the two major epics in Sanskrit of ancient India. It contains over one lakh couplets and is thrice as long as the Bible. However, only a fraction of the narration actually deals with the main story with the rest containing additional myths and teachings. It clearly states: “what is found here may be found elsewhere…

Blue is the color of all-inclusiveness. You will see in the existence, anything that is vast and beyond your perception generally tends to be blue, whether it is the ocean or the sky. Anything which is larger than your perception tends to be blue because blue is the basis of all-inclusiveness. It is based on this that so many gods…

The most extraordinary person from India, Mahatma Gandhi. About education. Before leave Gandhi came from a poor family, and he had to chose one of the cheapest college he could afford. Mavji Dave Joshiji, a Brahmin priest and family friend, advised Gandhi and his family that he should consider law studies in London. In July 1888, his wife Kasturba gave…

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Here is one of the stories telling about the true view of the human body. ‘There was once an extremely beautiful young woman, everybody fell in love with her, as soon they saw her. One king, in particular, wanted her very badly and he was hypnotized by…

While learning about Mahatma Gandhi, I found this and it’s really great. I leave this piece of work here to pass on… “In a small, white-washed house in Porbandar, on the coast of Kathiawad in western India, Mohandas Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. His parents were Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. He was small and dark, and looked no…

Whoever tried to visit anyplace with children in Asia knows that it is not hop and go. Actually, being politically correct, you should deal with posing for pictures, setting up children and maintaining relationships. With blond babies, and sometimes even without them, you become the main tourist attraction, even if there are over a thousand years old walls carved with the contents of…

Mahatma Gandhi is the greatest known person in India. He is saved in the pages of history as the one who showed the path to the freedom, the one who fought to the end. His history is long and has many different sides. His childhood, education in Great Britain, war in Africa, racist discrimination, and fight for freedom in India….

The city of Puri in the Indian state of Orissa (in the old transcription as Odisha) is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is an Indian Mecca, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually flock. Imagine a marathon in 60-100-200km when you have on your shoulder a ritual stick with pots filled with some substance weighing 4-8kg. And…

Kathmandu is a big city and this is a galery with the pictures from Boudhanath and its region. Boudhanath Sadak – at the entrance to the passage around the great stupa A view from Boudhanath  Tamang Gumba against Boudhanath Boudhanath sale of Ayurvedic herbs Boudhanath reading sutras in public  Boudhanath students on truancy? View from Boudhanath Boudhanath – this nun is always…

Mahatma Gandhi is the greatest known person in India. He is saved in the pages of history as the one who showed the path to the freedom, the one who fought to the end. His history is long and has many different sides. His childhood, education in Great Britain, war in Africa, racist discrimination, and fight for freedom in India….

Visva Bharati University is a school located in Santiniketan, West Bengal. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore who called it Visva-Bharati, which means the communion of the world with India. The University provides all kind of education. As well as Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary education. The University provides hostels, cafeteria, hospital, libraries and good quality Wi-Fi. The university has two guest houses: Ratan Palli and…

Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta, India into a wealthy Brahmin family. After a brief stay in England (1878) to attempt to study law, he returned to India, and instead pursued a career as a writer, playwright, songwriter, poet, philosopher and educator. During the first 51 years of his life he achieved some success in the Calcuttaarea of India where…

Orissa is situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal. Odisha is an ancient region with many ornaments. It is full of beaches, rivers, mighty waterfalls, forests, hills and rich wild life. You will find in Orissa ancient temples, historic monuments as well as pieces of modern engineering feat. History In its long history spanning more than just the present millennium, the region of modern Orissa…

Kirati, Kiranti is an ethnic group with roots going back several millennia distinguished by separate beliefs, traditions and language between Nepalese. Region Traditionally, they live in the  region of Arun river flowing through Eastern Nepal. A distinction is made between two groups: Wallo – living west of the river Pallo – occupying the eastern territories of Arun Their tribes are also found…

Meena Kumari was born with the birth name Mahajabeen into the family of Ali Bux and Iqbal Begum (known as Prabhawati Devi before her marriage and conversion to Islam). At home, Mahajabeen’s family fondly called her by the name “Munna”. Vijay Bhatt, Director, Producer and Proprietor of Prakash Studio was approached by Ali Bux to cast Mahajabeen in one of…

From which we escaped … Deciding on the offspring, we would usually want it to grow into happy people. What does it mean to someone – a different matter … a happy life depends on the relationship with the desired person, the popularity on social networks, the number of people haunting the house, most – more or less – wants…

This anniversary is one of the three most important national holidays of the country. The other two are Republic Day celebrated 26th January and Gandhi Jayanti, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi celebrated 2nd October. History Since India regained its independence from British rule in 1947, the anniversary is celebrated throughout the country on August 15. India remained under British rule for almost two centuries….

There was an ancient festival that, as said, was to warship ‘the god of death’, Yamaraj. During the time the festival has changed. Now it is a time for fun, jokes, costumes and more. The modern form of celebration was born during XVII century in Malla Dynasty. The legend Long ago a King of Kathmandu, Pratat Malla lost his youngest son….

The highest peak of the Annapurna massif is 8091 m.n.p.m. and is the tenth eight-thousander in number. For climbers, climbing this mountain is one of the most dangerous approaches in the world. “Annapurna” in Sanskrit means “filled with food.” The name also translates as “harvest keeper” – Shiva worshipers worship her as a guarantee of prosperity presenting with a gold…

Varanasi, Monday, 25/06/2018 My name is Deliv, I will tell about the cremation ritual in Hindu tradition, just as we keep it here in Benares. We are currently at Harish Chandra Ghat. Here, all bodies are cremated, with no distinction between castes and religions. Cremation here also includes electrical combustion. Besides, there is another ghat in Varanasi, where only Hindu…

Hindu castes are an important element of the Nepalese community, although there are some gaps in this system. Bahuns differently Brahmins, are sitting on top of this mountain. They can be government employees, landowners or farmers. As the next, there are Chhetri who usually serve as soldiers. The homeland of both ethnic groups are the hills of western Nepal, but…

From an air view, the Bauddhanath stupa looks like a giant mandala … means – diagram of Buddhist cosmology. Four Buddhas set the main directions of the world, the fifth – Vairochana – sits in the middle. These five Buddhas also embody the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether – represented in the elements of the stupa….

Province No. 2 is a province in the southeastern region of Nepal that was formed after the adoption of the Constitution of Nepal. It is Nepal’s second most populous province and smallest province by area. It borders with Province No. 3 to the north, Province No. 1 to the east, Province No. 3 to the west, and the international border with India to the south. It has an area of 9,661 km2 with a…

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche – one of the most amazing masters of modern Buddhist teachings. He was born in 1910 in eastern Tibet, in a family holding the legacy of the great Tibetan king Trisong Detsen responsible for spreading the Dharma teachings in the ninth century. When Dilgo Khyentse was still in the womb, he was considered a tulku by the…

The Dawa Saga Festival is a special day for Buddhists. Buddhist festival It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the fourth month according to the Tibetan calendar. Such a special day is actually every Purnima, or the full moon. This, however, is especially special. It is said that on Dawa’s day, our merits resulting from the right – or…

A snack that cools and gives strenght on a cool summer day. Origin Laphing is originally from Sichuan cuisine which is one of China’s most popular ones. It was  called ‘liang fen’. Tibetans, as followed, have enjoyed the dish and have brought it straight to Nepal where it, too, starts to gain popularity. Serving The consistency of laphing is jelly-like, made of mung-bean or…

Castes Rai and Limbu are known to be called Kiranti. But once, it is possible those two castes were one tribe. As their physical characteristics is quiet Mongolian it is clearly seen that they are from north. North Tibetans call Limbus Monpa meaning those who live in South of the Himalayas. Rullers Sources reveal that the Kathmandu Valley was under…

The Nepali calendar includes the Hindu calendar Bikram Sambat (Vikram Samvat) and the days of the week, days of the month, and anniversaries of the Gregorian calendar. In the Nepalese calendar, Nepali Patro – also called Nepali Bikram Sambat, in short BS – means all national holidays and cultural and religious festivals of all ethnic groups of Nepal. It includes…

It is quite interesting that the 7 provinces in Nepal are called now Province No. 1, Province No. 2 etc. Before Nepal was divided into 14 Administrative Zones which had normal names. The change happened in 2015 with new establishment. The previous system of division Mechi Zone, named after the Mechi River Kosi Zone, named after the Kosi River Sagarmatha Zone, named after Sagarmatha…

Ghode Jatra, or the Horse Racing Day According to the tradition, on this day is celebrated the defeat of Tundi, a demon who once lived in a meadow known today as Tundikhel. After his death, he was trampled under the hooves of dancing horses. It is said that the Ghode Jatra festival was initiated to make sure that his spirit is…

Once Death arrives from an intergalactic conference on the rights of sinners, at which God gave a lecture on the norms of psycho-physical behavior that allows all living beings to live a full physical and joyful mental life up to 300 years, and ideally up to 1000 years. Death looks upon Earth, and sees hers temporary deputy zombie named Virus…

Limbu, are the second most numerous tribe of the people called Kiranti. Their caste makes 1.6% of population in Nepal. The Limbu tribe was about 380,000 big in the early 21st century. The Limbu are of Mongolian roots and speak a language belonging to the Himalayan group of Tibeto-Burman languages. It has its own alphabet (the Kirat-Sirijonga script), believed to have been invented in the…

The highest caste was always Brahmins, holding positions of priests and teachers in the Hindu community. It is believed that in the twelfth century, during the Islamic invasion in India, Brahmins – Brahmans – emigrated to the western hills of Nepal. There they encountered a Khas caste, people of a Brahmin-like culture, who in the caste order never found themselves…

In the picture above – the Temple in Kaladi, the birthplace of Saint Adi Shankaracharya  „Jagat mithya, brahma satyam” जगत मिथ्या, ब्रह्मा सत्यम Means that the world we experience, including tangible scientific conclusions, are essentially illusory. The only original truth that is independent of the mind is brahma – translated as soul, consciousness, language or infinite, eternal, unconditioned mind. Those…

Gurung Dharma, or the Gurung shamanic traditions … … are now considered – also by its supporters – as an ancient system of shamanic beliefs, which is only a remnant of the former powerful cult. Gurung beliefs The Gurungs – in their language – Tamu-mae – combine practical everyday life with rich cosmology, inhabited by innumerable good and evil spirits….

Dried mushrooms are sometimes available in the offer of street sellers. One of these experts – with whom communication was carried out with the help of sign language and the little of my Nepalese – asked “what it is” answered only “chiau”, meaning mushrooms. I got more information about the species somewhere else. I learned, however, from the man another interesting thing. It was his knowledge…

In the ancient system of Hindu Varna System caste – हिन्दू वर्ण व्यवस्था … … people were qualified to one of the castes according to their personal qualities, behavior, employment and degree of spiritual development. Kshatriya were warriors, soldiers and also held positions in the management group. All kings, ministers and soldiers were given the title ‘Kshatriya’. When Varna System…

Daal Is a collective term for various types of shelled bean seeds, as well as finer whole seeds, such as the masoor known to us commonly as lentils. The term dal is also used in relation to various types of sauces and soups prepared on the basis of these seeds. Legume seeds are an absolute foundation of Indian cuisine –…

The original inhabitants of the Konkan region on the South Goa coast are the Kunbi, Gauda and Velip tribes. It is claimed that they inhabit the region of the coast for over five thousand years. Today, they live in the region of Kerala, Karnataka and South Goa. Some of these tribes adopted the Roman Catholic religion as a result of the…

Today I’m presenting one of our favorite spices – curry leaves. Murraya koenigi – curry leaf tree – is a naturally growing tree in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The plant is in the same family as the popular healing tree of nimm. It was also adapted to the climatic conditions of South Africa and Malaysia. Curry leaves are commonly used in…

According to the Hindu cult, the puja for Shiva is made every morning and evening. The offerings are made of what brings a good impression in the cold region of the Himalayan foothills – light, clean water, the smell of incense, flowers, fire, and delicacies. The lingam – Shiva’s symbol – is commonly worshiped as a source of power and…

 Kolam is most known in south India, Nepal, and few other Asian countries. While walking through the village streets of Tamil Nadu, it is hard not to see the drawings on the ground. They are made of rice flour, chalk powder, rock powder or colored powders. The making of such a kolams is widely practiced by women of South India. In…

Lumbini is a city situated in south Nepal. It is a place of buddhist cult believed to be a birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Lumbini was made a World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1997. Gautama was a son of Queen Mayadevi, born in 563 BCE. When he achieved Enlightenment some time around 528 BCE, became the Buddha and founded Buddhism. In Lumbini there are many temples, monasteries and monuments….

The Newaries are originall residents of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding districts. It can not be said, however, that the population of the Newar is a tribal population of a particular race with simple ethnic roots, such as Magar, Gurung or Kiranti. Basically, it can be stated that the Newari people are the cross between Indians (Arya) and Tibetans…

Before the advent of Abraham religion, the concept of GOD – as such, in the Abraham understanding – did not exist. Although we are used to the fact that various Eastern Asian figures in polytheistic cultures presented by gold or copper figures, statues, and monuments or wall drawings in Hindu temples are called deities or gods. But this is a…

Here is one funy fact about Indians, the ones that live in the smaller cities or villages, is that they almost always answer “Yes”. I’m talking about Indians that have seen a white person only few times in life and know little English or at all. You ask a man “Can you show me the way to this hotel?” You…

The culture of Western Bengal in its natural meaning is first of all the creation of Bauls, mystics so old that one can find their connection with not only religions but also the sciences that are commonly called esoteric. It seems that the whole ancient Asiatic culture originates or is interconnected with this culture of ancient travelers. And the most interesting…

The basics of Indian cuisine is its specific spices and their combinations in dishes. The aroma of Indian spices is notorious enough, I will just add that it is worth visiting the regional fair, because they are usually solelling fresh spices, which aroma has surprised me many times, despite the culinary experience. I cataloged the spices and herbs used in…

In India, where parasites are common, it is good to remember that people with weaker digestive systems are more susceptible to parasitic infections. It is not difficult to get an infection, and the conditions for development are important for the parasite. Intestinal parasites excellently develop on undigested food. Ultimately, the host suffers from weakening and degeneration. That’s why Ayurveda uses hot…

Khapsey are Tibetan bisquits , very popular in Nepal, Widely prepared for Lhosar – Tibetan New year. In addition, Tibetans often prepare them for various occasions, such as weddings, family holidays or other religious festivals, many of which are found in both Tibetan culture and the neighboring Newari. There are many different types – read: shapes – khapsey cookies. Two…

One day in Nepal, I was given a short childhood story by a Nepali friend. The story tells of experiences that have so far aroused slight terror. I think that in our culture a similar story would have the chance to see the light of day only after a few drinks between friends. The Nepalese girl not only wrote it…

Name of Kalachakra: Circle of Time. Kala – means time is an aspect of unchanging bliss. Chakra – this is a circle, aspect of elusiveness, emptiness of everything. Thus, the term Kalachakra may mean the unity of eternal bliss and the emptiness of everything that manifests. It is Kalachakra Outer, Inner and Secret. Outer Kalachakra is the world around us:…

“Namaste” is not all that you can hear in the morning from a Nepali. In this country rich in history, it is usual to express concern for the neighbor more bluntly. So when we came to Nepal for the first time, we lived with the Boguns – a Brahmin caste – for a long time we could not get used…

The Tamangs who live in Kathmandu enjoy their own tradition and a well-developed system of rituals. They have their lamas, or Buddhist priests taught – usually from the youngest childhood years – according to the tradition of the Nyingma school of Mahayana Buddhism. In addition, it is known that the man bearing the name Lama belongs to the Tamang caste….

Today is the 145th birth anniversary of legendary dancer and singer Gauhar Jaan. Gauhar Jan was a very noteworthy artist of Calcutta at the turn of the 20th century.  It seems strange that today she is largely unknown, but at the time, she was one of the most famous vocalist in India.  She was one of India’s first recording stars. She was…

Samsara is to see the mistakes of others. Tilopa …….. Judge not, and you will not be judged. For a judgment you judge will judge you; and they will measure you with a measure that you measure. Why do you see the splinter in the eye of your brother, and the beams in your own eyes do you not see? Or how…

The revolution in Nepal began on February 13, 1996. In ten years of the Nepalese civil war (1996-2006) more than 13,000 people were killed in battles, ambushes and raids, and pacification operations. At the end of the conflict, many rural areas were under the control of the rebels, and Katmandu was subject to frequent blockades and bomb attacks. The insurgents…

Chili comes from regions of South America, and the Portuguese brought it to India. Essentially, Indians distinguish mostly green fresh chili – and several types of ground red chili pepper – hotter and milder, Kashmiri. The sale of fresh red chili peppers is rare. Most often it represents the paprika Capsicum anum, sometimes Capsicum frutescens. Nowadays in India, there are…

Winter months – December, January, and February are the peak of the green vegetable season, from southern India to the Himalayas. Today I present a selection of salads, spinach, and greens available in the winter season on the market in Kathmandu. A typical Nepali meal consists of rice, daal – a sauce prepared based on one of the types of…

Thali means a plate with rice and a set of sauces that traditionally has to offer all five flavors. The word ‘thali’ means a plate in Hindi and Nepali. The dish under this name is offered throughout northern India and Nepal. Restaurants compete in the quantity – and of course, sometimes and in quality – of the sauces offered in…

Tulsi contains strong antioxidants, has antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antiallergic, adaptogenic, and immune properties, and also gives the beverage a refreshing but delicate taste. The plant shows great variation depending on the type of soil, rainfall, and the place where it grows. The growing environment affects the size of the herb, its strength, and medical efficiency. Tulasi has a sweet-sharp…

June 21 or the 7thth day of the month of Ashad, 2078 of calendar Bikram Sambat Ekadashi is a special day in Nepal. It always falls on the eleventh day after the new moon and on the eleventh day after the full moon – twice each month in the Nepalese calendar. Many try to uphold the precepts of Ayurvedic teachings…

How to deal with spicy food in India? When you are in India for the first time you certainly search for not spicy food, if you are like us. And maybe you already know, India is full of spices. So, when you want to eat something, no matter is it street food or a restaurant, you should ask for not…

What is cancer and where does it come from? You might think that cancer comes from eating certain things or drinking, that it is a strictly chemical-biological process. Well, you are right, but there is much more behind it than you might think. ‘Experienced physicians say, that there is some relationship between the nature of emotions of a man and…

What is Coronavirus? It came to us like thunder from the sky. I don’t exactly remember but it was somewhere in January when I woke up early in the morning, getting ready for school, when my dad, who is familiar with all the surrounding news, informed me about the new virus spreading in China. We didn’t take it seriously nor…

As I turned 18 my doors to get a job were open. All dough there was still the case of sanepid card which are the tests that confirm your health and your ableness to deal with food. Having not yet done these tests means limited choice in choosing work. I thought to try with something like a seller in one…

The Mahabharat is one of the two major epics in Sanskrit of ancient India. It contains over one lakh couplets and is thrice as long as the Bible. However, only a fraction of the narration deals with the main story with the rest containing additional myths and teachings. It clearly states: “what is found here may be found elsewhere but what…

While we are in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, we started to look out how to apply for an Indian visa. In Bangladesh, there are only 2 cities where foreigners can make an Indian visa. Dhaka and Chittagong. Getting Information There are 2 websites where we looked for needed documents, fees and all that. Indian Visa Application is made here…

When we got to Kolkata 9th of September we had to find a hotel near the Deputy High Commission Of Bangladesh. By Kolkata’s yellow taxi we drove near the place and left the bags to look for a hotel. Kolkata We found a small hotel nearby, called Bengal Hotel. It is located on Circus Avenue surrounded by mosques. We rented…

Wandering around the holiest temple of Sri Jagannath, we stumbled upon Prasan’s pram. Wandering around Jagannatha and recording an amazing mix of characters, various vegetables, sanctity of temples, buffaloes and mountains of garbage, we suddenly stopped stunned with this heavy herbal scent that came to us from afar. Description The tea stand a trolley on wheels standing picturesquely below the banyan….

Wandering trough the streets of  Puri, I came across this object covered with green. It is an old temple of Krishna facing a newly built one. Inspired by this subject, I dug other old photos …        Below are photos from the Portuguese Fort in Canacona, the state of Goa.    Here is an old abandoned house built in the…

Today I’m writing a little about myself and the interesting facts that I met. First of all, like many other people, I like to eat. Whenever I’m outside and there are thousand of shops around us, mostly with food or clothes I want to go to the one with the food. It’s this terrible human addiction. Well it doesn’t work…

23rd July I had my 17th birthday. I actually kind of forgot about it, I mean to write about it. Now I understand, I woudn’t say adult but, grownups in not being so excited about a birthday. I was happy but not so excited as the previous years. Its just another year; cake, more food, playing with sisters, new things….

Rath Yatra Festival, an annual “chariot journey”. Traditionally located in Puri – in the state of Orissa – is associated with the figure of Sri Jagannatha. When the festival falls Rath Yatra takes place on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, which is the second day after the new month of Ashadha’s Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this time falls on…

A few scenes from the coast area in Puri. The seaside region separates from the rest of the city Chakra Tirtha Road known for bhang shops there. Between this alley and the shores of the Bay of Bengal are settlements of fishing families. At dawn, the bay is full of boats. In the morning, families unravel the nets on the…

We are traveling and what we carry with us is our house and equipment. For me all that we pack is usual but I am curious; do other travelers have similar or different equipments. Here the time comes, in few days, we will leave Nepal so the packing comes, with it also a big cleaning, segregating, choosing etc. So here…

While traveling in a train for 3 days or staying in a rented house for 5 months, we, and specially children need some entertainment. Besides books, mobile games and videos, we make games. It, of course, depends if you are currently traveling or staying. In the first case there is a smaller diapason. The easiest are word games like ‘make a…

I have wrote before about applying visa but as time pass, the needs and regulations change, so here I make a new post with all the actual reqirements. To apply you need: Indian Visa Application Form Passport photo – you should make it in the service as it is bigger then usual one Passport photocopy Current Nepali Visa photocopy If you have…

This time the sound of the instruments indicated that there was some procession in the Buddhist tradition. A long white ribbon supported by those walking in the procession indicated the nature of the event: the funeral procession – After-death ritual of Tamangs. Funeral procession The procession was led by two Tibetan lamas from the Nyingma tradition of the Tamang caste…

Today I would like to say few words about funny fact we have here. Our attitude towards tomato For us it’s normal to eat raw tomato. We make salad of it. And some of us, (like my father) like it so much that we eat it plainly. I mean that when my dad is hungry we can just take a bowl of…

As we walked our way to Bauddhanat Stupa we walked by a house where one Tibetan women made textiles. We made some pictures.

A few days after the Nepalese New Year, the Hindu festival Parshuram Jayanti was on… celebrated by the Bikram Sambat traditions as Parshurama’s birthday. This year – 2018 – the holiday fell on April 18 according to the Gregorian calendar. According to the ancient book of Ramayana, Parashurama arrives at the engagement ceremony of Sita and Rama on that day….

The traditions Traditions of funerals are different all around the world. We bury dead people, in Tibet, they give them to vultures, in India they mostly burn them, sometimes they bury, and sometimes they just let them into the Ganges. By the way, mummified are always the rich and famous ones. In Tibet only high lamas and in Egypt pharaohs. Everywhere in different ways,…

On Saturday morning I heard a great noise on the street informing about another party. I caught my camera, ran and saw crowds of women dressed in red, fast-paced with jugs on their heads. What’s going on Nepalese asked what this party is about, are saying that this is not a special occasion and not a festival at all. Pressed…

Buddha Purnima is the most important festival of all Buddhist groups. This day celebrates not only as the birthday of the great Shakyamuni, but also the anniversary of his enlightenment and the anniversary of entering the parinirvana, meaning the leaving of body. Before the Happening Anniversary of the death Buddha’s birthday festival in Kathmandu lasted two days from 29 to…