Boudhanath
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Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal. The stupa is located in Boudha (near Chabahil), on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.
From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. And as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa). The five Buddhas also personify the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), which are represented in the stupa’s architecture.
There are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment, or “Bodhi” — hence the stupa’s name.
At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. In addition to the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Boudhanath Stupa is closely associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), whose 108 forms are depicted in sculptures around the base. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara – Om Mani Padme Hum – is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa.
The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. These platforms symbolize Earth, and here you can look out at the mountains while listening to the chants of the devout doing kora, walking around the stupa praying.
Next come two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere of the stupa, symbolizing water. As at Swayabunath, Boudhanath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides.
Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha’s teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha.
The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment. The triangular shape is the abstract form for the element of fire. At the top of the tower is a gilded canopy, the embodiment of air, with above it a gilded spire, symbolic of ether and the Buddha Vairocana. Prayer flags tied to the stupa flutter in the wind, carrying mantras and prayers heavenward.
The main entrance to the upper platform of Boudhanath Stupa is on the north side. Here Amoghasiddhi, progenitor of the future Buddha, presides. Below Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Surrounding Boudhanath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys lined with colorful homes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and street vendors.
During the festival of Lhosar in February or March, Boudhanath hosts the largest celebration in Nepal.
Related articles
- Losar: a different New Year – Bodha, Kathmandu , Nepal (travelpod.com)
Nepalis in News
s3space: Are you a semantic web geek?
The next piece of news might be of interest to you if you are into semantic web. An article titled “s3space: Stepping Stone To Working With Linked Data” was published on semanticweb.com about a website called s3space.
The brainchild of Amit Krishna Joshi, a PhD student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Wright State University, where he does research at the Kno.e.sis Center, s3space is billed as a social lab for querying Linked Data. While the site isn’t for complete Linked Data neophytes – users do need to know something about RDF and how to write a basic SPARQL query and test it – s3space takes care of implementing and consuming data-set web services for querying SPARQL endpoints. It uses the Google App Engine at the back end to scale. Read More >>.
Rohit Chand – is EPL next for him?
Arsenal and Tottenham have their eyes on the young Nepalese defender Rohit Chand. These Premier League teams sent their scouts to Jordan to watch the defender in action when Nepal faced Jordan in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Listen to Nepalese national team coach Graham Roberts talk about the team and Rohit Chand:
According to Roberts “Rohit is by far the best center-half I have ever coached. He is an extreme talent who will play at the highest level.”
Chand, a former player of Machhindra FC in Nepal, has been winning coach Roberts’ praises since the latter took charge of the Nepali national team. “I have a world class defense line-up with a talent like Rohit Chand,” Roberts often says about the best defender of the Martyrs Memorial League last year.
Chand plays for Indian First Division side Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) SC at present. He is a product of ANFA Academy and has played for Nepal in U-17 and U-19 age group tournaments. Chand has won 12 caps for the national team since his debut on March 23, 2009 against Palestine in the AFC Challenge Cup.
More about Rohit Chand >>
Nepal climbs up in FIFA rankings
Nepal has climbed 12 spots in the latest FIFA rankings released on Wednesday. With the new release, Nepal, ranked 136 in the world, leads the South Asian region followed by Bangladesh at 147. India is now ranked third in South Asia after it slipped six places to 153 in the world rankings. The rankings are released every month by football’s world governing body FIFA.
Nepal and Bangladesh are the only two countries to improve in the FIFA rankings among eight in the South Asian region. All other countries have fallen back except Bhutan, which remains unchanged at the bottom, ranked 201.
Nepal’s new ranking is the second best in its history. The highest ranking Nepal had ever achieved was from December 1993 to February 1994 when the national team was placed at 124. The lowest ranking was in February 2008 when Nepal slumped to 188.
Nepal ranks 20 among the 46-member nations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). In the last release, Nepal was ranked 28 in Asia. Japan slipped two points to 16 in the world ranking but remains unmoved at the top of the AFC rankings.
Nepal’s new ranking is based on three international matches played recently within a month. Although Nepal lost against Jordan with a huge margin, it was able to defeat East Timor 2-1 and 5-0 in two legs of the first round of 2014 World Cup Asian zone qualifying matches.
Check the rankings >>
US honors Nepali woman for heroic act
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday honoured Nepali anti-trafficking hero, Charimaya Tamang, with the 2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award.
Tamang was honoured during the release of 2011 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report at the State Department in Washington.
Born into a poor family, made poorer by the death of her father, Charimaya was 16 years old when she was trafficked to India.
She spent 22 months in a brothel before the Indian government rescued her along with over 200 other Nepali women in 1996. Upon her return to Nepal, Tamang was ostracised by her community.
However, she filed a case against her traffickers, becoming the first person to file personally a trafficking case at the district police. In 1997, the District Court—in a landmark decision – convicted and sentenced eight offenders involved in her case.
Later in 2000, Tamang and 15 other survivors established Shakti Samuha, an anti-trafficking NGO.
Read more >>
Woman fighting sex slavery named CNN Hero of the Year
A woman whose group has rescued more than 12,000 women and girls from sex slavery has been named the 2010 CNN Hero of the Year.
Anuradha Koirala was chosen by the public in an online poll that ran for eight weeks on CNN.com. CNN’s Anderson Cooper revealed the result at the conclusion of the fourth annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.”
“Human trafficking is a crime, a heinous crime, a shame to humanity,” Koirala said earlier in the evening after being introduced as one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2010. “I ask everyone to join me to create a society free of trafficking. We need to do this for all our daughters.”
Read more >>
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Apa Sherpa climbs Everest for the 21st time
Apa Sherpa on Wednesday broke his own record for most climbs of Mount Everest by scaling the world’s tallest peak for the 21st time. Apa is leading an environmental expedition that plans to carry down tons of garbage left behind by past climbers, took advantage of good weather to reach the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) summit with a group of other climbers.
Apa, who like many in the Himalayas’ Sherpa community uses only one name, grew up in the foothills of Everest and began carrying equipment and supplies for trekkers and mountaineers at age 12. He first climbed Everest in 1989 and has repeated the feat almost annually.
The 50-year-old Apa and his team climbed all night Tuesday and Wednesday morning before reaching the summit at 9:15 a.m. local time (0330 GMT).
Before leaving for the mountain in April, Apa had said his team planned to clear 8,800 pounds (4,000 kilograms) of garbage from the lower part of the mountain and another 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) from near the summit.
Apa has long campaigned about the degradation he has seen on the Himalayan peaks due to global warming and other issues.
A flash mob in Nepal
Watch a historic flashmob by “concerned citizens” and residents of Kathmandu valley. Why “concerned”? Children as young as six can be found working full time in the brick factories around Kathmandu. Working in the brick factories exposes all workers especially children to irreparable health damage including acute respiratory infections, back injuries, lung cancers. Black carbon released by the chimneys is a mass killer and is highly toxic. It is estimated that air pollution results in 1600 premature deaths per year in Kathmandu alone. Every year 837’600 tons of carbon dyoxide are released by the Valley’s brick kilns. Workers are exploited and animal abuse is prevalent. You can change this situation by using and promoting the use of clean and green bricks.
More information here: www.brickclean.net
Nepal qualifies for the AFC Challenge Cup finals
Nepal held Sri Lanka goal-less to qualify for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup finals behind DPR Korea on Monday. DPR Korea downed Afghanistan 2-0 to top the group with nine points while Nepal, who had three points going into the final game, finished with four.
Nepal dominated the proceedings but their attacks were thwarted by a spirited Sri Lankan defence. Nepal coach Graham Roberts, however, said that his side didn’t play for a draw. “We didn’t play the match for a draw. We wanted to win the match by a clear margin. We were playing an attacking game and had to change to defensive formation in the last 20 minutes,” he told reporters. “It was a hectic schedule and the boys are tired but I am happy the way my players played in these matches.”
DPR Korea and Nepal joined Palestine, Philippines, India, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Tajikistan in the eight-team finals.
Read More >>
Demi Moore in Nepal
Demi Moore has just spent five days in Nepal where she is filming a documentary for CNN on the sex trafficking trade.
She visited Maiti Nepal, an organisation aimed to protect women and girls from the crimes related to the sex trafficking industry and she met with Anuradha Koirala, the charity’s founder.
The 62-year-old former school teacher last year won the coveted CNN Hero Of The Year Award for her work through the charity.
The two women took part in a press conference raising awareness of the charity and its work.
Demi, 48, and Anuradha posed for pictures together and met with dozens of the women and girls helped by the organisation which, to date, has rescued over 12,000 women from sex slavery.
Read more >>
Gurkha who repelled Taliban attack gets bravery medal
A Gurkha who single-handedly fought off an attack by at least a dozen Taliban insurgents has been awarded Britain’s second highest medal for bravery.
Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun used up all of his ammunition and resorted to using his machine gun tripod to repel the attack in Afghanistan in September.
The Gurkha, 31, of Ashford, Kent, said he was a “lucky guy” and very proud to get the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
A total of 136 UK servicemen and women are being honoured, four posthumously.
Read more >>
Sur Sudha
Listen to some of Sur Sudha’s (Nepal’s Music Ambassadors) instrumental hits like Mangal Dhun, Simsime Panima, Resham Firiri, ShivaRatri, Rajamati, Fagu, Fisherman Song here.
Narayan Gopal
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‘Swar Samrat’ Narayan Gopal is without doubt the most prominent and popular singer of Nepal. Swar Samrat, means ‘King of Vocals’ and true to this, Narayan Gopal is the supreme virtuoso of Nepali music. When people think or talk about Nepali music, the name most associated is that of Narayan Gopal. While we know him as a singer, Narayan Gopal was also an accomplished music composer in his own right. Not only was he gifted with a great voice, he was very versatile. His voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre. His songs are often richly orchestrated with the sitar, harmonium and the flute.
He has sung over 250[1] songs, modern songs, ballets, dance dramas, movies and patriotic songs. Most of his songs are melodies. It is said that he was very selective about which songs he sang. Although 250 songs is not a lot for some of his caliber, they are outstanding in some ways – be it the lyrical depth or superb rendition. These songs have contributed in enriching the store of Nepali Music and popularizing Nepali music even beyond political frontiers. In recognition of his contribution in the field of Nepali music, he has received several national honors and awards, Indra Rajya Laxmi Award, Chhinalata Award for vocals, Jagadamba Shree, Trishakti Patta third (awarded post humously) Urvashi Rang.
Narayan Gopal was born to a Newar family in Kathmandu in 1996 Bikram Sambat (BS). His father was a classical musician and wanted his son to follow his footsteps. Narayan Gopal was interested in music from an early age but not exactly into classical field. He studied music in India. Narayan Gopal has sung many beautiful and soulful songs composed by late Gopal Yonjon. Narayan Gopal married his long time fan from Darjeeling, Pemala Lama.
We lost this great musician to a notorious drinking that caused organ failures on December 5, 1990 at the age of 51. The cassettes and CDs of his music still, to this day, make significant sales in Nepal. Continued sales of his albums attest to his immense popularity.
Which one of these is your favorite Narayan Gopal song?
Euta Manche Ko Maya le Kati
Jhareko Paat Jhai
Yo Samjhine Man Cha
Saawan ko jhari bani
Manche ko Maya
Kehi mitho baata gara
Yo Samjhine Mann Chha
यो सम्झिने मन छ, म बिर्सुं कसोरी
तिमी नै भनी देऊ ए जाने निथुरी
यो सम्झिने मन छ, म बिर्सुं कसोरी
तिमी नै भनी देऊ ए जाने निथुरी
यी औंला तिनै हुन् तिमी ले चुमेका
परेली यिनै हुन् तिमी ले पुछेका
यी औंला तिनै हुन् तिमी ले चुमेका
परेली यिनै हुन् तिमी ले पुछेका
म सक्दिन आफ्नै प्रतिबिम्ब छोप्न
म सक्दिन छाती फुताएर जोड्न
यो सम्झिने मन छ, म बिर्सुं कसोरी
तिमी नै भनी देऊ ए जाने निथुरी
पखाले ये आँखा पनि द्रिश्य उही छ
जहाँ नै म हिंडे पनि धर्ती उही छ
पखाले ये आँखा पनि द्रिश्य उही छ
जहाँ नै म हिंडे पनि धर्ती उही छ
न सक्छु म आकाश चिथोरेर फेर्न
न सक्छु म जून को उज्यालो नै छेक्न
यो सम्झिने मन छ, म बिर्सुं कसोरी
तिमी नै भनी देऊ ए जाने निथुरी
Jhareko Paat Jhai
झरेको पात झैँ भयो उजाड मेरो जिन्दगी
निभेको दिप झैँ भयो उदास मेरो जिन्दगी
झरेको पात झैँ भयो उजाड मेरो जिन्दगी
चुरा फुटेसरी भयो चराहरु उडीगए
चुरा फुटेसरी भयो चराहरु उडीगए
हजार कोपिलाहरु नमुस्कुराउँदै झरे
उठेको बस्ती झैँ भयो प्रवास मेरो जिन्दगी
विहान जो खुशी थियो जलेर साँझ भैसक्यो
विहान जो खुशी थियो जलेर साँझ भैसक्यो
भिजेको पात पातमा निशादको कथा थियो
अधेँरी रात झैँ भयो विषाद मेरो जिन्दगी
जलिरहेछ लास भित्र भित्र कहिँ छातीमा
जलिरहेछ लास भित्र भित्र कहिँ छातीमा
टुटेफुटेका स्वप्न झैँ अँगारमात्र छातीमा
जिवन बजर सरी भयो उराठ मेरो जिन्दगी
निभेको दिप झैँ भयो उदास मेरो जिन्दगी
झरेको पात झैँ भयो उजाड मेरो जिन्दगी
Maile Punya Mann Paraye
मैले पुण्य मनपराएँ
या पाप मनपराएँ
जे होस् मैले तिमीलाई
चुपचाप मनपराएँ
जब फुल र काँडा दुइटा
सँगै रमाउन सक्छ
जब दागको रंगमा पनि
टिका समाउन सक्छ
नसोध मैले वरदान या
पाप मनपराएँ
जे होस् मैले तिमीलाई
चुपचाप मनपराएँ
तिमीसँग लिनुपनि छ
तिमीलाई दिनुपनि छ
हाम्रो हिसाब किताबमा
सच्याउनु पनि छ
यो हिसाब भुलेर तिमीलाई
बेहिसाब मनपराएँ
जे होस् मैले तिमीलाई
चुपचाप मनपराएँ
जे होस् मैले तिमीलाई
चुपचाप मनपराएँ
[1] Information Courtesy Akash Subedi (http://www.facebook.com/akash.subedi)
Nepal and Nepalese in Guinness Book of World Records
Shortest Man in the World
Who
Khagendra Thapa Magar
Where
Nepal
When
October 14, 2010
Details
The current Shortest Man in the world is Khagendra Thapa Magar (Nepal, b.14 October 1992), who measures 67.08 cm (2 ft 2.41 ft) tall, as verified at Fewa City Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal, on 14 October 2010. A Guinness World Records Adjudicator flew out to Nepal to measure Khagendra on the eve of his 18th birthday and certified the record.
Mt Everest, Youngest successful climber
Who
Temba Tsheri Sherpa
Where
Nepal
When
July 23, 2000
Details
Temba Tsheri Sherpa (Nepal; b. 6 May 1985) successfully summited Mt Everest on 23 May 2001, aged 16 years 7 days.
Earliest ascent of Mt Everest without oxygen
Who
Reinhold Messner
Where
Nepal
When
May 08, 1978
Details
Reinhold Messner (Italy) and Peter Habeler (Austria) made the first successful ascent of Mt Everest without supplemental oxygen on 8 May 1978. This feat is regarded by some purist mountaineers as the first ‘true’ ascent of Everest, since overcoming the effects of altitude (i.e. the low oxygen content of the air) is the greatest challenge facing high-altitude climbers.
Earliest person to climb all 8,000-m peaks
Who
Reinhold Messner
Where
Nepal
When
October 16, 1986
Details
Reinhold Messner (Italy) became the first person to climb the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000 m (26,246 ft) when he summited Lhotse (8,501 m; 27,890 ft) on the Nepal/Tibet border, on 16 October 1986. His quest had started in June 1970, and the difficulty of this feat is illustrated by the fact that by the second half of 2005, only 12 people had achieved it.
Youngest person to climb the Seven Summits including Kosciuszko (male)
Who
Rhys Miles Jones
Where
Nepal
When
May 17, 2006
Details
The youngest person to successfully climb the highest mountains on each of the seven continents (Kosicuszko List) is Rhys Miles Jones (UK, b. 17 May 1986). He completed his seventh and final summit, on Mt Everest, on his twentieth birthday in 2006.
Youngest person to climb the Seven Summits including Kosciuszko (female)
Who
Samantha Larson
Where
Nepal
When
May 17, 2007
Details
The youngest person to climb the seven summits (including Kosciuszko) is Samantha Larson (USA, b. 7 October 1988) who reached the seventh peak, Mt Everest, on 17 May 2007 aged 18 years 222 days.
Highest mobile phone call
Who
Rod Baber
Where
Nepal
When
May 21, 2007
Details
The highest altitude at which a land based mobile phone call was successfully made is 8,848 m (29,029 ft), achieved by Rod Baber (UK) using a Motorola MOTO Z8 on the summit of Mt Everest, Nepal, at 12.52 am GMT on 21 May 2007.
Oldest person to climb the Seven Summits including Kosciuszko (female)
Who
Jeanne Stawiecki
Where
United States
When
May 22, 2007
Details
The oldest woman to climb the Seven Summits including Kosciuszko is Jeanne Stawiecki (USA, b. 24 June 1950), who completed her last climb (Mt Everest, Nepal) on 22 May 2007, aged 57 years and 36 days.
Oldest person to climb Mt Everest (female)
Who
Tamae Watanabe
Where
Nepal
When
July 16, 2001
Details
Tamae Watanabe (Japan) (b. 21 November 1938) reached the summit of Mt Everest at the age of 63 years 177 days at 9:55 a.m. on 16 May 2002, becoming the oldest woman ever to do so.
Oldest person to climb Mt Everest (male)
Who
Min Bahadur Sherchan
Where
When
May 25, 2008
Details
According to the Senior Citizen Mt Everest Expedition (SECEE), Min Bahadur Sherchan (Nepal, b.20 June 1931) reached the highest point on Earth on 25 May 2008 at the age of 76 years 340 days.
Longest marathon reading aloud
Who
Deepak Sharma Bajagain
Where
Nepal
When
September 24, 2008
Details
The longest marathon reading aloud is 113 hours 15 minutes achieved by Deepak Sharma Bajagain (Nepal) at the Tudikhel Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal, from 19 to 24 September 2008.
Most cloves of garlic eaten in one minute
Who
Deepak Sharma Bajagain
Where
Nepal
When
December 01, 2009
Details
The most cloves of garlic eaten in one minute is 34 and was achieved by Deepak Sharma Bajagain (Nepal) at the Direction Exhibition & Convention Center in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 1 December 2009.
Table tennis bat and ball control – duration
Who
Deepak Sharma Bajagain
Where
Nepal
When
December 01, 2009
Details
The longest control of a table tennis ball with a table tennis bat is 4 hours, 39 minutes, 52 seconds and was achieved by Deepak Sharma Bajagain (Nepal) at the National Sports Council’s Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, on 1 December 2009.
Most conquests of Mt. Everest
Who
Apa Sherpa
Where
Nepal
When
May 21, 2010
Details
Apa Sherpa (Nepal) reached the summit of Mt Everest for the 20th time on 21 May 2010, the most times anyone has ever successfully climbed the world’s highest mountain.
Most stamps licked in one minute
Who
Deepak Sharma Bajagain
Where
Nepal
When
August 06, 2010
Details
The most stamps licked in one minute is 70 and was achieved by Deepak Sharma Bajagain (Nepal) at Hindu Vidya Peeth-Nepal in Balkumari, Lalitpur, Nepal, on 6 August 2010.
Most golf balls held in one hand
Who
Rohit Timilsina
Where
Nepal
When
May 15, 2010
Details
The most golf balls held in one hand for 10 seconds is 24 by Guillaume Doyon (Canada) at Collège Saint-Alexandre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, on 30 November 2009. This record was equalled by Rohit Timilsina (Nepal) in Dharmasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal on 15 May 2010.
Most golf balls held in one hand
Who
Rohit Timilsina
Where
Nepal
When
May 15, 2010
Details
The most golf balls held in one hand for 10 seconds is 24 by Guillaume Doyon (Canada) at Collège Saint-Alexandre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, on 30 November 2009. This record was equalled by Rohit Timilsina (Nepal) in Dharmasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal on 15 May 2010.
Earliest bowler to take 10 wickets in a limited overs international
Who
Mehboob Alam
Where
United Kingdom
When
May 25, 2008
Details
The earliest bowler to take all 10 wickets in an ICC international cricket match with limited overs was Mehboob Alam (Nepal) for Nepal against Mozambique in Jersey, UK, on 25 May 2008. The match was contested as part of the 2008 ICC World Cricket League Division V competition.
Largest clear-up on Everest
Who
Nepali Eco Everest Expeditions
Where
Nepal
When
2010
Details
Since 2008, the Nepali Eco Everest Expeditions have involved annual trips to the world’s highest mountain to clear away garbage from previous climbs, removing a total of 12,000 kg of ropes, tents, food packaging, oxygen bottles, gas canisters and other discarded remnants of mountaineering gear. The 2008 expedition saw the removal of 965 kg of refuse; a record 6,000 kg (including 700 kg of debris from an Italian helicopter that crashed in 1973 and 115 kg of human waste) was cleared in 2009; and 5,000 kg removed in 2010. This latest clean-up expedition was led by Apa Sherpa (Nepal), who broke his record for most ascents of Everest with his 20th climb.
1974 AD
1974 AD is a Nepali Band that is primarily a Rock Band but they experiment with various genres of music including Nepali folk, ragas, funk, blues and jazz as well. 1974 AD was established in 1994 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
1974 AD are amongst the most successful recording artists in Nepal. Most of their albums are ranked among the top-ten best-selling albums according to the Hits FM of Nepal. Their concert named ‘Rock Yatra’ held in 2000 AD was watched by more than 60,000 people.
Themes of their songs include patriotism, Nepali virtues, unity, love and nationalism. There is a lot of variety in the music of 1974 AD. Their songs like Nepali, Sambodhan, Pahilo Junima, Parelima, Samjhi Baschu and Chudaina Timro Mayale amongst various others are some of the biggest hits in Nepali music.
Current band members:
Adrian Pradhan — Vocals & Drums
Nirakar Yakthumba — Bass
Manoj Kumar KC — Guitar, Keyboards
Sanjay Shrestha — Percussions
Manose Singh- Flute
Past member(s):
Phiroj Shyangden — Vocals & Guitar
Parelima lyrics
Parelima lukai rakha na
Angaloma baandi rakha
Parelima lukai rakha na
Angaloma baandi rakha
Jaana na deu, roka na roka
Udna na deu, aakash ko chari jastai malai
Bandhera rakha timrai mutu ma
Yo ta timrai dhadkan ho
Sanchera rakha timrai aankha ma
Yo ta timrai sahara ho
Mann bhitra saachi rakha na
Ankha bhitra aljhai rakha
Mann bhitra saachi rakha na
Ankha bhitra aljhai rakha
Ramna deu na, timrai aankha ma
Baas basna deu, timro hridaiko dhukdhuki ma
Bandhera rakha timrai mutu ma
Yo ta timrai dhadkan ho
Sanchera rakha timrai aankha ma
Yo ta timrai sahara ho
Bandhera rakha timrai mutu ma
Yo ta timrai dhadkan ho
Sanchera rakha timrai aankha ma
Yo ta timrai sahara ho
Parelima lukai rakha na
Angaloma baandi rakha
Parelima lukai rakha na
Angaloma baandi rakha
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Danfe
Image via Wikipedia
Danfe, also called Himalayan Monal, Lophophorus impejanus, Impeyan Monal or Impeyan Pheasant, is the national bird of Nepal. Danphe is a bird of genus Lophophorus of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. These exotic of all pheasants are the inhabitants of high elevation of the Himalayan range. In summer, they are found in rocky, grass covered meadows and winters in coniferous and mixed forests. Over 850 species of birds have been recorded in Nepal.
The males are adorned with beautiful metallic colors of green, purple, red and blue; they also have a large white patch on the rump. The breast and underparts are black and the tail is copper. The males also have a very long crest, much like a peacock. The male also has a bare patch of turquoise blue skin around the eye. The hens, while much duller than the male, are still attractive. They are basically mottled brown overall, with black, buff and white streaks. Her throat is white and she has a short crest. Hens also have the blue patch around the eyes. First year males resemble the hens, but are larger and have black feathers on the neck and breast.
Danfe birds need to housed in a large, well-drained aviary. Like the Eared-Pheasants and Cheer, they love to dig with their strong bills and will often destroy the grass, shrubs and other greenery in the aviary. They do best on sandy soil that is easy to dig, but do be sure to keep it dry. They can tolerate cold weather very well, but need plenty of shelter and shade from the hot summer sun as they are birds from the cool mountain forests and unable to withstand extreme heat. When they dance, they stretch their wings and tail feathers showing their glorious colors.
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International Women’s Day
What’s happening in Kathmandu on the occasion of International Women’s Day:
When: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 – 11:00
Where: Alliance Française, Tripureshwor, Ganeshman Singh Path, Kathmandu
Schedule
Rally organized by the National Women Commission (11:00 Bhrikuti Mandap- Kathmandu)
Presentation of NGOs working for marginalized women at Alliance Française (11:00)
Dance performance by Kritika Campaign (14:30)
Contact Information
Durga Sob
dms@fedo.wlink.com.np
Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO)
http://www.fedonepal.org
If you know of any other events, please share.
Read Bandana Rana’s article in the Guardian:
Go to Article
Sagarmatha National Park
Image via Wikipedia
Sagarmatha National Park was created on July 19, 1976 and was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979. Sagarmatha is a Sanskrit word, from sagar = “sky” and matha = “forehead” or “head”, and is the modern Nepali name for Mount Everest. The Sagarmatha National Park includes the highest point of the Earth’s surface, south side of Mount Everest or Sagarmatha. Several other well known peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamerku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachyung Kang are also in this region. The park is also of major religious and cultural significance in Nepal as it abounds in holy places such as the Thyangboche and also is the homeland of the Sherpas whose way of life is unique, compared with other high-altitude dwellers.
The park encompasses the upper catchments of the Dudh Kosi River system, which is fan-shaped and forms a distinct geographical unit enclosed on all sides by high mountain ranges. The northern boundary is defined by the main divide of the Great Himalayan Range, which follows the international border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. In the south, the boundary extends almost as far as Monjo.
The park covers an area of 1148 square kilometers in the Khumbu region of Nepal and ranges in elevation from 2,845 metres (9,334 ft) at Jorsalle to 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) at the summit of Mount Everest. Barren land above 5,000 m (16,400 ft) comprises 69% of the park while 28% is grazing land and the remaining 3% is forested. Most of the park area is very rugged and steep, with its terrain cut by deep rivers and glaciers. Unlike other parks, this park can be divided into four climate zones because of the rising altitude. The climatic zones include a forested lower zone, a zone of alpine scrub, the upper alpine zone which includes upper limit of vegetation growth, and the Arctic zone where no plants can grow. The types of plants and animals that are found in the park depend on the altitude. Several rare species, such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda, are found in the park.
The park’s visitor centre is located at the top of a hill in Namche Bazaar, also where a company of the Nepal Army is stationed for protecting the park. The park’s southern entrance is a few hundred meters north of Monjo at 2,835 m (9,300 ft), a one day hike from Lukla.
The park is populated by approximately 3000 of the famed Sherpa people, originating from Tibet in the late 15th or early 16th century A.D. Their lives are interwoven with the teaching of Buddhism. The main settlements are Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, Thyangboche, Pangboche and Phortse. There are also temporary settlements in the upper valleys where the Sherpas graze their livestock during the summer season.
How to Get There:
* Fly in and out of Lukla, followed by 15 days walk.
* Bus to Jiri and trek for 21 days, flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla.
* Fly in and out of Phaplu and trek for 16 days.
* Fly in to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu and a 10 day walk to the park.
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