Teej - Fasting Festival of Nepali Women

            Teej is the fasting festival of Hindu Nepali women. It takes place in August or early September. The festival is a three day long celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. Through this religious fasting, Hindu women pray for marital bliss, well being of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul.

            Traditionally, the ritual of Teej is obligatory for all Hindu married women and girls who have reached puberty. Exception is made for the ones who are ill or physically unfit. In such circumstances a priest performs the rites. According to the holy books, the Goddess Parbati fasted and prayed fervently for the great Lord Shiva to become her spouse. Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. Goddess Parbati, in gratitude sent her emissary to preach and disseminate this religious fasting among mortal women, promising prosperity and longevity with their family. Thus was born the festival of Teej.

            The first day of Teej is called the "Dar Khane Din". ON this day the women, both married and unmarried, assemble at one place, in their finest attires and start dancing and singing devotional songs. Admist all this, the grand feast takes place. The jollity often goes on till midnight, after which the 24 hour fast commences. Some women without a morsel of food or drops of water while others take liquid and fruit.

            Gaily dressed women can be seen dancing and singing on the street leading to Shiva temples. But the main activities take place around the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu where women circumambulate the Lingam, the phallic symbol of the lord, offering flowers, sweets and coins. The main Puja (religious ceremony) takes place with offerings of flowers, fruits etc. made to Shiva and Parbati, beseeching their blessing upon the husband and family. The important part of the Puja is the oil lamp which should be alight throughout the night of it is bad omen if it dies away.

            The third day of the festival is Rishi Panchami. After the completion of the previous day's Puja, women pay homage to various deities and bathe with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush, along with its leaves. This act of purification is the final ritual of Teej, after which women are considered absolved from all sins. The recent years have witnessed alteration in the rituals, especially concerning the severity, but its essence remains. No matter how agonizing the fast may be Nepalese women have and will always continue to have faith in the austerities of Teej.

Major Touristic Places of Palpa District

Rani Mahal

                Dubbed as Taj Mahal of Nepal, Ranimahal (7 km from Tansen) ensconced on the bank of Kali Gandaki River is a spectacular site to visit which was built by the then Commander-in-Chief and Governor Khadka Shamsher Rana in memory of his beloved Queen Tej Kumari in 1892 A.D. Though Rani Mahal has long stood as a symbol of love, the spectacular palace is getting a facelift after it remained in neglect for more than a decade.

Tansen Durbar

                This former palace of the provincial governor in the Rana style was built by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana in 1927 A.D. The palace is currently in reconstruction phase. It has an impressive but run-down eastern gate called Baggi Dhoka, or Mul Dhoka which is 30 feet and breadth is 12 feet and it is the biggest door of Nepal. Outside the gate is a public square called Sitalpati. Inside the Durbar premises there are three Pillars erected by Khadka Shamsher, in 1839 A.D. Among them the one near the Mul Dhoka Stamba, is more famous. Local people also call it a victory pillar.

Shreenagar Hill

                About 30 minutes to climb on foot or 10 minutes' drive from the town of Tansen one would reach the top of the Shreenagar Hill which is approximately 1600 meters from sea level from where magnificent natural surroundings like the snowcapped Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the famous twin peaks of Machhapuchhre) in north to the lush green wild plains of Terai at south as well as the panoramic view of Tansen town can be viewed. It is one of the most beautiful spots in while Palpa which seems in splendid scenery and magnificent natural surroundings.

Ranaujaswori Bhagwati Temple

                The Temple is situated near the Tansen Durbar, was orginally built by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa in 1819 A.D. to commemorate the victory over the colonial British-India forces at Butwal Nepal. This is the only front where Nepal got victory over the mighty British. It was renovated various times after earthquakes. In the area there are small temples dedicated by Ganesh, Saraswati and Shiva.

Amar Narayan Temple

                The Amar Narayan temple is a traditional three-tiered Pagoda-Style temple built by the great warrior Amar Singh Thapa in 1806 A.D. who annexed Tansen to become part of Nepal. It has well carved doors and has some intricate woodwork with erotic carvings on the Tudals. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples outside of Kathmandu Valley. The temple is surrounded by one meter wide stone wall locally known as the 'Great wall of Palpa'.

Tourism Times

Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park in West Nepal has been named after Khaptad Swami, the renowned spiritual hermit. The park with rolling hills of grasslands and forests of subtropical, temperate and sub alpine vegetation is also a rich natural habitat. The park boasts os 224 species of medicinal herbs and 270species of birds. The common birds species in the national park are Impheyan Pheasant, Partridges, Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Cuckoos and Eagles.Animals found in the park are Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Ghoral, Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow Throated Marten, Rhesus Monkey and Langur Monkey. Khaptad National Park also offers pilgrimage at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters. 

There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration of Ganga Dashhara is held here on Jestha Purnima. Another religious site is Sahara Linga at 3,200 meters, the highest point of the park. Toward the northeast of the park is Khaptad Lake where a festival is held every August and September. The easiest way to reach Khaptad National Park is via Nepalgunj in Mid-Western Nepal. From Nepalgunj one can drive to Silgadhi in Doti district, from where the park entrance is just a hike of six hours.

World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is the ancient seat of Malla Rulers of Kathmandu Valley. The place complex is home to many temples and monuments of archaeological importance and reflects cultural richness prevalent during the days of Malla rulers. Some of the attractions of the Kathmandu Durbar Square are the nine-storied palace, Kastamandap temple, Kumari Ghar, Kala Bhairabh and the museum inside the palace. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the well preserved moumental zones in Kathmandu Valley. The Darbar Square is the place complex of the ancient Malla Rulers that once rules and three separate territories inside the Kathmandu Valley. The 55-windows Palace, the Golden Gate, Nyatpola, Degutale are some of the historically and culturally important monuments in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is the main attraction in Lalitpur, the city of fine arts. The palace complex of Malla rulers is home to well-preserved monuments of histroical and cultural importance. Krishna Mandir, Keshav Narayan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, the Royal Palace and Royal Bath are the masterpieces of medieval culture. Likewise, the palace complex is home to many ancient monuments dating back to many centuries. 

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the biggest temple complexes in South Asia. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus throughout the world. As a result the area is always swarmed in by Hindus from different parts of the country as well as from India. Located at the banks of holy Bagmati River, the two-storied Pagoda temple of Pashupatinath, houses the five-faced statue of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there are numerious temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses in and around the Pashupatinath temple area. 

Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the fountain of World Peace. Situated in Western Nepal, Lumbini is an ancient town where old ruins of ancient city are well preserved. Lumbini has been a holy groound for Buddhists all over the world. The Peace Garden and International Monastic Zone are the other attractions of Lumbini after the mayadevi Temple, Puskarini Pond and the historic Ashoka Pillar. There are different archeological sites around Lumbini in the likes of Tilaurakot, Kudan, Ramagrama, Niglihawa and others. 

Swoyambhunath Stupa

Historians believe that the history of swoyambhunath Stupa is as old as the history of the Kathmandu Valley. It was immersed below water when the whole Kathmandu Valley was a big lake. When Manjushree cut a gorge and drained the water of the lake, a stupa was build around the lotus that emitted brilliant light. There are numerous monasteries in and around the Swoyambhunath Stup area. The area is a landmark in Kathamdnu Valley as it provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Bouddhanath is one of the largest Stupas in entire South Asia. Situated in Bouddha, a short drive from city center, the white mound looms 36 meters overhead. Believed to have been constructed in the 5th century, there are many monasteries around the Stupa as the area has been inhabited by people having faith in Buddhism. Buddhist monks on maroon robes are seen circumnutating the Stupa with prayer wheels on their hands. Numerous small Stupas are located at the based. 

Changu Narayan Temple

The temple of Changu Narayan located a top of hill in Bhaktapur district is dedicated to Lord Bishnu. The temple is one of the most ancient temple complexes in Nepal as it houses the inscription of Mandeva, the first historical King of Nepal. The temple, believed to have been constructed in the third century, is adorned by some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft. There are many statues and inscriptions in the temple area that are culturally and archaeologically important. 

Sagarmatha National Park

The Sagarmatha national Park is Nepal's most popular national park as it is home to world's tallest peak Mt. Everest or Sagarmatha. Lying in the North-Eastern part of Nepal, the park has several other prominent peaks most of which are over 6,000m. The park is full of rugged terrians, high mountain peaks, deep gorges and glaciers. The park is home to different rare species in the likes of Snow Leopard, Wolf, Lynx, Red Panda and Black Bear. Likewise, the park is also home to beautiful Sherpa Villages, historic monasteries and cultural landmarks. 

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is one of the most preserved conservation areas in Nepal. Lying in Chitwan district along the Indian border, Chitwan National Park is home to rare one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Ghariyal Crocodile and different other species of flora and fauna. The park is home to more than 50 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 55 species of reptiles and amphibians. The park consists of a diversity of eco-systems including the churia hills and the stretched flood plains of the Rapti and Narayani River.

Kanchanjunga Conservation Area

Kanchanjunga Conservation Area belt lies below Mt. Kanchanjunga. The region with its alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, low river valleys, temperate and subtropical forests is situated in Taplejung district that borders with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of People Republic of China. The KCA has been selected as one of the 200 Global eco-regions recognized by World Wildlife Fund. Ten species among Nepal's 20 indigenous gymnosperms and 15 among Nepal's 28 endemic flowering plants are found in this region. In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here. the area is splashed with colors every spring with wild displays of Rhododendrons, Orchids, Lilies, Primula and other flowers. Wild life includes endangered Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Blue Sheep and Rhesus Macaw. About 202 species of different birds including lmpheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are found in the area. The region can be reached via Basantapur in Dhankuta district or Birtamod in Jhapa district. Yet another option is to fly to Biratnagar and then to Suketar in Taplejung district from where the region can be trekked.

Papani Song of Rai Community

A Historical Song of Rai Community in Nepal.
http://youtu.be/WpzPuQLn4LA 

Naturally Nepal- Himalayan Range

Naturally Nepal

Panch Pokhari: Ramechhap, Gumdel (Five beautiful lakes)

Lukla Air Port: the highest Airport of Nepal.

Kathmandu: Capital City of Nepal

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is a valley surrounded by four hills: Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri and Nagarjun. Kathmandu valley has three major cities/district: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan (Lalitpur) situated at the altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level. Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1) Kathmandu Darbar Square
2) Bhaktapur Darbar Square
3) Patan Darbar Square
4) Pashupatinath Temple
5) Changu Narayan Temple
6) Swoyambhunath Stupa and
7) Bouddhanath Stupa.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the major city is Kathmandu valley. The city is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and scores of other popular landmarks like Ranipokhari, Dharahara, Sundhara, Ghantaghar, Singhadurbar and Budhanilkantha among others. Kakani, Sundarijal, Chobhar, Balaju Park and Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park among others are some of the major getaways in Kathmandu.

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

03 April, 2013, The wildlife reserve lies in Kanchanpur district in Far-Western-Region of Nepal. The open grasslands and numerous waterholes of the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve make it an ideal setting for game viewing and jungle safari for visitors. The reserve is a vast expanse of plain grasslands and Sal forests, while marsh vegetation is found along revers and lakes. The area that was originally reserved as a hunting area was later converted to wildlife reserve to protect swamp deer.

The reserve now shelters almost 2 thousand swamp deer, around 50 wild elephants and 30 tigers. Other animals found here are Spotted Deer, Blue Bulls, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boars, Leopards, Jackals, Langurs and Rhesus Monkeys. Among birds, the reserve is home to Sarus Crane, Swamp Francolin, Grass Owl, Warblers, Flycatchers, and the endangered Bengal Florican. Reptile species in Clude Mugger Crocodile, Cobra and Python. The reserve can be reached by driving to Mahendranagar from where the reserve headquarter is only eight Kilometers south. Another option is to fly to Dhangadhi from Kathmandu and then drive to the park via Mahendranagar.