According to the lunar calendar, Mahashivaratri is observed on the day of Krishna Chaturdashi of Falgun. This year, the festival is being observed on March 11.

The festival comes with a number of mythological beliefs.

According to some Puranas, on this day, Lord Shiva drank poison to save the earth, which made his throat blue, while others believe that this day marks the convergence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Chairperson of Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam, informed that Lord Brahma took the form of Shiva in the midnight of Krishna Chaturdashi.

On this auspicious day, Nepali Hindus take a holy bath in rivers and visit Lord Shiva temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from the almighty.

Today, people observe fasting during the day and stay vigil (jagram) during the night, praying and chanting mantras.

Devotees believe that fasting and jagram bring happiness, prosperity, and success in life, and Lord Shiva bestows his blessings.

On this day, Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu will be thronged by devotees from across the country and neighboring India. This year, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has made special arrangements for facilitating the devotees.

According to the PADT, all the four gates of the temple would be opened from 4:00 AM today.

However, this year, the Pashupatinath temple has been decorated in a low-profile manner due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The PADT said it had reduced its budget for decorations and food since a few sadhus and devotees are expected to visit the temple due to the pandemic.

“A small number of devotees will visit Pashupatinath on the day of Mahashivaratri this year due to COVID-19,” said Pradeep Dhakal, PADT Member Secretary.

According to Pradeep, around 300,000 devotees are expected to visit Pashupatinath this year. So far, over 100 sadhus have reached Pashupatinath, and some sadhus will arrive today.

NepaliSansar Wishes All the Readers A Happy Mahashivaratri!

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Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of Magh, which marks the end of the winter solstice and the commencement of the spring season.

Moreover, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiacal sign known as Makara, welcoming longer days.

On this auspicious day, people wake up in the wee hours and take a ritual bath in holy rivers, mainly the Devghat of Chitwan. During the holy dip, they sing devotional songs and offer prayers to Lord Surya (Sun God). People also worship Lord Shiva and offer flowers and sacred foods at the temple.

Families come together on this day to prepare and enjoy delicious dishes like Chaaku (retreated molasses), Tilko Laddu (candy made out of sesame seeds and sugar), Khichadi (traditional way of cooking rice with black gram daal), Gheu (clarified butter), Pidaalu (Taro Roots), Sakhar-Khand (sweet potatoes), Tarul (Yam), and spinach.

Every year, Nepalis celebrate this festival by organizing various programs across the country, such as bullfighting, religious fairs, food fests, and dancing.

However, this year, the festive celebrations are restricted to homes, and mass gatherings are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nepali government has urged people to celebrate the festival following COVID-19 guidelines.

NepaliSansar Wishes a ‘Happy and Safe Maghe Sankranti’!

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Miss Nepal’s objective is to wisely choose a woman with beauty, brain, confidence, positive mind, and the capability to represent Nepal at the global stage.

A Miss Nepal winner must also possess interests in empowering women, engaging in social activities, and promoting issues related to women.

Miss Nepal History

Kathmandu Jaycees is a ‘Worldwide Federation of Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs’ and was established in 1970. On the occasion of its Silver Jubilee celebrations, the Kathmandu Jaycees organized the first Miss Nepal Beauty Pageant on September 9, 1994.

In 1995, to give the Miss Nepal Beauty Pageant a more professional approach, the Kathmandu Jaycees established The Hidden Treasure (THT), which now annually organizes Miss Nepal Pageants. The Hidden Treasure holds the franchise for the Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Earth, and Miss Asia Pacific World pageants.

Miss Nepal Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for participation in Miss Nepal is as follows:

• The applicant must be an unmarried female Nepali.
• Age: 19-26 years
• Minimum educational qualification: 10+2 or equivalent
• Minimum height: 5 ft. 4 in. (163 cm)
• Applicant must possess sound health
• No tattoo on the body

Miss Nepal Selection Process

Among all the applicants from across the country, the Miss Nepal organizers wisely choose 25 contestants for one-month training and grooming course. During the training, the Miss Nepal contestants will participate in lectures, social activities, photoshoots, interviews, and etiquette lessons.

On the coronation day, all the 25 candidates will contest in an opening sequence and introduction speech, after which the organizers select the top 14 semi-finalists. These semi-finalists then compete in an interview with the judges and in an evening gown sequence, where the top 7 finalists are selected.

The top-7 finalists will then participate in the final common question/answer round. The organizers will select four winners from the top-7 finalists. The Miss Nepal winners will be titled Miss Nepal World, Miss Nepal Universe, Miss Nepal Earth, and Miss Nepal International.

Also Read: Best USD to NPR exchange rate for today

Miss Nepal World will represent Nepal at the Miss World Beauty Pageant, Miss Nepal Universe at Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, Miss Nepal Earth at Miss Earth Beauty Pageant, and Miss Nepal International at Miss International Beauty Pageant.

List of Miss Nepal Titleholders from 1994-2020 (Video)

Here is the list of titleholders of Miss Nepal Beauty Pageants from 1994 to date:

1) Namrata Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2020

Namrata Shrestha is the winner of the ‘Miss Nepal 2020’ title. In the pageant, the 23-year-old Kathmandu-based model also won the subtitles, Brij Cement Miss Confident 2020’ and ‘The Kathmandu Post Miss Intellectual 2020’.

As the Miss Nepal World 2020 titleholder, Namrata will represent Nepal at the upcoming ‘Miss World 2021’ beauty pageant in China.

2) Anushka Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2019

Anushka Shrestha is the titleholder of the Miss Nepal 2019. In the pageant, she also won subtitles, Miss Intellectual and Miss Yamaha Fascino. Anushka represented Nepal at Miss World 2019 Beauty Pageant and won Beauty with a Purpose, the Multimedia Award, and Head-to-Head Challenge.

3) Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Miss Nepal 2018

Shrinkhala Khatiwada is a Hetauda-based beauty who won Miss Nepal title in 2018. She became the first Miss Nepal from Hetauda. Shrinkhala represented Nepal at the Miss World 2018 pageant and became the second Nepali to bag Beauty with a Purpose Award. She also secured a place in the Top 12 of Miss World 2018.

Also Read | Nepal’s Face of Beauty: Aastha Sakha at Miss Tourism International 2018

4) Nikita Chandak, Miss Nepal 2017

Nikita Chandak is the winner of the Miss Nepal 2017 title. In the pageant, she also won the Miss Popular Choice and Miss Confidence awards. Chandak represented Nepal at the Miss World 2017 in China. She was the first Miss Nepal to secure a place in the Top Model competition, where she stood in the Top 30. She also reached Top 10 in the People’s Choice Award and Top 20 in Beauty with a Purpose Award. The beauty also won the 2nd runner-up title in the Multimedia category and Head to Head Challenge from Group-3.

Also Read | Nikita Chandak in Top 30, Heading for Miss World 2017 Finale

5) Asmi Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2016

Asmi Shrestha is the title winner of the Miss Nepal 2016 Beauty Pageant and represented Nepal at the Miss World 2016 Pageant. The beauty also won Miss Nepal subtitles, Best Evening Gown, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Personality. Shrestha stood in the Top 5 in the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ category at Miss World 2016. Before Miss Nepal title, she also won the Face of Classical Diamond Jewelers award in 2014.

6) Evana Manandhar, Miss Nepal 2015

Evana Manandhar is the winner of the Miss Nepal title in 2015. The Kathmandu-based beauty represented Nepal in Miss World 2015. She is a well-known model, media personality, businesswoman, and social activist.

7) Subin Limbu, Miss Nepal 2014

Subin Limbu represented Dharna in Miss Nepal 2014 and won the title Miss Nepal World 2014. She is the third Miss Nepal from Dharna. Subin represented Nepal in Miss World 2014.

8) Ishani Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2013

Ishani Shrestha is a Kathmandu-based model who won the Miss Nepal 2013 title. In the pageant, she also bagged the subtitle, Miss Catwalk. Ishani also represented Nepal in Miss World 2013, where she made history by securing a position in the top 10 finalists and winning the Beauty with a Purpose title. She was also the second runner-up for the Multimedia title in Miss World 2013.

9) Shristi Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2012

Shristi Shrestha is a Chitwan-based model who won Miss Nepal title in 2012. In the same pageant, she also won the Miss Confidence title. Shristi is the first Miss Nepali to reach the quarter-finals of the Miss World 2012, where she stood at 20^th position. She also won the ‘Public Choice Award’, achieved 8th position in ‘Beach Beauty,’ stood in Top 10 for the Multimedia Award, and was among the Top 10 Dancers during the Miss World 2012 pageant.

10) Malina Joshi, Miss Nepal 2011

Malina Joshi is a professional model who went on to win the Miss Nepal 2011 title. The Dharan-based beauty represented Nepal in Miss World 2011 in London, where she stood in top-30 for Beauty with a Purpose title. In 2013, Malina participated in the Miss Supertalent of the World and stood as a top 7 finalist.

11) Sadichha Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2010

Sadichha Shrestha is the titleholder of Miss Nepal 2010. The Kathmandu Beauty also bagged the titles ‘Miss Photogenic,’ ‘Miss Best Walk,’ and ‘Miss Best Personality,’ becoming the first contestant to win the highest number of subtitles in Miss Nepal. Shrestha also represented Nepal in Miss World 2010 in October 2010.

12) Zenisha Moktan, Miss Nepal 2009

Zenisha Moktan was the title winner of Miss Nepal in 2009. The Nepalese beauty is from Kathmandu and currently the Director of DM foundation. Zenisha married Dikesh Malhotra, President and CEO of IMS Group.

13) Sitashma Chand, Miss Nepal 2007

Nepali beauty queen and professional model Sitashma Chand bagged the title of Miss Nepal 2007. The Lalitpur-based beauty represented Nepal in Miss World Beauty Pageant held on December 1, 2007.

14) Sugarika KC, Miss Nepal 2005

Sugarika KC is a famous television and radio host who went on to bag the Miss Nepal title in 2005. She represented Lalitpur at the 2005 Miss Nepal pageant. Sugarika has pursued a degree in environmental science.

15) Payal Shakya, Miss Nepal 2004

Payal Shakya, a Kathmandu-based model, bagged the Miss Nepal 2004 title. The beauty was associated with the Nepal Cancer Relief Society (NCRS) and later moved to Australia.

16) Priti Sitaula, Miss Nepal 2003

Priti Sitaula won the Miss Nepal 2003 title and represented Nepal at the Miss World 2003 pageant held on December 6, 2003 in China. Later, she continued her career as a beauty counselor and trainer.

17) Malvika Subba, Miss Nepal 2002

Malvika Subba is a famous model and glamour queen who became the titleholder of Miss Nepal 2002. Dharan-based beauty is also an actress, social activist, television personality, and entrepreneur.

18) Usha Khadgi, Miss Nepal 2000

Usha Khadgi is the title winner of Miss Nepal 2000. She was also the first runner-up of Miss Pokhara 1999 and the first runner-up of Miss Birgunj 2000. Usha became the second beauty from Birgunj to win the Miss Nepal title after Ruby Rana.

19) Shweta Singh, Miss Nepal 1999

Shweta Singh is a Kathmandu-based model who won the title of Miss Nepal in 1999. The beauty is currently working as the CEO of The Hidden Treasure (THT), the organizer of Miss Nepal Beauty Pageant. Shweta pursued her graduation in Psychology with Human Behaviour and Organisational Behaviour from Loreto Convent College, Lucknow.

20) Niru Shrestha, Miss Nepal 1998

Niru Shrestha is the title winner of the Miss Nepal 1998. Initially, Niru Shrestha was the first runner-up in the 1998 beauty pageant, and Jyothi Pradhan was the winner. But Jyothi Pradhan was dethroned when it was discovered that she had fled to the US after she competed in Miss World 1998 without completing her duties and responsibilities. So, Niru Shrestha was declared as Miss Nepal 1998.

21) Jharna Bajracharya, Miss Nepal 1997

Jharna Bajracharya is the Miss Nepal title holder of the year 1997. The beauty from Kathmandu is a talented actress, painter, and model. Bajracharya has acted in several music videos, advertisements, and some Nepali and Hindi Films.

22) Neelima Gurung, Miss Nepal 1997

Neelima Gurung is a Pokhara-based model who went on to win the most prestigious Miss Nepal 1997 title. In this pageant, she also won the ‘Miss Personality’ title. She represented Pokhara District for the first time in Miss Nepal Beauty Pageant.

23) Poonam Ghimire, Miss Nepal 1996

Poonam Ghimire is a Kathmandu-based beauty who won the Miss Nepal title in 1996. Later, she settled in the USA and been actively associated with some Nepali communities.

24) Sumi Khadka, Miss Nepal 1995

Sumi Khadka is the titleholder of the 2^nd Miss Nepal, 1995. She comes from Kathmandu, where she worked as a flight attendant. The beauty also worked in several Nepali movies, including Samarpan, Superstar, Grahan, and Ek Najar.

25) Ruby Rana, Miss Nepal 1994

Ruby Rana is the first Nepali beauty to win the Miss Nepal Title in 1994. She also bagged the title of Miss Birgunj in the same year. She is the judge of Mega Model Season I and the spin-off of America’s Next Top Model.

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Fashion News!

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Earlier, the Hidden Treasure suspended all its pre-planned activities of Miss Nepal 2020 due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Even before the nationwide lockdown in Nepal, the first phase of the auditions for the Miss Nepal 2020 was held outside the Kathmandu Valley, including Pokhara, Dharan, Chitwan, Birgunj, Birtamod, Butwal, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi.

However, the auditions in Kathmandu were postponed for around six months amid the pandemic. Later, the Hidden Treasure organized the Kathmandu auditions at Park Village Resort in Budhanilakantha, following necessary health protocols.

Lately, the THT has informed that 21 candidates were shortlisted to compete for the Miss Nepal 2020 title. The coronation ceremony will be held at Park Village Resort, but no audience will be allowed due to the pandemic. However, the ceremony will be broadcasted live on Kantipur TV.

The Miss Nepal 2020 winner will succeed Miss World Nepal 2019, Anushka Shrestha. The organization will also crown the Miss Nepal International 2020 and Miss Nepal Supranational 2020 titleholders.

As we await the most celebrated beauty pageant in the country, let’s have a glance at the finalists of the Miss Nepal 2020:

Miss Nepal 2020 Finalists:

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According to the Seven Summit Treks, the entire expedition team consisting of 15 Bahrainis and three British nationals have reached the mountain peak at 6:10 AM on October 15, 2020.

Nepali Sherpa climbers and guides, including Mingma Sherpa, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, and 50 other Sherpas, assisted the team in climbing Mt. Manaslu.

This is the second ascent of Nepal’s 2020 expedition season after the Nepali Government has resumed mountaineering activities that were banned for about six months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read | Bahrain Prince Becomes ‘First Royal from Gulf’ to Scale Mt. Lobuche

Earlier, the same expedition team had successfully climbed Mt. Lobuche (6,119m) on October 3, the first ascent of the season.

Also Read | Prince of Bahrain, 17 Others to Reach Nepal to Ascend Mt. Manaslu

Prince of Bahrain and his team reached Nepal on September 22 to climb Mt. Lobuche and Mt. Manaslu. However, they stay in quarantine in Kathmandu for a week before heading to Everest base camp.

Also Read |  Bahrain Army to Climb ‘Mt Everest’ in 2021

The expedition team, including Bahrain Prince, will be staying in Nepal for about two months.

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Tourism News!

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The Nepali Tourism Board (NTB) has come up with a photography contest.

Through its official photo-sharing platform , the board launched a photo series contest “Festivals of Nepal.”

The competition aims to engage people in the creative work of arts and help them overcome the negativity of the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Organizing such competitions will give the people a platform to engage, interact, and explore their talents of art and creativity. This will further promote Nepal’s tourism in the national and international fronts through the domestic culture, traditions, and festivals,” said NTB CEO Dhananjay Regmi, during the program announcement.

Instructions and Rules for Photography Submission:

• Participants should submit at least seven images showcasing Nepal’s culture and festivals
• Photos should be submitted to Photonepal.travel
• Photos should be in JPEG or JPG format and size should be between 5-20 MB
• Closing date for photo submission: November 25, 2020

Prize Money:

The top 5 participants will receive a cash prize of NPR 10,000 each.

Also Read: Embassy of India, Kathmandu Announces ‘Maitri Through My Lens’ Photo Contest!

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The contest aims at cherishing the timeless friendship and deep-rooted socio-cultural connection between Nepalis and Indians through the language of photography.

Participants may focus on themes related to art, architecture, dance, education, religion, festivals, socio-economic development, and iconic projects that portray the partnership of both countries.

Criteria of Photo Submission:

• Should be a Nepali citizen
• Photo should be in jPEG format

The contestants should submit their photos at indembphotocomp2020@gmail.com, starting from August 31 to September 30, 2020.

Prize Details:

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The festival, which usually falls during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Bhadrapada month, is primarily celebrated by girls and women, with ritual prayers, songs, and dancing.

Teej is a three-day festival where women fast and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, wishing for their husbands’ longevity, prosperity, and happiness.

First Day: Dar Khane Din

The first day of the festival is known as “Dar Khane Din.” Women visit their kin, friends, and relatives and celebrate the day with traditional dancing and singing. They participate in a grand feast called “Dar” with various delicacies that include rice porridge, yogurt, sel, puri, fruits, and desserts.

Second Day: Haritalika Teej

The second day is considered the main day of the celebrations of the Teej festival. On this day, women and girls observe a strict fast. They visit nearby Shiva temples, especially the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, to do puja and offer flowers and fruits to the deities.

Third-Day: Rishi Panchami

The third and final day of the festival is called Rishi Panchami. Women break their fast and worship seven rishis of the Hindu pantheon.

Nepal Teej 2020 Puja Timings:

• Pratahkala Hartalika puja muhurat: 5:54 AM to 8:30 AM
• Pradoshkala Hartalika puja muhurat: 6:54 PM to 9:06 PM
• Tritiya tithi: 2:13 AM to 11:02 PM

However, the festival celebrations this year are confined to homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nepali Government has closed all temples across the country and restricted public gatherings and celebrations to stop further spread of COVID-19.

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Festival News!

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On this auspicious day, sons and daughters go home to spend quality time with their fathers. They offer home-cooked delicacies, sweets, meat, clothes, and other gifts to their fathers.

The children seek blessings from their father and thank him for his love, care, and guidance.

Streets will be busy with married daughters with gifts making their way to their maternal home to meet their fathers, despite busy schedules.

As a part of celebrations, people bring kush, holy grass, into their houses. They believe that keeping kush, cut by the priests, brings happiness and prosperity to their family.

Many people visit Gokarneswor Mahadev temple in Gokarna, Betrawati in Rasuwa, and Bishnupaduka in Dharan to take a holy bath and make offerings. People also perform death rituals called ‘Shradha’ in memory of their deceased fathers.

In the Nepali language, the festival is known as ‘Buwa ko Mukh Herne,’ which means ‘looking at father’s face.’ The day is based on the lunar calendar.

However, the father’s day celebrations in Nepal this year are quite different in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The Nepali Government has closed all temples to contain coronavirus spread. People are advised to celebrate the festival at their homes while following hygiene practices.

NepaliSansar extends warm wishes to all the Nepali across the world on the occasion of Kushe Aunsi!

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The festival is observed on the eighth day or Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadon.

On this occasion, Nepali Hindus offer early morning prayers at various Krishna temples and donate fruits, sweets and clothes to the deities.

Devotees observe fast throughout the day and celebrate the festival with activities like singing devotional songs, amongst others dedicated to Lord Krishna until midnight. There will be performances that look back to the epic battle of Krishna against the evil King Kansa.

To mark the day, Hindus flock to Krishna temples all over the country. Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square is the center of celebrations and is thronged by a large number of devotees.

However, the Krishna Ashtami celebrations this year are quite different in view of coronavirus pandemic.

The Nepali Government has decided to close all the Krishna Temples, including Krishna Mandir in Patan, to stop the coronavirus spread. There are no gatherings and celebrations in public places today. It is advised to celebrate the festival adhering to the standard health protocols.

Date and Time of Pooja

• Ashtami Tithi begins – 09:06 AM on August 11, 2020
• Ashtami Tithi ends – 11:16 AM on August 12, 2020
• Pooja Timings – 12:05 AM to 12:48 AM, August 12 (Duration 43 Mins)

Stay Tuned to Nepali Sansar for Latest Festival News!

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