However, throwing caution to the wind, many Nepalis visited the Pashupatinath Temple and other such temples.

The Hindu month of Shrawan, which falls in July and August, is perceived as an auspicious period for Hindus. They typically worship Lord Shiva and fast during this period.

The Hindus visit the temples, and many women end their fast after worshipping Lord Shiva on the last Monday of Shrawan.

However, due to the COVID-19 threat, the local administration imposed rules which barred many devotees from entering the temples and conduct ceremonies outside the temples. As a result, most of the devotees wound up outside the temples in large numbers.

Most of the devotees who were barred from entering the temples wound up worshipping the Shiva Lingas outside.

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In one of the most important festivals for Hindus, devotees worship and offer prayers to their most-revered deity Lord Shiva at the Pashupatinath temple.

Lord Shiva is fondly known as ‘Pashupatinath’ – Master of Animals!

The History of Maha Shivaratri?

In Nepal, the festival is celebrated on the 14^th day of the Magha month according to the Hindu Lunar calendar.

The name ‘Maha Shivaratri’ translates to ‘Great Night of Shiva’, which is celebrated in honor of the confluence of Shiva and Shakti. It also marks the night when Lord Shiva performed ‘Tandav’, a dance form.

There are several reasons behind the celebration of Maha Shivaratri but the famous of them all is the marriage of Shiva and Shakti.

After Sati’s self-immolation, Lord Shiva went into seclusion at the Himalayas and underwent deep penance.

However, Sati was reborn as Parvati (Shakti) in Lord Himalaya’s family. The goddess then underwent severe penance to win back Lord Shiva.

With her deep devotion & love and the persuasion of sages, Shiva left asceticism to marry Parvati. Lord Shiva & Parvati married a day before Amavasya in Phalgun month (as per the Hindu Calendar). This day of love and reunion is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri, every year.

Maha Shivaratri Celebrations in Nepal

Thousands of devotees from around the world throng to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the holiest shrines for the Hindus. Pashupatinath/Lord Shiva is considered as the ‘Guardian’ of the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal in general.

Devotees chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and the ‘Mahamritunjaya Jaap’, throughout the night for the victory of light over darkness.

Believers also offer ‘Bael’ to Lord Shiva and fast from morning to evening. Thousands of worshippers take part in a grand celebration at the Pashupatinath temple.  As per spiritual belief, yoga and penances are performed to gain boons.

Single girls pray to Lord Shiva for a groom, while married women pray for the well-being of their husband.

On the first day of the celebration, devotees including sages and ascetics fill the temple area to participate in the festivities.

The Nepal Army organizes an official program to celebrate this festival at Tundikhel.

Preparations at Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupati Development Trust (PDT) has arranged five routes for the devotees to reach Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

The routes include:

• Mitrapark-Gaurighat-Umakunda-Rudragareshwor-Uttardhoka
• Jayabegeshwori-Itapakha-Bhuwaneshwori-Pashchimdhoka
• Battisputali-Gaushala
• Airport-Tilganga-Pingalasthan-Sumargi Building-Panchadewal-Dakshin Dhoka
• Via Ram Mandir

According to the PDT, it is expected that around 1.3 million devotees from across the world will visit the temple. Some 3,000 saints and sadhus have already arrived ahead of the festival.

The management unit has already made arrangements at the temple to facilitate hassle-free devotional experience.

So Nepalis, what delicacies are being prepared for the festive?

Nepali Sansar wishes you all A Happy Maha Shivaratri!

The post ‘Maha Shivaratri’ in Nepal 2020: The Divine Night Of Shiva appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

The data, spanning 10 months, was gathered and made public by a committee formed specially by the government to investigate the assets owned by the religious center.

After analyzing Pashupati Area Development Trust’s (PADT) records, the government committee concluded that the temple owned at least NPR 1.3 billion in cash, which was deposited in banks.

The temple also has unmovable property including land, rest houses, and temple stalls. There are also three offices, spread across an area of 9994.14 hectares of land (under PADT).

Besides, it has a record of utensils in the ‘Bombe Treasury’ and property from the various guthis that are kept in the temple’s main treasury.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 2-day visit on Friday with the aim to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal. Despite being Modi’s 3^rd visit to Nepal, this visit is the first ever ‘High Level’ visit from India since Nepal’s new government formation.

The visit came after Nepali Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India. It focuses on the initiative taken by India towards building friendly relationships with Nepal. Addressing the media earlier, Modi said, “My visit closely follows the State Visit of Prime Minister Oli to India last month. These high-level and regular interactions reflect my government’s commitment to the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, in consonance with the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.”

Narendra Modi was received by the Nepal Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel and Chief Minister of Province-2, Lalbabu Raut among other important persons. Following this, Modi was welcomed with local music and a group of dignitaries in Janakpur.

Visit to Janaki Temple

 Modi then visited the Janaki temple in Janakpur where he offered prayers in accordance with Khodasopachar rituals. The 30-minute puja was administered by 12 priests and was attended by Nepali PM, KP Oli as well. The statue of Goddess Sita is decorated with clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. The Janaki temple is dedicated to the Goddess Sita and is reflects the Hindu Koiri Nepali architecture.

Tradition has it that the special ritual is performed only on behalf of the special guests visiting the temple.

Thousands of people from India and Nepal gathered to see the Indian PM in Janakpur. Once outside the temple, Modi described his experience saying, this is a historic moment. “It is my privilege to come here and offer prayers to Mata Janaki”. Thanking KP Oli, Narendra Modi addressed him as ‘Mere Bhai Sahib’.

Indo-Nepal Bus Route

The Indian PM was welcomed by a civic reception at the Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City in Barhabigha ground. Talking about the bus route between Janakpur and Ayodhya, he said, “Tourism is developing at a fast pace across the world. This Ramayan Circuit has immense potential.”

During his talk, Modi announced that Janakpur and its surrounding areas would receive a grant of 1 billion for its development.

Following his public addressing, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and KP Oli flagged off the Ayodhya-Janakpur bus service. Now a part of the Ramayan Circuit, the bus route will connect the birthplaces of Goddess Sita and Lord Ram.

After a spiritual experience and the inauguration of the bus-route at Janakpur in the region of Mithila, Modi was flown to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

In Kathmandu, Modi was met by Foreign Minister of Nepal, Pradeep Gyawali followed by a ceremonial reception that included a Guard of Honor. Later in the day he met President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice President, Nanda Bahadur Pun.

After the meetings, there were bilateral talks between KP Oli and Narendra Modi. The Nepali Prime Minister then hosted a dinner in honor of the Indian PM.

Modi’s Gift to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also announced that the Indian government would gift Bhabhatron Radioactive Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Kathmandu. This machine will benefit thousands of cancer patients waiting for treatment in the Himalayan nation.

Currently, the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Kathmandu has only one Bhabhatron Radioactive Cobalt-60 telepathy machine. “The hospital was in need of radiotherapy machine for treatment of cancer. There is only one Cobalt-60 radiotherapy machine in the hospital and additional gift would help provide timely treatment to cancer patients,” said Ishwor Shrestha, Director at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital.

Visits to Muktinath and Pashupatinath

On the morning of 12^th May, Modi visited the Muktinath Temple in the Mustang district of Nepal. The Indian PM offered prayers at the golden statue of Lord Vishnu known as Mukti Narayan at the temple.

Seated at the foot of Thorong La mountain pass, Muktinath is located at a height of 3,710 M. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa houses all the elements, earth, air, holy water and natural fire. Hindus believe that the natural fire and holy waters represents Brahma. The central belief of the Muktinath area is the veneration of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ammonites (shilas) called Salagrama-Shilas.

Modi was then welcomed with a civic reception amidst the beating of drums. He actively participated in the festivities and was seen beating a traditional Nepali dhol.

Later, in the day he visited the famous Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. The temple is sacred to Hindus and is located on the banks of Bagmati river. Regarded as one of the oldest temples, the Pashupatinath is the temple of Shiva. Modi has visited this temple in the past but what makes this visit special is that the Indian PM becomes the first leader in the world to visit this holy shrine.

After his visit, he was invited by the President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other members of the Nepali Congress.

As part of his itinerary, Modi met Communist Party of Nepal (MC) Chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. He was the former Prime Minister of Nepal. The meeting had Modi and Prachanda discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations.

He also met Mahanta Thakur, President of the Rastriya Janata Party – Nepal, and other leaders of the party. Modi congratulated the party for their electoral performance and exchanged views on deepening the nations’ bilateral relations.

The Indian Prime Minister was honored in a civic felicitation program in the Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Kathmandu. After the ceremony, Modi was presented with a key of the city and other souvenirs by Bidya Sundar Shaka, Mayor of Kathmandu.

Foundation for 900-MW Hydroelectric Power Plant Laid

Modi was privileged to join his counterpart K P Sharma Oli in laying the foundation stone of the 900-megawatt Arun III Hydroelectric Power Plant in Tumlingtar area.

The project was initiated after permission was granted in accordance with the decision of the 30^th Meeting of IBN’s Board of Directors.

The largest capacity Hydroelectricity project, Arun III will be constructed over the next 5 years.

The Satluj Jala Vodyut Nigam Power Development Company was recently granted a license by the IBN, to generate power from the Arun III Hydropower Project. This power development company is a subsidiary of the Indian government-run Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd.

The Promise of a Golden Tomorrow

On Sunday, Nepali Prime Minister K. P. Oli addressed the Parliament and gave a brief about the Indian Prime Minister’s, 2-day state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that Modi had helped take Nepal-India ties to a higher level. Speaking further, he said Indian PM Modi had decided to set into action, the past pacts that were long pending. The two prime ministers have agreed to set a time frame to implement the past pacts.

Oli and Modi also discussed ways to address the trade issue between the two nations, further enabling the easy import of Nepali products like ginger and cardamom.

Oli told the parliament that India was open to the idea of mapping four new air routes. India is willing to extend its support by sending technicians to study Nepal’s proposal for the new air routes and will make a firm decision for the same by September.

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Today 13^th May 2018 people world over are celebrating Mother’s Day, the day that has everyone honoring their mothers who share a major part of our lives.

History

The commemoration of the American Mother’s Day started with Anna Jarvis in 1908 and was declared an official holiday in the U.S by 1914.

After the death of her mother, Ann decided to dedicate a day that would honor the sacrifices of a mother in the process of raising her children. With the financial aid and support of John Wanamaker, a Philadelphia department store owner she organized the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia.

With her constant and tireless efforts in establishing this special day, the celebration was made official in 1914 after President Woodrow Wilson signed a declaration. After which the second Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day.

The United Kingdom in Europe has a different tale to tell. A major tradition at one point in UK and other parts of Europe, this day was celebrated on the 4^th Sunday of Lent. It was a day that saw the faithful return to their “Mother Church” considered as the main church.

After a point in time, the ‘Mothering Sunday transitioned into a more secure holiday. This special day had children gift their mothers, flowers and other things as a token of love and gratitude.

The relevance of this day can be traced back to the ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The people held festivals in honor of Mother Goddesses, Rhea and Cybele.

Mothers That Make a Difference – Nepal Inspirational Mothers

While we cannot compare or measure a mother’s contribution to her family, we can always celebrate her achievements.
Nepal has some inspirational mothers who have not only successfully fulfilled their motherly responsibilities but have set an example to their children by being successful at pursuing their passions.

Lhakpa Sherpa
Juggling between the duties of being a mother to two children and working as a dishwasher at Whole Foods, Connecticut, Lhakpa Sherpa’s extraordinary story is a tale worth telling.

The 44-year old is a native of Nepal and holds a world record for climbing the summits of Everest ever done by a woman. Recognized by the Guinness book of world records and famous among mountaineering groups, Lhakpa Sherpa has climbed Mount Everest 8 times and plans to climb it again for the 9^th time.

She single-handedly raises her children Sunny (16) and Shiny (11). She gets up at 6 AM to leave them to school by walk. Then walks for 2 miles to her job where she washes dishes and takes out garbage.

Being a part of the Sherpa ethnic community, Lhakpa never got to fulfill her dreams of going to school or becoming a doctor or an airplane pilot. But she wants her children to get the best education and live a life of comfort in the United States.

Anuradha Koirala
Founder and director of Maiti Nepal, a non-profit organization, Anuradha Koirala is one of the most renowned Nepali women. The name reckons with a motherly person who helps victims of sex trafficking.

Earlier a teacher by profession, Koirala faced the brunt of an abusive husband and left home with her son, Manish Koirala.

During her visits to the Pashupatinath temple for peace of mind, the sight of numerous women with begging bowls moved her. With compassion in her heart she went up to them and asked them if they’d want to work. Once they were ready, she gave each of the women Rs. 1,000/- and asked them to start a Naglo Paslo (Small Street Shop). She then took their children to her own home and that’s how Maiti Nepal was formed.

Maiti means ‘Mother’s home’ and right enough, Anuradha is a mother to all those women and girls who are rescued by Maiti Nepal from sex trafficking. Together with her group of activists, she has rescued more than 12,000 women and girls

Koirala initiatives were rewarded with the Courage of Conscience Award and CNN Hero of the Year Award.

Bidhya Devi Bhandari
Married to Late. Madan Bhandari, a popular Nepalese communist leader, Bidhya Devi Bhandari is a recognized political figure in Nepal. Currently, the second President of Nepal and Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army, communist politician, Bidhya is the first woman to hold office.

Some of her Achievements:
With more than 30 years of experience in politics, she has served as Vice-Chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), Chair of the All Nepal Women Association, Minister of Defence, 2009-2011 of the government of Nepal and Minister for Environment and Population in 1990s. She has led the All Nepal Women Association for the last 20 years and is currently working towards organizing the forthcoming Girl summit which is working on abolishing child marriage in Nepal by 2030.

With many titles and achievements to her credit, Bhandari was placed 52 in Forbes list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ in 2016.

Her political vigor has made her an inspiration not only to her daughters, Usha Kiran Bhandari and Nisha Kusum Bhandari but to many aspiring women and mothers in Nepal and worldwide.

Maya Thakuri
A prominent writer and face of Nepali women writers in Nepal, Maya Thakuri is a woman of strength and bravery. Despite a haunting childhood and the constant struggles of life, Maya grew up to become the beautiful poetess and writer we know today.

Her journey of writing began with the publishing of her first shot story ‘Bahulahi’ in the Asha magazine in 1963-64. When she arrived in Kathmandu in 1970s, the literary scene had begun to see a high with the works of Parijat. Maya was already a famous name in fiction writing when she joined the Tribhuvan University.

Her famous writings include, Najureko Jodi, Gamalako Phool, Saanghu Tarepachhi, Chautaro Sakshi Chha, Maya Thakurika Kathaharu and Aama! Januhos.

Maya’s contribution to Nepali literature is priceless and so is her contribution to womanhood and motherhood.

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
Despite, her demise the name Pasang Lhamu Sherpa will stay etched in the history of Nepal forever. A buoyant mountaineer, Pasang was born into a mountaineering family and was enthusiastic about climbing right from her teens.

Before climbing Everest, she had successfully climbed Mont Blanc, Cho Oyu, Mount Yalapic, Pisang Himal and many others.

The morning of April 22, 1993 saw Pasang create history after she reached the top of the 8,848-peak (Mount Everest) with 5 others.

Although she did not survive to tell the tale of her achievement, she has been bestowed with many recognitions. She was the first Nepali woman to be honored with the “Nepal Tara (Star)” by His Majesty, the King. She was also honored by the National Youth Foundation with the Youth Excellence Award (!993-1994). A life-size statue of Pasang was placed at Bouddha, Chuchepathi in her remembrance. These and many other recognitions were conferred on the brave heart of Nepal. She is an example to all the young mothers of Nepal.

An Ode to a Mother So Beautiful

Happy Mother’s Day!
Other than these great women, there are many mothers who go on to create a legacy of their own. Nepali Sansar salutes all the Mothers of Nepal and wishes them a hearty ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’.

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As part of the celebration, around 7,00,000 devotees are expected to visit the Pashupatinath temple to offer prayers on the occasion of the festival.

Teej, also known as Haritalika, is a three-day long festival mostly celebrated by Hindu women. While the married women pray for their husbands’ longevity, the unmarried observe the festival to pray for good husbands.

On the first day called Dar Khane Din, devotees eat delicious food items before midnight. Second is the main day, during which devotees observe fast throughout the day without even drinking water. Rishi Panchami is the third day, wherein, devotees break their fast after performing puja of Sapta Rishi.

Devotees celebrate this festival by observing fasts, singing devotional songs and offering prayers all through the day.

To mark the festival celebration, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has already made necessary preparations to host devotees visiting the temple and has kept the temple open since 3 AM today.

“As Teej is primarily celebrated by women, the main temple complex will be off-limits to men on the day of the festival,” Pradeep Dhakal, Member Secretary, PADT.

PADT informed that it has arranged a tight security with 2,764 Nepal Police and 1,500 Armed Police Force personnel around the temple for crowd control and security. Besides, there will be around 4,000 volunteers to support them.

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While the entire month is considered auspicious, devotees usually believe Monday as a special day for Lord’s worship during the holy month.

According to Bhola Sitaula, Director of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, devotees were seen queuing up from 2 am, although the three doors of the temple were opened at around 3:15 am.

More than 35,000 devotees have visited the temple for worship until 8 AM, he added.

Beads of red, green and yellow color combinations and mehndi on palms form a special attraction during the auspicious month.

While the sales of beads are usually high during the month, the bead sellers are experiencing low sales this year. According to Abbas, a bead seller, the current-year sales have decreased significantly.

While the sales are usually high in the months of Baishakh, Jestha, Ashadh, and Shrawan, in the current year, they were seen satisfactory, zero and below that in the first three months. So, the sellers are expecting good sales in Shrawan.

Apart from a religious angle, Shrawan is also considered as the month that marks the end of paddy cultivation in Nepal.

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