KATHMANDU: The Tamang community celebrates Sonam Lhosar as it marks its new year 2856. It was celebrated with fanfare and jubilant participation in Dhulikhel. The Sonam Lhosar festival celebrates the lunar calendar similar to the Chinese, and it falls on the second new moon during the winter solstice.

It is a time of festivity looking toward a better future and discarding negative forces with rituals from the monasteries, eating well, buying new clothes, cleaning, and decorating the house.

The festivity is also a culturally sound and rich tradition and the Tamang community’s contribution to the diversity of Nepal. The Tamang community has a strong presence in Bagmati province in 13 districts. Various district people from the community gathered at Kathmandu in Dhulikhel to celebrate this festival in a grand way also organizing a “Cultural Fest to mark their new year.

On this year’s occasion in the organized event, youth leader of the Tamang community and member of the House of Representative (HoR) Prem Tamang participated in the event. They also discussed the problems being faced by their community and to draw the attention of the Government of Nepal (GoN) toward their needs.

They also expressed dissatisfaction that such a major event of their community was being neglected by the government and that more needed to be done to bring national limelight.

Numerous cultural programs and dances were a part of this gala event along with a variety of ethnic dishes. The crowd representing the Tamang community was humongous in Dhulikhel.

(Photo Courtesy: Mukunda Kalikote for Reporters Nepal subsidiary of the Reporters Club Nepal)

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari participated in the 9th Chhath Puja Assembly in the capital today. Organized in Kamal Pokhari by the Kamal Pokhari Chhath Puja Society it was a display of marvel and grandeur with decorations and faces gleaming with happiness.

(President Bidya Devi Bhandari conducting the Puja)

The people celebrated the day worshipping the sun as part of the ritual, and there were large crowds gathered celebrating the festival.

The Chhath festival is celebrated for four days worshipping the Sun as part of the Vedic Hindu tradition.

(Devotees worshipping the Sun an integral part of the Chhath festival ritual)

It is celebrated mainly in the Terai region of Nepal, but due to migration it has amalgamated well and is celebrated throughout the country. Prayers are mainly offered to the rising sun, and the people observing this undergo a series of fasts and other rituals that have various offerings. It is also said that this is the most environment-friendly festival.

(Devotees with baskets of offerings containing fruits and incense) 

The offerings and food served in this festival are traditional Madhesi dishes, Thekua made out of wheat flour, melted sugar, clarified butter and jaggery, rice and milk pudding called Kheer, several fruits, banana, sweet lime, sugarcane, apples, and Rice grit or also called Laddu. The people observe a rigorous practice of vegetarian-only food without the use of garlic, onions, or salt.

The Vedic ritual of Chhath is the only such festival in Hinduism dedicated to the Sun, which is worshipped as God, and it has its mention in the ancient mythologies of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

(Photo Credit: Mukunda Kalikote for Reporters Nepal)

DHANUSHA: A sanitation campaign is taking place in temples and lakes in Janakpur under the joint aegis of federal Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai and State-2 Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut.

Prem Guragain, the personal secretary of minister Bhattarai, shared that an all-side tea reception has been jointly hosted by the federal and state governments today in course of the promotion of Chhath festival and Nepal Tourism Year-2020. This is so far the first of its kind campaign in State-2.RSS

KATHMANDU: The rituals associated with the Chhath festival are commencing from Thursday. Chhath is a festival mainly dedicated to the Sun God. It is a cultural and religious festival that indicates to the human civilization and an occasion for expressing gratitude to nature.

The sun is especially worshiped amidst various rituals and by making different kinds of offerings. The main rituals of the festival, observed in succession in a period of four days, include the arba-arbain, kharana, offering argha to the setting sun and offering argha to the rising sun.

The arba-arbain ritual is observed on the first day (Chaturthi) which falls on Thursday this year. This ritual is also called nahaya-khaya. The devotees start observing fast from this day abstaining from eating meat and fish, onion, garlic, millet and yellow lentils. They take holy dips in ponds and rivers on this day in the early morning and start the fast.

On the second day (Panchami), the kharana ritual is observed, which is also known as ‘diluting away the sins’. The place where the Chhath rituals are conducted is daubed with a mixture of cow dung and water.

A paste prepared by mixing the Arba rice flour and holy water is sprinkled over the place and the altar for performing the Chhath rituals is anointed. The devotees observe a complete fast on this day even without drinking water. They offer payas (rice pudding) to the moon after moonrise and partake this offering.

On the third day of the festival (Shasthi), various delicacies are prepared out of the flour of rice and wheat grains grinded in traditional grinders (okhal, jaanto or dhiki). All the members of the family go to the assigned water body, ponds or the bank of the river, carrying a variety of offerings, amidst the singing of devotional and folk songs.

The offerings include delicacies like thakuwa, bhusawa, khajuri, perukiya; fruits like coconut, orange, banana, citrus fruits; and other articles as nanglo, koniya, saraba, dhakan, elephant terracotta idol. These offerings are all carried in a big basket.

Before placing the offerings on the bank of the river or pond, the devotees prostrate five times in front of the spot and the offerings. The members of the family draw the ‘aripan’ sketches as per the tantric methods at the place beforehand to sanctify it. Thereafter, the devotees step into the water of the pond and river and worship the setting sun for making the offerings.

The parvan rituals are observed on the fourth day or the last day of the Chhath festival. On this day, the devotees go to the bank of the pond or river to the place which is specially anointed for the rituals in the early morning. They repeat the rituals conducted in the previous evening and make offerings of argha to the rising sun. After done with the argha rituals, the devotees listen to the chanting of the Surya Purana scripture by the priests. They also listen to and narrate the story related to the Chhath fasting.

Chhath is such festival in the world considered as an attractive custom of the tradition of worshipping the sun in which both the rising and setting sun is worshipped and presented different offerings.

As per the oriental philosophy, human civilization developed on river banks and the sun and water are the most essential elements out of the five main elements that sustain life on the Earth. The Chhath festival is an occasion to pay obeisance to these five elements. Sun worship is the main theme of this festival and it embodies the message of mutual goodwill, unity, and co-existence. The sun is the basis of the existence of life, nature, planets, constellations, time and epochs.

The festival also celebrates the life-sustaining energy of the sun and the Chhathi goddess. So both the sun god and chhatri goddess are worshipped during the Chhath festival. Worshipping the male and female form on this occasion means showing respect to the natural form of creation of life on this Earth.

The sun is also considered the god of health and prosperity. The fasting observed during this festival is considered one of the most rigorous of fasting.
The Chhath festival which used to be marked only in the Mithilanchal region before is now celebrated in the hilly areas and other regions as well. Its popularity is growing in Nepali society these days. RSS
—

KATHMANDU, Oct 29: The last day of the Tihar festival was observed by Nepalese all over the country with the ritual of Bhai Tika. Sisters pray for the longevity and success while applying the tika (multicolored vermillion) on their brother’s forehead.

The auspicious time for tika this year was 11.55 am.

It is a day when sibling love is the closest reflected through the ritual, exchange of gifts, dining together, and the gathering of family and friends.

According to Hindu mythology, it is said that the God of Death Yamraj received a special handmade gift from his sister Yamuna, and a ritual of applying vermillion was observed. In happiness, the God of Death declared that anyone receiving the vermillion will be spared of death on that particular day.

Marking this event garlands are made, sweet dishes are prepared, food is cooked and there is a puja performed by the sisters for the longevity health and prosperity of their brother.

A multicolored vermillion or the tika is applied which signifies the close bond between the two. Gifts are exchanged and this day not only holds importance due to the ritual but also the emotions attached with affection and respect brought out of sibling love.

(Former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah receiving Tika from Sister former Princess Shobha Shah) 

Former King his Majesty Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah celebrated the occasion receiving the tike from his sister Princess Shobha Shah in Kamaladi.

(President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari observing Bhai Tika)

The President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari offered the tika to her younger siblings Tejendra and Degendra Pandey at Chapali Height.

(Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli receiving Tika from his Sister) 

Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli received Bhai Tika from his younger sisters Bishnumaya Dhakal and Kaushila Devi Koirala at his official residence in Baluwatar.

The Bhai Tika day marks the end of the 5 day Tihar festival.

KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Nepal celebrates the main auspicious day of the Tihar festivals today.

Laxmi puja is being performed all over the country, and people are celebrating this day with family, relatives, and friends.

It is a time when the entire community comes together to pass on their best wishes to one another, and, there are several activities that make the day even more enjoyable.

Deusi and Bhailo is one such program where each community may have a group of musicians and artists perform various songs and dances, and the second is the making of Nepal’s traditional Sel roti.

Goddess Laxmi according to the Hindu religious texts is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is worshipped in the evening at private altars and temples. It is done by offering prayers, songs, fruits, and sweets. This is one of the most fortunate times for the people where there is bonding, sharing the simple joys of life and the coming together of family, relatives, and friends.

Reporters Club would extend their best wishes on the occasion of Laxmi puja wishing everyone success and prosperity.

KATHMANDU, Oct 8: Dashain is the most important and awaited festivals for Nepalese, home and abroad. People celebrate this festival forgetting their worries, closing in with family members, relatives, and friends. It is a festival that spans over a period of 10 days, starting from Ghatasthapana meaning to establish a vessel.

(Traditional Tika plate) 

Hence the first day of Dashain begins with placing a vessel at the most purified area of one’s home usually the entrance of the living room, and filling it with water and placing barley sapling or as commonly known in Nepali as jamara. This water vessel is then used for rituals for the purpose of praying to Goddess Durga.

Today is the tenth day and the main day of the entire festival of Bijaya Dashami. This is the day known also as the victory of truth over lies, and the victory of good over evil. The Goddess Durga is said to have killed the demon Mahisasur this day according to the ancient texts of Hindu mythology.

(Decorated street in Maitidevi Kathmandu) 

Today most Nepalese will be wearing new and finest attires and preparing to receive Tika ( a mix of vermillion and rice grains applied on the forehead as a mark of blessing from the elders). Families, relatives, and community get along together this day and enjoy the bond that they share, while the younger ones indulge in games, and leisure filled activities. Flying Kites is one of the cultural practices here among the residents, which has continued over the years. The skyline is perfect as it marks the withdrawal of monsoons, and the days are brighter, where people can enjoy the hot sun.

Dashain is also significant for many places that have historical temples. Street festivals are common, and according to the area, places are well lit and decorated to attract people. It is a time of music, celebration, food, and bonding. Many are off from work, and the entire country is at a virtual standstill where people are at their respective residences planning and organizing middle to large scale gatherings.

It is an eventful day for Nepalese all over that celebrate this day as a foundation of their family value, and cultural bond. This festival marks a new beginning, and there is always a ray of hope that irrespective of what the circumstances are, the coming days will be better. The blessings that we receive from our elders today signify the love and care that is expressed, while at the same time wishing them in return for their health and well being.

(Photo Courtesy: Jemin Manandhar, Subodh Adhikari, and Murtaza Shah location Mad House Production Maitidevi) 

Life has its inroads built with struggles, the rugged road is for us individuals to overcome, and within our choices that we make, we settle for something that makes us truly in love with life. Very few individuals get the opportunity to do what they really like doing. Life is either free or fair our choices determine our career. Along these lines, a momentous discussion took place with outstandingly talented and notable actor Saugat Malla.

Born in Nawalparasi, actor Saugat started his heydays through various forms of caricature, mimicry and stage performances.  He never missed the opportunity to perform be it the Dashain or the Tihar festivals. Saugat said “It was all due to my childhood friend who used to be called by the name Renuwa in the village, he first showed me Indian cinema back in those days when no form of entertainment was available. I used to enjoy watching movies of actor Amitabh Bachchan and I remember his movie Sholay which was a very big hit”.

Saugat was inclined towards acting at a very young age, starting at just 9 when he first hit the stage through various dance performances, along with mimicry and caricature. Those were his base which he decently builds and continues never giving up even though times were tough and in some days he put over 18 hrs. to his work.

(Still frame from Kagbeni Nepal’s first HD film)

Theater became his passion and he performed in various plays. He was associated with Gurukul in Maitidevi Kathmandu, he would be recognized and brought to movies through these theater activities which he engrossed himself with. He was mentored mainly by Sunil Pokharel and Anup Baral in his endeavors and they encouraged him to pursue acting due to his raw talent.

“It was never easy for me, I used to be up most nights practicing for my plays, improving my expressions and understanding my character. There were tough times, and I had to adjust to the city life of Kathmandu, nevertheless, I never gave up” said Saugat. Indeed, he overcame his obstacles, and mainly his attitude toward his profession which he thoroughly loves brought him through those difficult times.

Saugat has performed in over 700 plays associated with Gurukul, M.R. Theater under Birendra Hamal, and various street plays including forum theater. He says “acting is not only entertainment. It is an internal expression along with providing information on various social issues, and making the larger masses aware of the happenings around us”.

Forum theaters and “kachaharis” were formats where the audiences were asked to participate along with the actors who had their story composed of any given pressing social issue that was prevalent and in discussion within the society. The actor supports the forums and street plays mainly because it is essentially to get the people educated toward problem-solving skills, and also enabling them to be aware of information too that otherwise, they may not have any access to.

From caricature, mimicry, street plays, forum theaters and over two decades of pursuing acting, Saugat made history with his first break in Nepalese cinema. Kagbeni was the first of its kind high definition movie to hit the theaters. Saugat was praised for this acting skills and the movie went on to be critically acclaimed and loved by the Nepali audience which changed the dynamics of the industry.

(Still frame from movie Kagbeni)

Saugat then went on to lead in various movies which would establish him as one of the most bankable actors of Nepalese cinema. ” Loot” series a movie based on robbery would be remembered only for the brilliance of the character “Haku Kale” which was majestically portrayed by sheer acting of Saugat Malla. Other movies would follow which would further strengthen his hold on the Nepalese movie industry which includes Dasdhunga, Chhadke, Kabaddi Kabaddi, Fateko Jutta, and Lappan Chhappan.

(Still frame from movie Loot) 

Saugat believes that in order to be successful one should have perseverance along with monumental discipline. These were core factors that brought him to his position along with his passion for the profession.

“Nepali movies need to experiment and bring stories that would relate with the general public, rather than usual slapstick. I choose my characters if I can do full justice to them. Yes, of course, there are times when you do it because you need to survive”. He also says “keeping yourself fit is extremely important. I hit the gym often, and I also take inspiration from actor Jean-Claude Van Damme for his performance and physique in the movie Kickboxer”.

(Still frame from movie Chhadke)

Saugat Malla has tasted success and his prudence will guide him further, modest and gentle, the stardom received hasn’t changed the person within him. He still holds the same passion and regard for his profession and ingenuity strives to perform and entertain. Although he feels, more than entertaining acting is a medium of informational exchange. Actor Saugat Malla is the recipient of the National Film Award for the Best Actor for his movie Loot, and the Nepal Film Technician Association award for the most popular actor.

(Photos via Youtube. The discussion took place on 18th September 2019, location Madhouse Production office Maitidevi)

Reporters Club: While music and its art represent entertainment and ease, it goes beyond its traditional parameters and extends itself into attracting the masses towards information that is pertinent with changing times in our society.

The crowd in Mandala Theatre yesterday was witness to one such release that is hopeful of gaining popularity in the coming days. With a powerful message of the world around us and portraying a normal life of an individual in Nepal and his life long struggle, the apathy that is displayed by certain characters and the injustice toward the lead is a situation relatable to all Nepalese.

Sansarai Baimani or translated as “Fraudulent World” brings within it not only the music that one can listen too but with a thought hitting screenplay and direction manages to captivate the audience over its exemplary storyline.

It was well received by the audience in its release yesterday amidst a program held in the Mandala Theatre.

Hosting the program Janak Raj Sapkota introduced the song with a presentation for the audience, and later released the song which was met with a grand applause.

(Anup Ojha and Janak Raj Sapkota)

Speaking on the occasion of the release, Poet Viplob Prateek stated that this song sends out a strong signal to the younger generation in their course of life, and it is a blessing in disguise to be released coincidentally on the Constitution Day of Nepal.

(Poet Viplob Prateek) 

He also said that while it was necessary for “Nepali music industry to flourish, it still hasn’t found its direction in which it can be uniquely identified in the international scenario due to the many genres present which are common worldwide”. Speaking at the program, he also said that “this song and its ruefulness was of the singer’s own struggle that he faced and it has come as a first-person narrative”. He was hopeful that it will be well received by the audience.

Speaking at the same program musicologist Sangam Panta spoke about the surprise elements, and the musicology behind the entire idea and concept of Sansarai Baimani, he too hoped that this would be successful in the coming days as it was a strong message that is being sent out to the society.

(Musicologist Sangam Panta)

Singer Anup Ojha who is a career journalist spoke about his struggles and his objectives toward singing and wanting an audience to hear the message he had. This is his second song after his debut “Wariko Dadama Ma”(On the other side of the Hill) which has over 2 million views.

Ojha has a similarity of creating a thought conscious society towards the disparities Nepalese individuals face. While speaking in the program he recalled his experience as a Tootle rider, in order to save money to make his second release alongside thanking his motivator and friend Fursang Lama in this endeavor.

Sansarai Baimani portrays the struggle of a common village boy in Nepal, who lost his father due to the insurgency that had inflicted the nation. As most common Nepalese this song shows the individual struggle of leaving his family and going abroad through an agent in order to secure his livelihood. Throughout this entire process he is cheated in every step and is frustrated that although he is ethical enough, to be honest, he is met with frauds, and con men that cheat him. This real struggle is shown in a part humorous and entertaining background score where even the almighty is steeped in corruption ignoring the plight of the common man.  It vividly brings out the struggle of a Nepalese man in his lifetime alongside a contemporary setting.

(Still frame from the video featuring Anup Ojha and Director Safal KC) 

As our society gears up for the festivities in the coming days, we hope that songs like these serve as a reminder not to lose our ethics and realize the value we share as citizens.  Singer Anup was supported by Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal and Jhuma Limbu in the vocals.

Shot in Champadevi village, this musical is charismatically captured by cinematographer Murtaza Shah, while it is directed by Pratik Gurung and Safal Kc. The latter directed a critically acclaimed movie titled “Hari” in 2018.

This musical was created by Madhouse Productions, and it features Bijay Baral, Prakash Gandharva, Prakash Dahal, Bhawna Thapa, Suraj Chaulagain, Deeprakj B.K ( child artist), and the singer Anup Ojha in the lead. The story was originally framed by Roshan Sedhai.

Speaking to the team of the Reporters Club, the Director duo Pratik and Safal stated that ” they had an amazing and enriching experience directing this song, although there were budget constraints in order to entirely implement their idea, nevertheless things did work out well in the end”. The duo too hopes for its grand success.

Music is important as stated earlier not only for entertainment but the purpose it serves in order to send out a message to the society that would really captivate them and enable them to think. Sansarai Baimani has hit the right chords, with a powerful message as this and a clear conceptual framework of the Nepalese society it is validating enough that it will be well received by the audience. We have our perspective of the society and so does this video that brings in one and nothing can be more attentive in our times as this line in the lyrics, “hami nai raichau iman ma chalne yo sansarai baimani” (we move in line being honest while this world is fraudulent).

Watch the video here:

KATHMANDU, Sept 18: Nepal observed the yearly Hindu ritual of the Bishwakarma prayers today. It is offered to Lord Bishwakarma, also known as the creator and an avatar of Lord Brahma.

Bishwakarma Puja is observed by a short morning fast during the ritualistic prayers offered to the Lord who is also considered as the creator and rationale behind all things that exist in the Universe.

In Nepal, people offer prayers and revive the energies of anything technological, for example, automobiles. It is with deep respect that this day is celebrated with prayers in order for the skills and craftsmanship to excel, and is known to be a tribute to those who work in similar fields.

It is also essential due to many high-risk workplaces, and areas that are dangerous, it is regarded that if prayers are offered in this day to the Lord, then it minimizes the hazards and workplace-related accidents. Even modern technological appliances are offered prayers in order for their functioning and efficiency towards work.

Lord Bishwakarma is also known to impart and improve professional working skills through his blessings. The prayers and the importance offered to Lord Bishwakarma is mentioned in the Rig Veda which is a religious Hindu text.

(Featured Image from RSS Nepal)