Navin Shakya

festivals

  • Dashain exodus

    Dashain is Nepal’s biggest festival, known for bringing families together and celebrating cultural traditions. It’s not just a religious event, but an important social occasion where people reconnect with their loved ones. One of the most noticeable parts of Dashain is how many people who work or study in Kathmandu travel back to their hometowns.… More on this

  • Being a temporary vegetarian

    I am part of the Newa community in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its rich fusion of flavors, history, and cultural practices in its cuisine. Buffalo meat is a staple ingredient. In my culture, food is integral to social and family events, making vegetarianism a challenge. Choosing to be vegetarian during the month of Shrawan… More on this

  • Displeasing dinner

    Achar Ghar, located in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, is one of my favourite places for Thakali Khana for their unique servings of different variety of achar (pickles). So, I decided to take my wife there for dinner just a day before the holidays of Dashain start.  I went there, everything was normal, ordered the usual Thakali set… More on this

  • Kartik Nach of Patan

    Kartik Nach, a traditional dance-drama performed in Lalitpur, takes place on a public platform in front of the seventeenth-century Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been continuing for nearly 400 years. This unique art form, which blends dance, drama, and music, was first staged in 1641 AD by King Siddhinarasingh Malla.… More on this

  • Mha Puja of Tihar

    Mha Puja, celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar by the Newa community of Nepal, is a unique ritual dedicated to self-purification and renewal. It is believed to cleanse the body and spirit of negative and evil forces, preparing individuals for a prosperous and healthy future. This festival also coincides with New Year’s Day in… More on this

  • Overlooked cleanliness

    Bhoto Jatra marks the final day of the festival of Bungadya (Rato Machhendranath), one of the most important cultural events in the city of Lalitpur. On this special day, thousands of people from Lalitpur and neighboring districts gather at the Jawalakhel ground for a dry picnic, turning the area into a lively social space. Families… More on this

  • That is not education

    Basantapanchami marks the arrival of spring season and bids goodbye to freezing winter. It is also a day to worship the goddess of learning, Saraswati. Traditionally, this day is seen as the perfect time for “Akshararambha,” a ceremony where children write their first letter, symbolizing the start of their educational journey. More on this

  • Joy of festivals

    Festivals hold a special place in our hearts and traditions. They are not just times to celebrate, but also remind us of our community and identity. We are part of our festivals, and they are a part of our lives. Each festival has a deeper meaning beyond the rituals, food, and gatherings. At the core… More on this

  • Dipankha Yatra

    The Dipankha Yatra is a grand religious festival, considered one of Nepal’s most important examples of religious tolerance, deeply rooted in the traditions of the historic and ancient city of Lalitpur. Held in Nagbahal, this festival is a source of pride for the devoted followers of the Nepal Mandala, embodying the religious, social, and cultural… More on this