My n95 Pictures

Fragnance of Flower

2009-10-27T11:13:00.006+05:30

A Big Thanks to My September Top Droppers and Regular Visitors

2009-10-02T12:56:00.007+05:30

I would like to show my appreciation to friends who stopped by the most to drop the Entrecard in the month of September and also everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards.Once again THANKS to all of you for your love and support.And here is my Link Love to my fellow droppers Please visit them, they're all great blogs.

Latte Art - My Barista Training

2009-09-08T20:50:00.006+05:30

Last week all of a sudden I decided to learn coffee making . I booked a class called Barista training and Latte Art. Excited and all set to learn to make coffees I reached the class. We were about 14 people in there . It was fun and we made as many coffees as we could and also learned coffee art ( Latte Art). I tried but did not come up with any best results.Well a lot more practice might help but anyways here are few of them which look tolerable .

This was supposed to be a heart but turned out to be something else. LOL

My Top 25 Droppers in August

2009-09-01T14:51:00.004+05:30

So here I would like to show my appreciation to friends who stopped by the most to drop the Entrecard in the month of August and also everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards.Once again THANKS to all of you for your love and support.

Fantastic Friday

2009-08-28T16:22:00.010+05:30

I captured these pictures on my way back from Manly Beach in Sydney. The sun had already started drowning and there was a bird sitting on the top of the pole and a boat sailing in the middle of the sea. That was a perfect scenario . And ofcourse I tried my best to fit all of them in my small n95. It was hard as in the pole was too close to me and the boat too far. But my n95 did it ... Hurray I simply love my gadget !!!!

A perfect evening at the sea.

Lizard

2009-08-12T19:53:00.005+05:30

In the night , we had a power cut( there was no light at all ) and I so wanted to go to the loo . With my torchlight on I headed to the toilet . As I opened the door, something scared the hell out me . It was the lizard. And know what I had my mobile with me .. wow!! I then focused the torchlight on the lizard and captured this picture.Well I know it is not any great image or something to post but still that was fun for me clicking this in the middle of the night lighting up the torch.

The wall lizard

Just played around with the picture with Photoshop.

The Bindhyabasini Temple in Pokhara

2009-08-06T12:00:00.000+05:30

Bindhyabasini Temple is also one of the most popular temple in Pokhara.It stand at 3000 ft above from the sea level lying in the laps of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna ranges.A fabulous view of the Pokhara city and the mountain ranges could be seen from this temple.This temple was established in B.S 1845.It is said that this temple originated when the Goddess “Bhawani “ told King khadag Bum Malla to establish her statue in Bindhyachal hill.

The Bindhyabasini Temple

Devotees offering their prayers

Thank You Very Much

2009-08-01T09:00:00.004+05:30

So here I would like to show my appreciation to friends who stopped by the most to drop the Entrecard in the month of July and also everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards.Once again THANKS to all of you for your love and support.

Palm Tree - ( Wordless Wednesday )

2009-07-22T13:49:00.006+05:30

Wordless Wednesday-Palm Tree

A Beautiful Palm Tree.

Beautiful Beach Sunset

2009-07-07T10:36:00.012+05:30

So I had been to Watson Bay in Sydney with few of my friends.That was my first and indeed an exciting experience on the ferry.It felt as if i was flying with the breeze as the ferry started to sail.We reached the Watson Bay and wandered around. It was all beautiful and by the end of the day a little exhausted we sat by the shore and captured the beautiful sunset on my now getting older n95 mobile.

A magnificent sunset at the Watson Bay.A man walking on the beach thinking of may be something wonderful.

Even the birds were enjoying this fantabulous view

So its all over for the day.The sun is hiding with a promise to get back with another marvelous day. Goodbye !! Beautiful Today !

Thank You to my TOP 10 Entrecard Droppers in June

2009-07-01T00:00:00.004+05:30

So here I would like to show my appreciation to friends who stopped by the most to drop the Entrecard in the month of June and also everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards.Once again THANKS to all of you for your love and support.

The lovely daisies

2009-06-15T05:21:00.013+05:30

These shots are from someone's garden near from where I live. Are not they lovely ? Flowers are indeed adding beauty to our surroundings.

Purple daisies

The lovely yellow daisies.

Sydney Opera House from the Harbour Bridge

2009-06-06T18:19:00.010+05:30

I feel lucky to have gotten a chance to walk across the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.That was for me a lifetime experience.From the Harbour the Opera House looked stunning. I had seen the Opera House several times in television, magazines etc but for the first time in life this masterpiece was floating in front of my eyes, my very own eyes.I just captured this incredible moment in my very own gadget , n95. I am so excited to share these shots with you all.

The stunningly designed Sydney Opera House

The masterpiece captured from the Harbour bridge

The Opera House behind the netbars of Harbour bridge

Thank you to my top 10 Entrecard droppers in May

2009-06-03T09:33:00.003+05:30

So here I would like to show my appreciation to friends who stopped by the most to drop the Entrecard in the month of May and also everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards.Once again THANKS to all of you for your love and support.

The serenity in the Park

2009-05-25T16:44:00.005+05:30

Well finally I am back. Sorry all my viewers for posting after quite a while. Actually I have been in Sydney , Australia since a couple of weeks and have been unable to post . As now I have settled down here I am back to my blog which I missed like hell .
Here are the pictures I captured in Sydney. I was pretty tired walking around the Hyde Park and was sitting on the bench .The roads looked so calm and the atmosphere was so fresh that I felt like sleep over there and never wake up.It looked stunning.

Does not that look fresh and serene ?

Assorted sweets on Mother's Day

2009-05-05T15:38:00.011+05:30

It was Mother's Day in my country. Normally in other parts of the world "Mother's Day " is celebrated on second Sunday of May but it is celebrated a bit earlier at my place (i.e. according to the Nepali Calendar) The whole city was busy buying gifts , sweets and other stuffs for the lovely mothers.The sweet shops too were all prepared with their delicacies. Even I was on the way to buy some fresh sweets for my Mom.And suddenly the colorful varieties of sweets decorated on the tables outside the shops pulled me towards.The sweets looked so very tempting. Before buying I captured them in my n95.There were a lot more varieties over there .. n they all looked very fresh and delicious.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers , the most wonderful gift given to mankind ever and all my readers as well.

Assortment of sweets. YUMMMMMYYYY!!!!!!!
Laddoo(orange ones) and peda with cherry toppings (white ones)
The sweet seller.I wish i was him at that moment, i could have eaten everything up lol.

Sweet Nectar lures the Butterfly

2009-04-15T20:46:00.008+05:30

The butterfly enjoying the deliciousness of the nectar.

I took these pictures by my n95 few days back.These pictures are my favorite one among all the photos i have taken till now.

As the new year in Nepal has begun since yesterday .I wish you all a very happy Nepali new year 2066 B.S. .May this year brings you all happiness and prosperity throughout. May all your dreams come true.Bikram Sambat (B.S.) is the official calendar of Nepal, is based on ancient Hindu tradition. Bikram Sambat has 56.7 years ahead of the A.D. year . The Bikram Sambat starts with first day of month Baisakh . It usually falls in April 13 to 15.The new year is celebrated in Nepal as any other new year in other part of the world marked by family gathering,parties, picnic and exchanging wishes and participation in rituals to ensure good fortune in the coming year.

Sweet nectar lures the butterfly.

Fishes enjoying their swim

2009-04-03T14:16:00.007+05:30

Last Saturday i had been to a temple called chabdibarah with my family .It was a nice place in hilly region and around 70 km away from Pokhara .There was a natural pond near the temple with hundreds of fishes swimming in that pond .I was so excited watching them swim and i have captured them in my n95 mobile .Hope you will like these pictures.

Fishes in the Pond.

Fishes enjoying their swims

Black and white snap.

The Dog

2009-04-01T00:00:00.000+05:30

Colorful two leg dog posing for Photo shot.

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Sorry Folks it April Fool's Day .

The Flowers Blooming in my Garden

2009-03-26T13:58:00.007+05:30

The flowers blooming in my garden.

LEAFLESS TREE

2009-03-22T16:56:00.010+05:30

The leafless tree stands silently in its place with branches, reflecting the autumn season.

Leafless tree

The Spider

2009-03-14T12:35:00.005+05:30

Image of Spider with invert effect by photoshop.
Well for a change i tried to put some effects on my photos using Photoshop.I hope you would like my little try.I would be very glad to have your views suggestions or critics.

The image of spider sitting on the wall.

Wordless Wednesday -Flowers in My Garden

2009-03-04T19:54:00.011+05:30

The most sacred and ancient Buddhist Stupa Swayambhunath

2009-02-21T12:55:00.003+05:30

Swyambhunath bearing the meaning "self-emerged" is the most sacred and ancient Buddhist Stupa in Nepal.It was founded by the great-grandfather of King Manadev in the 5th century AD though it's origin however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley.It is lofty white dome with glittering golden spire with pair of big eyes on each of the four sides of the main Stupa symbolizing the God's all-seeing perspective.Swayambhunath stupa is also called the Monkey Temple because of the many hundreds of monkeys dwelling there.There are many chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and other religious objects like prayer wheels and flags for the Tibetan Buddhists to be seen.

According to Swayambhu Purana,Kathmandu Valley at the very beginning was a huge lake, out of which grew a lotus that radiated a brilliant light.The Bodhisatva Manjushri seeing that the valley could be a good settlement for the humans,cut a gorge with a sharp sword at Chovar and drained the water away leaving the valley of present day "Kathmandu". The lotus was transformed into a hillock and the blazing light became the Swayambhunath stupa.

Swayambhunath Temple

Stupa at Swayambhunath

Eyes of SwayambhunathPigeons on the white dome and dogs serenely lying around.

Stairway to Swayambhunath temple.It has 365 steps.

Shikhara , erected by King Pratap Malla
Prayer Flags
Small Stupas and prayer flags hanging around

Buddhist Monk behind the huge bell

Devotees spinning the prayer wheels

Bajra

Swayambhunath

Buddhist gompa at Swayambhunath

Buddha of light , Deepankar Buddha at Swayambhu

Wishing pool with statue of Buddha at Swayambhunath

Statues of Lord Buddha at the entrance area.

Swayambhunath hillock

Monkeys at Swayambhunath also called MONKEY TEMPLE

City view from the Swayambhu temple.

A gigantic statue of Lord Bishnu carved on a five-meter-long boulder.

2009-02-14T00:00:00.006+05:30

First of all I would like to wish all my readers,visitors and friends a very

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

These are few shots of Budhanilkantha Temple.Budhanilkantha meaning "old blue-throat" is a gigantic ( carved on a five-meter-long boulder) shrine of Lord Bishnu also Ananta shahin Narayan lying serenely on the coiled body of Ananta Sesh ( 11 hooded serpent ).This huge stone carving of Lord Bishnu with his legs crossed and holding SHANKHA (conch), Charkra(disc), GADHA(club) and PADMA(Lotus)in his four hands seems to be floating amidst a small pond covering an area of around 882 sq. meters.The deity is over 1000 years old and has enormous significance to both the Hindus and Buddhists.This masterpiece is also known as the Sleeping Vishnu Temple.
The Royals(especially the reigning monarch) are restricted to enter the Temple premises for various inauspicious religious notions.

History:

This statue had been carved by the order of the King Vishnugupta of the Licchavi dynasty in the 7th or 8th century.Legend says that the deity was surprisingly lost and was later found by a farmer as he hit the buried shrine while ploughing and the statue started bleeding.The statue came to complete exposure on further mining.

THE ENTRANCE TO THE TEMPLE

Views of Lord Vishnu sleeping on the coiled body of serpents form different angles.

Cute Monkey

2009-02-07T00:00:00.004+05:30

I was on my way and there I saw a man with this cute little monkey.I just could not stop myself from clicking few shots.It was a trained monkey.The guy was in the city to entertain the people by showing his trained monkey's cute activities. As i did not have much time i had to miss the show but at least i managed to save few of his image in my n95 . I hope you all will find this cute.

Is not he cute? hehe

He was sitting on a rock tied with a metal chain.

This one looks likes he is posing for the click

Look at his expression! he looks happy being the model of the day LOL

Statue of the Lord Gautam Buddha

2009-02-01T00:00:00.007+05:30

Last week I was going to Balaju and on the way was the Amitabh Buddha park located at the west side of the Swoyambunath Stupa where these bigger than the life sized statues of the three Buddhas stand high.These are the biggest statues of Buddha ever in Nepal constructed in 2007.

Statue of Lord Amitaba Buddha (67 ft)

A brief history on Lord Buddha:Gautam Buddha originally Siddartha Gautam was born to King Suddhodan and Queen Mayadevi in Kapilvastu, Lumbini, Nepal in 563 B.C.At the age of 16 he was married to Princess Yashoda who bore a son, Rahul.
Despite the King's continuous effort of shielding his son from the human sufferings, Siddartha once happened to encounter an old man and further a sick man,a dead body.Deeply grieved by these sights Sidartha left the palace in search of the real meaning of one's life.He was 29 years old then.Leaving his royal life behind, he started to live like a mendicant. Siddhartha went to renowned sages but was unsatisfied with their answers to his queries.He followed the path of self-mortification that pushed him near to death.When he realized that this too was futile, he gave up and started meditating intensely sitting under the Bodhi Tree ( Pipal tree) in Bodhgaya.And on the 49th day of his meditation he attained ENLIGHTENMENT.He finally found out the ultimate truth of life and the cause of its sufferings and also how to end these infinite sorrows .He was 35 years old then.He then became BUDDHA, the awakened or enlightened one and spent the next 45 years spreading his knowledge to the mankind. He called his teachings "the Middle Way" a path of moderation.He established an order of monks called the Sangha.And at the age of 80 he was freed from the cycle of the birth and death.
Avalokiteshvara (Left) , Amitaba Buddha ,(center) and Padmasambhava (Right)

Statue of Lord Avalokiteshvara (64 ft)

Statue of Lord Padmasambhava (64 ft)

Buddha's four Noble truth
1. Human life is suffering.
2. All suffering is caused by human desires.
3. The end of desires is the end of human sufferings.
4. An end to all the desire can be achieved by following the Eightfold Noble Path which are

Right view
Right intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

Fighting for the rights-Protest against the Maoist

2009-01-27T13:13:00.003+05:30

Protests, strikes these day have become very common in Nepal due to the improper and

unstable political management.Everyday for some or the other reasons protests are staged by the citizens.These are people that have all been victimized or had their family members killed by the Maoist rebels.They are protesting to put pressure on the government to meet their demands and to declare those killed by the Maoists as martyrs and return property "looted" by the Maoists.The protesting locals were shouting slogans against the Maoists and they had blocked the main road that links Lalitpur with Kathmandu which caused a chaos in the traffic.

Protest by the Maoists victims .They have formed a group named Maoist victims association.

A chaos on the road.People are stuck .

Security to handle the chaotic situation. But it seems they themselves were confused to take actions.

Traditional wood carving

2009-01-22T00:00:00.001+05:30

Wood carving that reflects the traditional architecture, has always been the pride of Nepal for centuries.Wood carving is widespread in temples, monasteries,furnitures,palaces and residential homes as well.This art of wood carving could be seen in intricate patterns of geometrical, god and goddess,floral and animal and many more forms.
Among the woodcarver clans, the Silpakars and Kaisthakar are best known carvers.These day Woodcraft has become one of Nepal's best industries.Here are some pictures taken by my n95 mobile around Basantapur darbar square Kathamdnu and Patan darbar square Lalitpur Nepal.

The skillfully and beautifully carved wooden window( Akhijhyal in nepali)

The Images of gods and goddesses lavishly carved on the wood.

Some classical utensils of Nepal

2009-01-15T20:36:00.015+05:30

Here are pictures of some classical clay and metal utensils used since medieval times for normal Kitchen purposes which nowadays due to emergence of plastic and glassware products are rarely used in day to day life but have not yet lost their importance in any cultural purposes.

KARUWA - It is normally made of bronze and brass and some are beautifully carved.It is used for drinking water, serving alcohol (specially in Newari culture) and in various pious ceremonies.

DEKCHI - A huge copper utensil used for cooking.

A collection of typical kinds of utensils used in Nepal

TAU MAK : I am not very sure about this one but i guess it is used for some alcohol purpose.

A new member in the family.

2009-01-09T18:12:00.005+05:30

WELCOME to the family DEEPSAN.. When I last went back home I met a new member in the family. A quite newly born baby who looks so cute and healthy. His name is Deepsan and is only few months old.I just can't express how happy i was to see the new little Baby in the family.

MUAAAHHHH SWEETHEART!!!!

Once again a very warm welcome to you in the family.You have brought with you joy and happiness.We all love you a lot.May God always bless you.

Two Beautiful Lake

2009-01-03T17:36:00.021+05:30

I have been posting several pictures of my hometown Pokhara.Here again I am posting few pictures of very popular lakes Fewa lake and Begnas lake around my hometown and Nepal.
Here are the pictures of Fewa Lake taken form my n95 . Fewa lake is the second largest lake of Nepal lying at an altitude of 784 m (2,572 ft) located in Pokhara.It covers an area of about 4.43 km2 (1.7 sq mi) and is about 8.6 m (28 ft) deep.Phewa lake is famous for the reflection of Mount Machapuchare on its surface and the holy Barahi Mandir (Temple) is situated in the middle of this lake.

Here are the pictures of the Begnas Tal (lake). About 10 km southeast of Pokhara lies the Begnas Tal.It's a serene lake where the mountains of the Annapurna Range are brilliantly reflected. There is a Restaurant right on the top from where you can have the complete view of the lake.I love going to this place during the weekends and holidays and enjoy my day with few bottles of chilled beer and delicious fish fry .

If you feel energetic, you can rent boats and paddle for really cheap.

With each sunrise, we start a new

2008-12-23T20:29:00.015+05:30

I wish all my readers and friends and guests a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year 2009.If you wish and like my pictures you can send it as Christmas cards or holiday cards to your friends and relatives.

Few weeks back I had to get up early each morning as I had my driving classes going on.Everyday I could watch the lovely sunrise.Out of the Grey the sun making its grand entry smearing this world in gold and pink .The enchanting beauty in the sunrise installs in me so much of hope and enthusiasm.It gives me a new day and a new vision, a new faith and a determination for a perfect new start.Nothing could be more beautiful than the loveliness of the sky before sunrise.

The sky full of clouds quite grey unless the sunshine hit on them.

It looks like the god has painted everything in gold.

the pinkish golden sky looks stunning.

While surfing I found this beautiful poem which describes my thoughts.I am not a poet nor a writer but this is how i exactly feel about sunrise.I wish i too was a poet.Anyways enjoy this poem by

Jacqui Thornton

The grey begins to fade,
As color creeps from leaf to limb.
The light is slowly seeping up,
From beneath the earth's curved rim.
The sky blue strengthens slowly,
Glazed with hues of orange and red.
Slowly as the earth revolves,
The sun lifts up it's head.
Colors shimmer in the light
And shapes begin to unveil.
The trees and flowers separate,
With the dawn light rosy and pale.
The sun climbs higher in the sky.
It's light shimmering and warm.
All things now are clearly seen.
A new day has been born.

Sculptures depicting the unique Newari culture

2008-12-13T23:49:00.005+05:30

I took these snaps on The YALA MAHOTSAV . These pictures depict few of the rituals performed by the newar community.

The occasion of the 77 years 7 months and 7 days

The Guruju (Buddhist priest)

CHUDAKARMA (It is an age-old ceremony in which a child’s hair is shaved for the first time

THE JYAPU (FARMERS of NEWAR COMMUNITY)

The majestic view of Annapurna mountain range and the Machapuchare " Fishtail "

2008-12-03T16:26:00.015+05:30

Pokhara valley is dominated by the Himalayan panorama which are seen at their best mirroring on the surface of the Fewa Lake.They are just about 50 km away.The Annapurna range is a 55 km long massif series of peaks of which Annapurna-I the world's 10th-highest summit stands at 8,091 meters.
The most beautiful Machhapuchhre( Fishtail) is the mountain (6993 meters) in Annapurna range.It has a double summit that resembles the tail of a fish, hence it is called "FishTail." It is also nicknamed the "Matterhorn of Nepal".Fishtail is famous for its “purity” as no man has ever climbed it. It is forbidden to climb as it is revered by the local people as sacred to god.I took these pictures in the month of October and November,the best time for the majestic view of the Himalayas.

The beautiful Annapurna range with the Fishtail mirroring on the Fewa lake

Nature at its best - The god perfect combination of the Himalayas and lake.

The blur shadow of the mountains on the Fewalake

The view of Fishtail from the Pokhara Sports Stadium."Rangasala"

The golden rice field and the gorgeous Himalaya .

The view of the Annapurna range with the Machapuchhre mountain (Fishtail) captured from the rice field.

The Annapurna mountain

The view of Machapuchare

Boating In the Fewa Lake

2008-11-19T16:36:00.009+05:30

Pokhara is indeed a paradise .I shot these snaps in Fewa Lake (Fewatal) while I myself was on a boat.It was so much fun being on the boat and being hit by the cool breeze and watching people sailing.

These pictures remind me of the nursery rhyme ...
"Row row row your boats gently down the stream .. merrily merrily merrily .. life is like a dream"

This world is simply the best..

2008-11-12T14:31:00.011+05:30

When sometimes I sit back and think ,I truly feel that the world is indeed a beautiful place.The god has created it so perfect.I shot these snaps on my visit to TAl BARAHI TEMPLE in Pokhara, ,my hometown .A tree standing by the Fewa lake and the birds sitting on it and perhaps watching us and wondering.Who knows if they were talking about us :)

It seems he has something real important to say .He looks excited .I guess he found some worms.LOL

It seems he is thinking deep basking in the sun hehe.

Each of them are sitting away from each other .. Did they have a fight ? Lol.

Whatever it is .. it looks simply beautiful.

Healthy way of living

2008-11-07T14:20:00.014+05:30

This time for a change away from temples and festivals i have posted few pictures of fruit and vegetables captured by my n95.Eat healthy live healthy.

FRESH TOMATOES

FRESH BRINJAL

JUICY GRAPES

VAREITIES OF FRUITS

VEGETABLE SELLERS ON THE STREET

Rani Pokhari - Queen's Pond

2008-10-27T23:07:00.001+05:30

Rani Pokhari , also known as Lani Pukhu (meaning -Queen's Pond) , located in Kathmandu is a rectangular pond with the mosque shaped Hindu temple of Lord Shiva in the middle.It was built by King Pratap Malla in memory of his beloved Queen.It is said that The King built this artificial pond to console the Queen after their son died.It is opened to visitors only once a year on the day of Bhaitika ( Brother's day ) during the festival of Tihar( Diwali ). As rani pokhari is a pond of consolation, people who have lost their brothers and sisters visit this temple to pay their tribute to their lost ones and those who have no siblings too visit this temple on this particular day in order to receive blessings from the priest.

This is the entrance to Rani pokhari

The tower behind is the city clock tower known as Ghanta ghar in Nepal .

The side views of and the shadow of the temple in the pond.

Pictures of Lord Bhairav

2008-10-18T19:58:00.006+05:30

Here are few amazing pictures of different kinds of Lord Bhairav.

These are the images of Lord AKASH BHAIRAV which is displayed outside for a week during the Indra Jatra Festival in Hanumandhoka ,Kathmandu.

This is the picture of BAJRA BHAIRAV which I captured in Yala Mahotsav .This statue is still incomplete as they were making it in the Mahotsav itself

Lord Bhairav

Yala Mahotsav 2065

2008-10-03T13:19:00.010+05:30

On the occasion of The World Tourism Day 27th September people of Patan Square organized the Yala Mahotsav 2065 highlighting the culture and traditions of the local Newar community.
There was the demonstration of different newa culture and newa ruitals followed by newa people .Here are few pictures I captured by my n95 mobile on the first day of the festival.

The entrance to the Yala Mahotsav.

Handmade sculpture (Puppets )demoing traditional Nepali greeting 'Namaste' at the entrance of the Yala Mahotsav.

Celebrating MHA PUJA(worshipping the Self).This Puja is one of the oldest rituals of newa community in which they worship themselves .

A Testimony of unique culture to mark The Maharatharohan Celebration

The Maharatharohan Celebration is an auspicious event which take place at the age of eighty-eight years,eight months, eight days,eight ghadis (hours) eight palas (steps) in the ritual life-cycle of the Newars, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley.

Machindranath Festival

Protest against funding cut off for festivals on 28th sept 08

2008-09-20T22:57:00.006+05:30

An angry protest was staged by the Newar community(Natives of Kathmandu Valley) against the government for cutting off the budget for the religious festivals(Jatras) celebrated since years on 28th September 2008.

The protesters blocked traffic in Basantapur,Kathmandu by burning tyres.

They also demonstrated rallies in Basantapur.

The security force, to avoid any unhappy incidents.

Indra Jatra

2008-09-15T21:06:00.009+05:30

Every September the Festival Indra Jatra takes places which continues for eight days during which there is much rejoicing, dancing and feasting.. In Hinduism, Indra is the King of heaven and also the god of rain and adequacy.One of the main events in this festival is pulling the three-tiered chariot of the Royal Kumari accompanied by Pulukishi(Lord Ganesh) and Lord Bhairav through Kathmandu on the third and fourth days.Other attractions are the Lakhes(persons wearing mask of horrific features)

devotees pulling the chariot of Royal Kumari

History :
Legend says that once Lord Indra came to earth in search of a unique flower called Parijat for his mother(Dakine Devi) to make offerings to Lord Shiva.As Indra sneaked into a garden, the gardener (who was a great Tantric) bound Indra within his spiritual powers.When Indra did not return for long his mother herself came to earth and found out that her son was caught in Tantrik's control.After tough negotiations she finally succeeded to free her son.She then promised
enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a rich crop.Since then Indra Jatra is celebrated every year.

The royal Kumari

The festival took place in Basantapur in kathmandu

The chariot of Royal kumari which is pulled through Kathmandu city

The traditional dancers.

I took this picture in the evening when the festival was about to end.

Lakhe (person wearing horrific mask who dances throughout the festival)His mask is of Lord Bhairav.

The chariot of Lord Bhairav

The army playing their religious band on the occasion

The classical and traditional music players

People were rejoicing and dancing to offer their respect to lord Indra

Thousands of devotees attended the festival with great respect and enthusiasm as well.

(There was so much crowd and was difficult to shoot with my tiny n95 camera.I really missed my camera this time but i managed to take few shots though the photos did not come out great anyways I hope these could entertain all.)

Under my Umbrella ella ella

2008-09-11T12:49:00.009+05:30

It was a pleasant sunny day.I sat by the shore and watched people enjoy their boating and taking few shots as well.I loved the view of the green fresh pond .

These were chairs made out of trees . I found these very interesting .The trees were cut flat to make these look like one.

It suddenly started raining .I rushed upwards to this place to save myself from getting drenched though i had my umbrella along.There too I saw a beautiful wooden chair standing all alone

It was actually a tree which was cut flat to make it look like one.

In the middle there was a mini island where a crane standing on its one leg

Under my umbrella
This is my friend enjoying the magical view.The green water looked beautiful and it was indeed a treat to the eyes.

There was greenery and peace which nowadays seems to have disappeared.

The rain stopped after sometimes and I kept my umbrella under the tree to dry it up .

Exclusive Pictures of The Pashupatinath Temple

2008-09-01T16:50:00.011+05:30

Pashupatinath is the most sacred temple of Lord Shiva located situated on the shore of the Bagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu.Only the Hindus (believers of Hinduism) are allowed to enter the temple whereas the non-Hindus are only allowed to have a look from the other bank of the Bagmati river.The present temple was built by King Bhupalendra Malla in 1653.The temple is of pagoda architecture with gold plated roof, four silver doors and fine quality wood carvings on it.There is a gold plated statue of a large bull (Nandi bull) on the western door of the temple.The deity, Chaturmukhlinga (Linga with four faces) of Pashupatinath is black in color and is 6 feet tall.It is one of the most venerated Lingas in the whole world

History:
According to the legend once Lord Shiva got tired of everyone and came to Kathmandu Valley in Slesmantak Forest without telling anybody.Before other gods discovered him,he disguised himself into a one-horned stag to get rid of his duties.And when Lord Vishnu grabbed him by his horn, it broke off ,which then became the Pashupatinath Linga. As time went by, the temple was buried and forgotten for a long period.Later a cow (Kamdhenu cow) was found dropping her milk over a mound .The cow herders dug the spot and found the lost Linga and built the temple again.

The view of the whole temple from across the Bagmati River

The main entrance of the temple. Only the Hindus can enter the temple whereas the non-hindus are allowed to have a look from this entrance only.

This is the picture of the main temple.It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple with such silver doors on all four sides of the temple.The priests of Pashupati temple are called BHATTA.

The gold plated statue of the Nandi Bull

This is a temple at another corner which is surrounded by hundreds of Shivalingams

The Arya Ghat (cremation ground) on the bank of Holy Bagmati River.

The cremation pyres on the bank of Bagmati River.The Hindus believe that to be cremated here brings salvation and releases the dead body from the cycle of rebirth and death.

The votive shrines one behind another which could be seen at once through the first arc.I find this very interesting .

The sadhu Babas. With their unique outfit like of Lord Shiva they stay around the temple area all the time.

The only old age home run by the government since many years.We do have other private old age homes too.

Children swimming in the Bagmati River.

The Pashupatinath area.The temple has quite a large area .

Cows grazing around the Pashupatinath Area

The way to the temple where people sell flowers ans every necessary items for worshiping .

My trip to the zoo( Part-2)

2008-08-22T21:58:00.005+05:30

Here are few shots of the birds form the central zoo.In the first part of my trip to the zoo i had posted pictures of some animals.

THE EAGLE

A BUNCH OF DUCKS

THE PEACOCK (MAYUR or MAJUR)

THE BLACK NECKED STORK

THE PINK CRESTED COCKATOO

THE CRANE

Gai Jatra -festival of cow .

2008-08-17T23:44:00.014+05:30

Gai Jatra
(Gai= cow and Jatra = festival).The festival of cows is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in the Newar community. Traditionally the family who has lost a relative during the past year participates in this festival, with a belief that the bereaved relative then rests peacefully in the heaven.Mostly the people send a cow but if cow is unavailable they send their children dressed up as cow to walk in the procession .Thousands of whimsical characters of all sorts fill the streets on this day.
Gai Jatra is also famous as the festival of humor.Comic dramas and shows are performed. Even the newspapers bring out special editions making mockery out the government on this day.It is considered important as this festival enables people to realize and accept the Truth"death is the destination of life."
Each family brings his own bamboo pole from their houses and gather together after sometime and memorize their lost relatives .

History :
King Pratap Malla in the 18th century lost his son which led the queen to depression.Despite his efforts, he could not make the queen smile .So he announced a reward to whoever succeeds to make the queen laugh.So on the day of Gai jatra the people started making mockery out of anything possible which brought a smile on the queen's face.And since then the king ensued Gai Jatra as a festival of humor too.

Such chariots with the statue of the cows are the main tradition of this festival.

The celebration in Bhaktapur is the most interesting one.Tall decorated bamboo poles, wrapped in cloth are carried around the city in memory of the dead. Here are few pictures of Gai Jatra in Bhaktapur captured by my n95 mobile.

These are the decorated bamboo poles on which the picture of the bereaved is hung and carried around the city in his/her memory.

The bamboo poles are carried around the cities by their relatives and other people participating with their traditional music and dancing and religious songs .

Then they move further around the city one after another .

Men dressed in woman's outfit and performing their traditional dancing.

Men, women and even children all sorts participate enthusiastically on the festival

Even children are dressed traditionally and few children are also dressed up as cows

Even tourist were enjoying their coffee along with the festival.

Thousand of people attended the festival with enthusiasm . All the streets were filled . The whole city looked very beautiful and colorful.

My trip to the zoo( Part-1)

2008-08-15T15:18:00.010+05:30

Only zoo of Nepal The Central Zoo was established by late Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser in 1932 as a private Zoo.After the fall of Rana regime, it came under the Government of Nepal in 1950 but it was opened for the general public only in 1956.
The central zoo is located at Jawalakhel covering an area of six hectares . It includes a reasonable collection of Nepali wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, leopards, monkeys, birds, chimpanzees, etc.It has a collection of some 800 animals and 119 species. The central zoo exhibits 15 out of 38 endangered animal species of Nepal. But this data varies from time to time .

As the animals were kept within bars and wire fences,it was a bit difficult to capture them by my n95 mobile but I somehow i managed to get few pictures.I hope they will entertain you .

LEOPARDS

BARKING DEERS

WATER HIPPOPOTAMUS ( HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIOUS)

THE LANGOOR MONKEY

ELEPHANT

SWAMP DEERS (cervus duvauceli)

THE ONE HORNED RHINO

BLACK BEAR

Skulls and heads of endangered animals

2008-08-11T15:42:00.013+05:30

I took these pictures by my n95 mobile on the entrance of the central zoo in Nepal.There was a mini gallery where these skulls were kept. These animals fall under the endangered category.

The heads of the TIGER.

Black BUCK DEER

SPOTTED DEER

The SKULL of ONE-HORNED RHINO

Collection of skulls of the deer ,Tiger and one horned rhino .

My Little Angel

2008-08-06T12:39:00.003+05:30

This sweet little angel is my niece.She is now 5 years old. She is sweet, talkative and very very naughty at times.She loves to dance and yeah imitate people.Once we all along with her went to a wedding ceremony and there she was insisting and crying like hell to get married too.She was like "no i want to marry too and put the bridals dress on." When they start insisting only god could help LOL.

It was in the afternoon we all were drinking tea . And my little angel was annoyed as nobody served her tea but only milk. Children love imitating Lol. She also wanted tea .

When she did not stop her tantrums, i gave her half a cup of tea . Look at her she is so busy in drinking haha.

She had her tea .She is very happy now and my angel smiles .

On the day of the solar eclipse

2008-08-02T14:32:00.003+05:30

Yesterday , 1 Aug 2008, occurred the total solar eclipse.According to the NASA ,the eclipse began in Canada and extended across northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia, Mongolia, and China. A partial eclipse was seen in northeastern North America, most of Europe and Asia.

It was said that a partial solar eclipse would be seen in Nepal too starting at 4:22 pm (NST) until 6:13 pm( about 1 hour and 51 minutes). So even I was very excited to view the eclipsed sky . I waited till the previously declared time .The sky was clear during the afternoon but later was full of clouds which hindered me to view the proper scenario .However I could see the sky darkening (unlike as usual) .I then captured those moments(though it did not look too great) in my n95 mobile.

It was during the afternoon before the eclipse started , the sky was quite clear and not much cloudy .

From my place the sky looked like this during the eclipse. it turned darker but was a bit cloudier than the afternoon.
Though I could see no signs of sun , the sky continued getting darker and darker .

I took this picture at around 5:55 pm when the eclipse was quite near to the end .

Sixteen hundred years old "Bhoto Jatra"

2008-07-28T15:18:00.015+05:30

Bhoto Jatra ( the traditional Bhoto display ceremony of Macchindranath).Bhoto means sleeveless vest and Jatra means festival. The BHOTO (a velvet vest embroidered with jewels) is shown to people thrice towards all the four directions from the chariot of Machhindranath itself on the last day of the four-day-long chariot-pulling procession of Rato Macchindranath and Meennath, at Jawalakhel . According to the Jatra rituals, the head of the state has to worship the deity .With the "bhoto display ceremony" ends the month-long Machhindranath festival and the idols then are taken back to their own places(Machhindranath to Bungmati and Minnath to Patan.) The chariots are then dismantled and stored for the next year to rebuild.

History :

It is believed that this Bhoto (vest ) was rewarded to a farmer by Karkot Naga(king of serpents) for curing the eye ailment of his Queen. But the farmer lost the Bhoto while working in his field. A year later when the farmer went to attend the Machhindranath festival at Jawalakhel, he saw the same giant wearing his vest. The farmer then started a fight with the giant.The Karkot Naga was also there . He then submitted the Bhoto to Machhindranath for safe keeping until someone claims it with evidence. Since then the BHOTO is displayed every year on the last day of the festival to assure that it is still safe and one might prove his ownership of the bhoto.

This luckily was my first experience of attending the Machhindranath festival that too from the very beginning as I come from a different city of Nepal .I was very excited to witness the one of the oldest and longest festival of Nepal. I captured all the pictures by my nokia n95. This post (end of the festival) is a continuance to my previous post on the Machhindranath (the beginning of the festival).

The chief of the Guthi displaying the BHOTO to the citizens

The chief priest of the Machhindranath festival

Thousands of devotees attending the Bhoto Jatra

The chariot has been pulled by the devotees to Jawalakhel ( the last stop )

"The chariot puller" .Many people together keep pulling these ropes to make the chariot keep moving .

The devotees worshiping the deity and offering small oil lamps(Deeyo/Batti)

The chariot has reached its final destination(Jawalakhel) and the thousands of devotees are impatient to worship the deity to get his blessings.

There was a nice arrangement for drinking water too for the festival attenders .It really was a hot day!!

Thousands of devotees had gathered in Jawalakhel to witness the historical event and to offer their prayers to the Machhindranath .

Special security was also provided around Jawalakhel to avoid any unwanted incident. The festival ended peacefully.

With much enthusiam and very peacefully ended the hundreds of years old ceremony in the evening .

The priceless childhood

2008-07-25T18:26:00.013+05:30

Children are the most precious gift of god . They are bliss to parents.Children require guidance, a little love and attention of the parents .Your children need your presence more than your presents.Good upbringing definitely moulds a child into a better human and an asset to society.The bright memories of the childhood always strengthen a child and leads him towards a successful life.
These lovely children made me nostalgic by reminding me of my childhood . I took these pictures by my n95 in a children park located few minutes away from my home .

He looks so cute . The lovely bubbly boy yo yo get going .

They must be feeling happy to drive a car before turning 18 . Hehehe.

These children are definitely going to be the future Micheal Schuhmacher. LOL .

Toys are child's best friend .

The cute little girl is buying a balloon .

The parents do know how to make their children smile . yeah by getting them their best friend !!

And here are the pilots .Children need models more than they need critics

They look very cute . Childhood is the world of fun.

Children need to be refreshed form time to time .And such festivals help them get rid of the boredom.

Enjoying their peacock ride

Here they also have the train .wow ..

The train has stopped but she still does not want to come out . I want more mummy eheh.

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.We should never limit a child from learning.

Aaiselu (edible wild yellow berries)

2008-07-21T02:00:00.000+05:30

Aaiselu is a kind of berry mostly grown nearby the forests and highways and hilly area in spring season and ripen in summer . I did not find the exact name of it in English but we call it Aaiselu (wild yellow berries). These berries taste simply wonderful and leaves you wanting always more of them. Aaiselu is too soft and should be eaten sooner after picking them up else they lose their original taste . It is a bit difficult to pick Aaiselu because thier bushes are very thorny. Mostly the children so really fond of them that they even bunk their schools just to pick the berries ignoring the scratches in the skin . Even the tourists like them much .During the summer you can see poeple selling Aaiselu near by the highways in Nepal .

The thorny bushes full of ripe Aaiselu . My mouth is watering now

I took these pictures by n95 mobile in my last visit to Pokhara during summer.

I had too picked few of the delicious berries in my last visit to Pokhara . That was fun .

These berries till now have not been much used but many things could be done out of them. We can start Aaiselu farming , producing wines and juices out of them ,which could serve as a source of income to the poor villagers . The farming could be done easily and in a low budget as they grow easily without any special attentions .
The only problem in developing countries is that we ourselves are oblivious of our own resources and keep ignoring them.But if we wake up and see around there are millions of things to start with to make life better .

Fuel crisis hits my nation too

2008-07-18T12:00:00.008+05:30

When the whole world is undergoing the fuel crisis currently how could only Nepal be left behind in the race.Nepal lacking oil reserves of its own and also unfortunately being a landlocked country has to depend on India for its needs.The fuel crisis in Nepal has intensified as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC),the main supplier of petroleum products to the Himalayan country, cuts its supply of fuel and other petroleum products.The poor economy of Nepal is also the cause for this scarcity as the Finance Ministry in Nepal could not cope up with the drastic increment(internationally) in the prices of fuel and is struggling to pay for imports.
Queuing up at petrol pumps for hours with their motorbikes, taxis and buses for few liters of petrol/diesel has become a part of people's life.They are forced to stand sometimes almost a day and even spend nights at the pump to fuel their vehicles. This drastic shortage in fuel has not only created anger and frustration in the citizens but has created chaos on essential public transport services and hospitals ,ambulance services,fire brigade services etc.

Here are few pictures that show the real scenario of the crisis . I took them from the nearby petrol pump .There are lot more to be seen all over the city.

The petrol pump is still closed as they have no petrol to distribute .

The drivers are still waiting for the petrol station to open for fuel distribution .

wow!! the petrol tanker has now arrived . Would a single tanker suffice all of them ? And the answer is a big "NO". The early comer are lucky today and the rest should still continue waiting may be till another tanker arrives .But when .. no answer .

Hundreds of taxis queuing up at the petrol pump to fuel up their taxis.

The day is about to come to an end and the people are still there waiting . How hectic .

The number of vehicles increases and increases . There is no sign of ending this queue.How long does is go like this ? Does not this now be taken seriously by our government ?

This is now high time the government ponders to find alternatives for fuel crisis and bring the it to an edge.They now should seriously start thinking over to use the most out of Solar energy,renewable and green energy,wind power, hydro-electric power,bio-gas generators and so on before reaching the very worst.

Gloomy Tuesday Evening

2008-07-16T14:19:00.008+05:30

This very moment I captured by my nokia n95 mobile while watching the moon in the sky through my window .

Tuesday gloomy evening appears in the half Moon behind the cloud.

Moon and Clouds playing hide n seek

A tribute to Bhanubhakta(the first poet of Nepal) on his birth anniversary

2008-07-13T20:13:00.008+05:30

Bhanubhakta Acharya(1814-1868) was a Nepali poet who translated the great epic "Ramayana" from Sanskrit to Nepali. He was born in Chundi Beshi of Ramgha of Tanahu district in 1814 .
Bhanubhakta was the first poet ever to write in Nepali language when other Poets in Nepal usually wrote in Sanskrit. That is why he was entitled as "AADI KAVI"(meaning the first poet). He was an outstanding poet, who dedicated his entire life to enriching Nepali literature .

The statue of the AADI KAVI (pioneer) Bhanubhakta Acharya

Bhanubhakta was a young boy from a wealthy family and was leading a luxurious life until he met a poor grass cutter who inspite of his poverty wanted to build a well (KUWA in nepali) to help the travelers to quench their thirst and be remembered even after death .This inspired Bhanubhakta to do something remarkable. So honoring the grass cutter, he wrote these lines:
" He gives his life to cutting grass and earns little money,
he hopes to make a well for his people
so he will be remembered after death,
this high thinking grass cutter lives in poverty,
I have achieved nothing, though I have much wealth.
I have neither made rest houses nor a well,
all my riches are inside my house.
This grass cutter has opened my eyes today,
my life is worthless if the memory of my existence fades away."
Since then he dedicated himself to writing poetry

These are the statues of Poet Bhanubhakta (left) and the Ghasi (grass cutter) on the right in the Ghasi Kuwa Park in Tanahu district ,Nepal.

(I took these pictures by my n95 mobile while coming back to Kathmandu from Pokhara as this park is situated near the Prithivi Highway.)

The festival of Rato Machhindranath

2008-07-11T15:34:00.012+05:30

These are the pictures of the two chariots of "Red Machhindranath" (behind) and his disciple "Meennath" also known as "Gorakhnath" (front).
This longest ceremonial pulling of the huge four wheeled chariots begins in mid-April at Patan, Pulchowk ,Nepal and continues for a month. It is believed that this festival was introduced by King Narendra Deva in the 9th century A.D.This festival symbolizes the annual visit of the Lord on earth and is celebrated for the peace and prosperity of the countrymen.The festival begins with the construction of the chariot in Pulchowk, and ends with the Bhoto Jatra festival (ceremonial display of his jewel studded legendary vest) in Jawalakhel ,Lalitpur.

RATO MACHHINDRANATH:
Rato(red) Machhindranath (also Matsyendranath) is worshipped as the God of rain and harvest, who by legend was brought from Assam, India to Kathmandu valley in Patan ,Lalitpur to prevent a drought .He was guru of Gorakhnath and also the founder of "Hatha yoga"(a branch of Yoga).Machhindranath was born out of fish's womb.
History:
It is said that once Lord Gorakhnath on his visit to Kathmandu valley got annoyed as nobody noticed him while seeking alms and sat in "samadhi" on the serpents (the cause of rain ) which then resulted a serious drought in the valley .The great Tantrik "Acharya Bandhudatta" suggested the then king Narendra Dev to invite the Lord Machhindranath so that Gorakhnath would stand up to greet his "Guru" and the serpents would be freed and then it would rain .So the king brought Lord Machhindranath to the valley from India .Knowing that Lord Machhindranath was in the valley ,Gorakhnath stood up to greet him and thus the serpents were freed and started raining which then took away the drought .Ever since started the festival of pulling the chariot of machhindranath to honour him

This the chariot of the Rato Machhindranath.The chariot stands so tall as if it touches the sky.One has to climb high to view the statue of the Machhindranath kept on the upper part of the chariot .

A closer view of the chariot .

The giant wheels of the chariot . A lot of enery is needed to pull these wheels . A large number of men gather in the festival to pull the chariot . Interesting huh!!

A closer view of the wheel .

MEENNATH (GORAKHNATH):
The Meennath (also called CHAKUWA DYO or Gorakhnath) is the great disciple of Rato Machhindranath and worshiped as a deity of religion.Meennath also has a beautiful chariot which is a little smaller than that of Rato Machhindranath.It is a tradition that the Machhindranath's chariot cannot move until the Meennath's chariot arrives the ceremonail spot .
History:
It is believed that once a queen whose husband had just died suddenly got aroused. Machhindranath felt sorry for her and he with his powers entered the dead body of the king and quenched the queen's desires.During he himself got captivated that he forgot to leave the king' body.Seeing his "Guru" drifting away from his responsibilities , Meennath changed himself into even more beautiful woman than the Queen and walked into the room where his Guru and the queen lived .Skillfully he brought his master out of it and made him aware of his duties .After that Rato Macchindranath always wanted Gorakhnath to accompany him to everywhere.
And ever since it became a tradition that both the chariots are to be pulled together .

The chariot of Meennath decorated colorfully .This chariot is a little smaller in size than the first one .He always accompanies the Machhindranath .

The long wooden rod carved with the statue of the "Bhairav"(God of protection) in the front. This is attached to the chariot and is built for the pulling of the chariot .

The Bhairav carved on the wooden puller

Again the chariot of Meennath in a full view.

Child labour

2008-07-09T23:23:00.002+05:30

"Child labor" means the employment of children under an age determined by the law . Child labor is a major social problem especially in developing countries where the economically handicapped families are forced to send their children to work tediously .
Well a child works in fact in almost every society and is also accepted but the term "child labor" is undesirable and harmful as child labor hinders a child not only from education but also prevents the overall development in him .
Child labour in Nepal prevails mostly in traditional agricultural sectors, service sectors like small hotels, restaurants, transport and tourism, manufacturing sectors such as carpet and garments factories, domestic services, etc. They work long hours at low wages, poor working environment.

Besides poverty and illiteracy , lack of dedication of the concerned authorities of the government is also a cause of child labor . Trying to put end to poverty and giving the equal rights to all regardless of their ethnicity ,religion etc. and improving access to education could surely be a very effective move to reduce child labor to a great extent .

A boy painting the hotel walls in the heat .

A little boy selling fruit

Not yet ends his tedious painting .. He keeps going on tired and hungry . Poor him !!

A boy around 11-13 years old selling maizes on the street.He must be feeling sad to sit all day long under the tiring heat and watching children of his age enjoying life .

The garbage cleaner

2008-07-06T22:08:00.004+05:30

This is a picture of a person who comes to our place (in kathmandu) to collect the wastages from our daily life . Every morning around 9 am .. he makes every people living in my community aware of his presence by whistling loud ,louder and the loudest . The keeps waiting till all of us hand over him our daily wastages .
I clicked this picture when he was already done with collecting the garbages and was all set towards his destination which is the "city dumping site" . Tired he was pulling the cart full of stink .At times I just feel really bad seeing him live with such tedious and unhygienic task .But work is work and yeah out of this he is atleast earning his survival .
Kudos to all the "Garbage cleaners" for keeping our town safe from turning into a repository of wastages and garbages .

Strike again strikes the City

2008-07-03T09:35:00.010+05:30

STRIKES have mostly been a very powerful negotiating tactic with the government. And Nepal is no exception .Time and again strikes occur here too with various demands .The latest round of strikes started with the Nepalese government announcing a hike in fuel prices and the resultant raise in public transport fares.For several days groups of students affiliated to political parties had attacked government vehicles, burned tyres and threatened drivers in Kathmandu.

Thousands of passengers were stranded across the Ringroad, Balkhu area on Wednesday as the students locked public buses and other vehicles in roads demanding a 43% percent concession in transport fares due to the recent increment in fuel prices.
The students who have been enjoying a 33 percent fare concession in Nepal are also up in arms. They are now demanding a 50 per cent concession. The government’s decision to raise the concession to 43 percent is not enough according to students .

Here I have captured few scenarios of that strike against the increment in fuel prices occurred in Balkhu on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the students vandalized vehicles and burnt tyres in front of Tribhuwan University and in Balkhu area in the capital.More such spectacles have been expected on coming days.

Students were on strike but other group of people still had the same usual routine so they had to carry on ignoring the blockage .

The students really got down on the streets for a demonstration .

The vehicle drivers still waiting with a hope to pass through the blockage .

The tyres too have burnt down leaving such black and ugly patches on the road .

The vehicles had been jammed and were not allowed to move further almost the entire day .

The way to the island - Tal Barahi Temple

2008-07-01T15:33:00.012+05:30

This is a view of the very famous TAL BARAHI temple , located in the middle of the fewalake in Pokhara . This place serves the visitors as a station for the journey to the temple to start. We can see the people standing on the shore ..waiting eagerly for the boats to sail them to the temple.

"The waiting " in the heat is so boring and tiring but patience is the only solution . The people are still waiting for the move, chill just few minutes more to sail .So on your marks get set and ..

and finally "GO" two boats started to row leaving stilll a few behind at the shore . So tired waiting for their turn .. some have even fallen asleep . Get up .. for sure you are the next .

Highway to Heaven(Lovely Hill)

2008-06-27T18:31:00.005+05:30

This is another interesting highway in Pokhara . This narrow highway along the Fewalake leads us to a lover's park which is generally known as "Lovely Hill",( the most happening and popular dating place in Pokhara.) The road looks narrow for the riders but riding on here is not difficult but unexpectedly adventurous . As this road takes the "the lovers" to "the heaven" i.e. "The lover's park" , I preferred it calling "the highway to heaven " .

Basundhara Park near Fewalake

2008-06-21T01:47:00.007+05:30

This is a very beautiful park ( Basundhara Park ) in Pokhara . As it is located near the lake , the tourism board is planning to turn it into a " beach ". This park is famous for organizing music concerts , business exhibitions and cultural festivals . It is also known as a " lover's park". In weekdays this park is a mere grazing place for the herbivorous animals ( cows, buffaloes etc.) . However it is indeed a place worth visiting . Being here in this park certainly calms your soul with the pleasant breezes of the water flowing near it .

Nature's beauty ..

2008-06-16T18:11:00.009+05:30

On my way to Pokhara from Kathmandu , I stopped for a little while in Benighat near Malekhu for lunch . I was having my lunch and just then the sight of this beautiful village calmly settled on a hill near the Trishuli river isolated from the urban amenities , pollution and the hecticness , lured me to capture it on my n95 .

The Heaven Lies on Earth

2008-06-10T17:10:00.013+05:30

The heaven lies on earth itself . This is a picture of Fewalake in Pokhara (the paradise of Nepal ) Just the view of the still boats on the shore is a treat to the eyes and the soul .. imagine how heavenly would you feel being on those boats and sailing across feeling the chillness at your heart .

Free from the world's Insanity ..... "sweet dreams"

2008-06-07T13:44:00.013+05:30

I was in my shop .. and saw this dogie in front sleeping so sound under the sun ... so i immediately captured this beautiful moment .

The stray dogs live outside alone and away from their human pack . Being alone goes against the dog's most basic instinct. All the whining, barking, clawing and sleeping dogs you have seen tied alone outside are trying desperately to get the attention of their human families.
"Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me."

The Bhimsen tower -- DHARAHARA

2008-06-04T01:24:00.013+05:30

The minaret like Bhimsen Tower,(dharahara in nepali) situated in Sundhara is a nine storey (50.2m) tall tower. It was built in 1832 AD by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. It has a spiral staircase inside of 113 steps with a circular balcony on its 8th floor providing a panoramic view of the whole Kathmandu valley. It has has a 5.2m bronze mast on the roof.

History
The original Bhimsen Tower was built in 1824 and was 11 storey high, 2 storey taller than Dharahara. Dharahara was actually built for queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, the niece of Bhimsen Thapa.The big earthquake of 1834, caused severe damages to Bhimsen tower. However, 100 years later, in January 15, 1934, the next big earthquake caused Bhimsen's tower to be completely destroyed but the two storeys of the the second tower remained. The then prime minister Juddha Shumsher renovated Dharahara to its current form.

Ancient Kaal Bhairav Statue

2008-05-26T17:28:00.009+05:30

This is the ancient statue of Kaal Bhairav known as the care-taker of Nepal. King Pratap Malla in 1775 Nepal Sambat brought it from Raniban and established at his courtyard, Hanuman Dhoka. It is 16-feet stone idol, the only of this type, started breathing life after the famous and powerful tantriks of those days instill life in it. This statue acted, for a long time in history, as a judge also. Those who lied in front of it would die instantly, but afterward people were so frightened that they stopped me awakening through tantrik rituals. They just worshiped it nowadays.

Lord Bhairav is an fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva.The term Bhairava means "Terrific". He is often depicted with frowning, angry eyes and sharp, tiger's teeth and flaming hair, stark naked except for garlands of skulls and a coiled snake about his neck. In his four hands he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. He is often shown accompanied by a dog. Lord bhairav's worship is very useful to win over your enemies, success and all materialistic comforts. It is very easy to please lord Bhairav by doing normal worship daily.
Lord Bhairava is also known as Kshetrapalaka, the guardian of the temple. In honor of this, keys to the temple are ceremonially submitted to Lord Bhairava at temple closing time and are received from him at opening time. Lord Bhairava is also the guardian of travelers. The Siddhas advise us that before embarking on a journey, especially one that involves travel during the night, we should make a garland of cashew nuts and decorate Lord Bhairava with it. We should light oil lamp in His honor and request His protection during our travel.

The sacred Bagmati turning into a repository of garbage.

2008-05-21T22:53:00.010+05:30

The holiest river Bagmati ,which once was a source of livelihood to people , the flora and fauna ,has now turned into a mere repository of our garbage . This really has created an awful and stinky environment and has vitiated the air all around . The water volume in Bagmati has also reduced . It really has come to its worst .
I really wonder how the people nearby live tolerating such an awful odor.

Amidst the greenery where the freshness dwells

2008-05-17T13:05:00.008+05:30

Beautiful village near Pokhara .This scene was taken during a visit to my Mamaghar.
It really looked so beautiful and interesting seeing " A HOUSE " a single one on the top fenced with greenery which is very rare . It is located at Siddartha Rajmarg(highway) which heads towards Bhairawah.

A couple walking down the wide street of jawalakhel

2008-05-12T13:50:00.008+05:30

a carefree walk on the street of Jawalakhel chowk
Romance needs an infusion every now and then. Getting away isn't enough. You've got to go somewhere that instills romance in the blood.

A Rose is a beautiful Rose

2008-05-07T20:50:00.009+05:30

Roses in the garden near My German language class.
And the 3 poems related to rose and their beauty.

poem by Patricia Bankhead
A rose is a special flower
That has it’s own unique power
Just one simple rose, not a pile
Can make the saddest person smile
A rose is one of God’s most beautiful creations
That fills the heart with warmth and sensation
When the fragrance of a rose
Reaches the tip of your nose
It fills your heart with delight and cheer
Knowing those you love are near
Today give a rose to the ones you love
The sweet smelling fragrance from heaven above

poem by William Browne
A ROSE, as fair as ever saw the North,
Grew in a little garden all alone;
A sweeter flower did Nature ne'er put forth,
Nor fairer garden yet was never known:
The maidens danced about it morn and noon,
And learned bards of it their ditties made;
The nimble fairies by the pale-faced moon
Water'd the root and kiss'd her pretty shade.
But well-a-day!--the gardener careless grew;
The maids and fairies both were kept away,
And in a drought the caterpillars threw
Themselves upon the bud and every spray.
God shield the stock! If heaven send no supplies,
The fairest blossom of the garden dies.

Poem by Robert Frost
The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apple's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only know
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose--
But were always a rose.

The nepaliness ..

2008-05-05T20:26:00.012+05:30

The newar community in patan durabar square ...
Its very typical to see oldies get together enjoying their chitchat in evening in any public places ..

Ancient Elephant Staute

2008-05-03T15:06:00.009+05:30

Ancient statue of Elephant with man at patan darbar square .
Date-:April 30th 2008..

Patan Darbar Square

2008-05-01T11:15:00.004+05:30

Yellow car parked near patan Darbar square in Lalitpur.
Time-: 6 pm
Date-: April 30th 2008