What's been happening in and around Banepa, our town here in Nepal? Well, the Kathmandu Valley has continued to have Bandhs (Strikes--See "Strikes" in the Labels) now and then. This means that schools, shops and businesses are canceled for these days and the roads are closed. (Only ambulances are allowed to pass.) We've heard that there will be more Bandhs this week. Thanks to those of you praying for this beautiful country.
When we were recently in Kathmandu, we saw these folks. Not sure which group they were, but there were lots of them. They drove by us for some time. Someone was speaking over the loud speaker you see on the car.
Meanwhile, in our historical city of Banepa, we had our own festival that is unique to this area. It's a celebration of the goddess Chandesvari's victory over the demon Chandesur. The Chandesvari temple is right down the road from the hospital.
We had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to see the procession of the torches which started in town, and then made its way right past the hospital on its way to the temple and the river beyond. We headed outside, and the crowd was so large that I immediately became separated from Ramon! Everyone was so happy and cheerful though, that I wasn't scared. We were at the top of this hill waiting for them.
When we were recently in Kathmandu, we saw these folks. Not sure which group they were, but there were lots of them. They drove by us for some time. Someone was speaking over the loud speaker you see on the car.
This young lady wasn't concerned at all.
Neither was this cutie.
We never found out if these flags mean anything or if they are just decorations.
(They weren't there last week.)
Meanwhile, in our historical city of Banepa, we had our own festival that is unique to this area. It's a celebration of the goddess Chandesvari's victory over the demon Chandesur. The Chandesvari temple is right down the road from the hospital.
We had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to see the procession of the torches which started in town, and then made its way right past the hospital on its way to the temple and the river beyond. We headed outside, and the crowd was so large that I immediately became separated from Ramon! Everyone was so happy and cheerful though, that I wasn't scared. We were at the top of this hill waiting for them.
Joining the crowd were these men, playing music.
Oh look! There are some lights! Here they come! You can't tell in the photos, but there were thousands--and they were walking faster up the hill than I do!
There they go--on to the temple!
Now, where is Ramon?
Oh yes, over there, on the other side of the people! You can't see him, but he's there beyond the lights!
No, that lady isn't carrying a baby. She's carrying food. These ladies are among those following the procession who were carrying food to the temple.
What happened next? We went back to sleep! What happened that evening around sunset? Stay tuned for Part 2!!! Have a lovely day!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting pictures! Was it hard getting up so early? I am looking forward to seeing some of these things that happen around your area. Take care and lots of love, Mom