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Mani
Rimdu
Mani Rimdu is a Sherpa festival celebrated during the fall at
Tengboche Monstery in the everest region. For five days, Lamas
and Sherpas gather for "the good of the world." There are plays
masked dances prayers and feastings demons are quelled and the
pious rewarded. The days are colorful and trips to the Everest
region are Very rewarding indeed if they can be organized during
the days of the festival.
Tihar
Tihar known as the festival of Lights is a time of candlelight
tinsel decorations and festive colored sweets. On different days
there are offerings and small celebrations for crows, dogs, cows
and oxen. On the nught of Lakshmi puja garlands are hung and
lamps are lighted to invite Lakshmi the goddess of wealth into
the home. Mha Puja the New Year's Day according to the Nepal Era
is the day of the self when people give themselves blessings to
remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. Bhai Tika the
last day of Tihar is the day when sisters make offerings to
their brothers. The rituals of breaking walnut putting on
garlands of makhamali flowers and encircling brothers in rings
of mustard oil protects them from Yama lord of the Netherworld. |
