Travel To Nepal and Other Holiday Destination

The Spirit of Kathmandu

June 2nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Kathmandu is trying hard to make up for lost time, but many of its day-to-day essentials still arrive via the croweed mountain road from the Indian border. And while broadband internet and ATM banking have reached the city, there is no reliable mobile phone signal and the network is often turned off completely during times of political crisis, which maintains the sense of isolation. On the other hand, few morden cities can match Kathmandu into its spirituality, energy and culture.

Showing respect for the Gods is an essential part of daily life in Kathmandu. Every morning and evening, thousands of Hindus take time out to offer puja at temples and shrines across the city. Each offering is sprinkled onto the image of the deity in a set order and a bell is rung to let gods know. The ceremony also involves prayers, medidation and ritual washing.

At the end of the ceremony, devotees receive a tilak mark on the forehead and a gift or prasad (blessed food) from the temple priests. Women return home to give a small portion of the blessed food to each member of the household.