More Life in Kathmandu Nepal

Just wanted to post some pictures of things we see frequently that you definitely would not see in the U.S.

carrying his mattress home

open meat market. I don't buy my meat here.

Sweet girl, named Kalpana, who we buy fruit from.

carrying a load.

carrying a heavier load.

Hindu, small temple, place to worship

carrying vegetables

fastest mode of transportation, motorcycles,bicycles, and scooters

Tihar

October is the month for many Hindu holidays. Tihar is one of them. During the week of Tihar they have a day of the crow, day of the dog, day of the cow and the last day they celebrate the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi. She is invited by decorations, with candles and food.  Business and homes are hoping that Laxmi will pay them a visit and leave her wealth with them. The businesses put up lights almost like at our Christmas time.

dancing girls at authentic Nepalese dinner show

Nepalese dinner plate
rice, chicken, potatoes,pickles, naan, vegetables

the candles light the way to the business. Sometimes food was
left by the door for Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth

Tihar decoration in front of our apartment building

BiTika
Sisters honor their brothers

Mike on Bitika Day
His hat is called a Topi

Pashpauti

Alters with fires

Pashpauti is a crematory for the Hindu in Nepal.  The body must be burned within 24 hours of death. There are certain rituals that are performed before the body is burned.  They had lots of alters where they build fires and then put the body on it. They put a stick in the person's mouth and then light it. There is a Holy River there and many come to it.  Also there are Holy men, who are painted up and look a little crazy who will give you a blessing and let you take their picture if you give them money. A very interesting place.

preparing alter fires

Mendenhall's relative with Holy Man

Sister Wasuita with Holy cows in Pashpauti

Holy River at Pashpauti

burning