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Friday 13 April 2012

JESTHA जेष्ठ


The important day of this month according to the Nepalese calendar is the BAISAKH बैसाख  purnima पूर्णिमा (full moon day of May 623 B.C) which falls on this month. This is the day when Prince Siddhartha was born who later with his enlightening knowledge is known as BUDDHA around the whole world. He left his kingdom and wealth in search of meaning for life, the reason behind sufferings and death. As a result he brought forward the principles of non-violence, peace and human solidarity.

On this same day there people in Banepa celebrate Chandeshwori (चंदेश्वोरी) Jatra. Chandeshwori (चंदेश्वोरी) has its own traditional meaning. In local language" SHI" means wood, "CHAU" means decaying, so when the wood was decaying a goddess structure was formed which is now called or known as Chandeshwori (चंदेश्वोरी). 

Sithi Nakha is celebrated in this month as well. Nature's gifts such as ponds, lake and man made water sources such as wells, taps and stone taps (Dhungedhara) etc. are yearly cleaned to increase their life and sustainability. It is essential to preserve these sites for its continuity and is also essential for the environment. Especially celebrated by Newari Cultures the cleaning is followed by Newari foods and celebration. It is estimated that there are 750 water sources in Kathmandu including stone taps, lakes, ponds and wells and cleaning these sources are essential not only from the Newar communities but from all Nepali as well. Among the 750 water sources the most popular's are Rani Pokhari, Naag Pokhari, Gahana Pokhari, Kamal Pokhari, Siddha Pokhari, Dwi Maju Pokhari, Pulchwok Pokhari, Chandi Pokhari etc. Among these Sapta Patal Pokhari of Pulchwok has ancient history to it. It is the pond where Patan's Machhindranath Raath is concluded to let Indra (god of heaven) know about the conclusion by throwing(as in letting it fly) sparrow towards the sky and introducing a fish in the pond for its lifecycle. 


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