THEKI and MADANI

Theki is locally made by people from wood and is usually used to store milk fat (Taar), make butter (i.e NAUNE GHYU)out of it; which can later be cooked to make the clarified butter also known as ghee and also make buttered milk (i.e MOHI). The "Theki" is only a vessel, where as the "Madani" is like a thick stick with turbines at one end.

To make all these products we first need to keep the "Theki and Madani" near a pillar so that Madani can be tied very loosely (infact right parallel to the pillar). The "Madani" than needs to be wrapped around spirally by another rope in such a manner that when you pull one side the other gets smaller (if that makes sense just like a hand exercise !!!). The "Madani" is then kept inside the "Theki" with milk fat in it. Slowly the person starts to rotate the "Madani". As there are turbines present it works like a mixer grinder and separates the fat and the butterd milk. The fat floats on the top which is collected either ready to eat or make clarified butter and the buttered milk remains at the bottom ad is usually sour but thoroughly enjoyed by everyone including me!!!!!!

SUKUL

Sukul is another type of mat which is popular among the Newar culture in Nepal. It is made up of hay (PARAL) and is long rectangular shape (long enough to seat almost 15 people in a single line). It is usually used in "Bhoj" or "Na-kha-tya" where there is assemble of huge number of people and food is distributed by cooks to all the people. It is generally rolled and stored for reusing next time. Since it is made by hay locally, it is cheap, effective and biodegradable as well!!!!!!!!!  It is also said that walking in "SUKUL" also increases blood circulation to your legs and feet... hence reducing oedema to lower extremities!!!.   

KHARPAN

Usually popular in the Newari Culture, "Kharpan" is used to carry things from one place to another be it for selling, transfer of goods or just to ease carrying load!!! It is still used in ethnic Newar communities like in Bhaktapur, Kirtipur , Panauti etc. It is almost like the sign Libra with two baskets on each side and a bamboo that is kept on the shoulder for balance. It is usually used for short distance transfer and basically by the farmers. 

CHAKATI

"Chakati" is a small mat that is locally made in our villages. And it is made out of none other thannnnnnnn.... "MAKAI KO KHOSTA" our very own skin (or leaf) of the corn on the cob!!!!!!!! The skin is dried, separated and turned in four long pieces that are cut vertically along the fibres. It is then connected together using different techniques to connect and form mats in different sizes, design and height. It is just amazing to know that nothing goes to waste and people are so artistic in my country!!!!  

CHULESI

I dont know if many of you still used it but back home in Kathmandu I still do!!!! I think it is still the best tool to cut vegetables (but only if you are old and careful enough to use this tool.) Because, I have by far, most of the time cut my fingers running through it!! It is very sharp and interesting to use as well.

To put it into picture it resembles like the number "2" with less curve on the top. the base is the place where you can either keep your feet or leg (i.e if you are sitting on the ground) and the top part is the sharp area which works as a standing knife. You slide down the vegetables and fruit you need to chop and TADA!!! by the time it reaches down it is cut into desired pieces. People also use it to peel vegetables with ease in villages but I find it quiet risky as I am used to using a peeler for this purpose and also it takes longer as you have to be extra cautious.

HASIA and KHURPA

These are the basic tools that are used in the villages to cut crops, grass for cattle and sometimes even the vegetables. It is basically used as a manual tool and is very handy as it can be used for various other cutting purposes as well as those discussed above (like cutting branches off a tree, weeding etc). The name differ due to the tools sizes. The small size is called "hasia", a medium size is called" khurpi" and a bigger version is known as "khurpa". The round vessel in the picture that holds "khurpa" or "hasia" is called "KHURPI TYAK". It is usually tied on the hip for easy access.

It has a wood handle and a curved metal resembling a opposite "C". On whole it somehow looks like a question mark sign i.e. "?" without the bottom dot!!!  It is usually made locally by the "KAMI's" socially known to do works of metal and produce vessels.

DHALUCHA

Well the literal meaning of "Dhalucha" means a hanging lamp (I think!!). People still have it on their balcony especially in the "Newar" community to light lamp while praying to god. It can be made of metal or clay, however the ones made from metal have more define carvings in it and is very artistic.
I love seeing "Dhalucha"on peoples houses as it brings back the memories of my own maternal background. I remember my maternal grandma rising early in the morning and praying to gods, coming to balcony and lighting the lamp and chanting prayers. Though it is used for prayers on regular basis it is most important during the period of "Indra Jatra". It is said that on the next day of the " Indra Jatra" it is essential to light the lamp before having the "Newari "ethnic "Bhoj" "Samyabaji".It is only after praying and lighting lamp that all the members start to eat their "Bhoj".