The Jya:Punhi: Panauti Jatra

honeyguide photo

Nepal is a country with an incredibly diverse culture, and festivals are an important part of its heritage. From colorful religious celebration to unique local cuisine, there are numerous opportunities for tourists to experience the cultural diversity of Nepal. From the ancient Hindu festivals of Maha Shivaratri and Dashain to the Buddhist festival of Losar, every year brings the celebration for locals and tourists alike. Lets get to know more about “Jya:Punhi” popularly known as “Panauti Jatra”.

Panauti is a small Newari town situated 32 km from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. This small beautiful town holds great importance since it is home to centuries-old traditions, culture, and architecture. Panauti, situated at the confluence of the rivers Punyamati and Roshi, has been regarded as one of the important religious sites for centuries in Nepal. More than twenty festivals are celebrated in Panauti each year and each has its own significance. Among them is the three-day long Jya:Punhi or the Panauti Jatra. 

Although the actual procession in the Jatra lasts for three days, the locals prepare and welcome the Jatra eight days earlier. The preparation begins from the day of “Sithi Nakha”. Newars celebrate Sithi Nakha, a festival where family members from all walks of life come together to worship their “Kuldevta” (a family’s ancestral deity) and feast together.

Starting from Sithi Nakha, the locals in Panauti gather every morning and go around the town in groups singing and chanting the names of the gods. During the day, the locals perform necessary preparations by cleaning the town, putting up decorations, and making chariots for the gods. 

The ninth day of “Sithi Nakha” marks the first day of Panauti Jatra. On the first day of Panauti Jatra, devotees take out goddess Bhadrakali from her temple and send her to the temple of Brahmaini, which is said to be her paternal home. On the second day, people worship all the gods and goddesses around the town and host feasts in their homes.

Royal mountain photo

The third day is the grand one, on this day the chariots of the three gods Mahadev (lord Shiva), Bhairab (Manifestation of lord Shiva), and Bhadrakali are collided. The chariots of Mahadev and Bhairab are dashed against the chariot of Bhadrakali. The chariots are collided to represent the mating of the gods and has an amusing lore behind it.

During the Jatra people visit temples around town and perform many religious ceremonies in their home. Later they gather at the ground of Layaku Darbar to celebrate the Jatra. Young men lift the chariots of the god and take it around the town and collide the chariots as a ceremony. They throw Sindur ( Vermilion powder ) on one another giving another name to this festival “The Sindur Jatra”.

For the Newari people and others residing in the town, the Jatra holds significance beyond mere ceremonies or rituals—it is a manifestation of faith. According to the mythology of the Panauti Jatra, a fascinating phenomenon occurs each year. It is believed that during the Jatra, a thunderstorm accompanied by rain takes place, symbolizing the homecoming of “Basukhi Naag”. Remarkably, even if the day is initially sunny and clear, it miraculously rains with a display of thunder and strong winds.

Bhadrakali is a fearsome form of the goddess Parvati. One day, Parvati became furious with Mahadev (her husband) due to displeasure with his behavior. So she started chasing Mahadev. Mahadev ran toward the Punyamati river and hid under the water. He came out taking the avatar of Bhairab, the formidable form of Mahadev, and started chasing Bhadrakali.

Bhadrakali fell in front of the Layaku Darbar. Then Bhairab and Bhadrakali performed sacred sexual relationship three times. Again Bhairab changed himself into Mahadev and performed intercourse three times with Bhadrakali. In today’s time, the colliding of the chariots represents the intercourse between the god and goddess. 

In addition to the mythology of the Panauti Jatra, various other tales surrounding the festival hold significant meaning. Among these is a popular belief that highlights the festival’s importance for farmers. According to this myth, people celebrate the Jatra with the purpose of invoking heavy rainfall, which is vital for successful rice plantation.

This myth underscores the deep connection between the festival and the agricultural community, emphasizing the crucial role that the Jatra plays in their livelihoods. It serves as a powerful reminder of the interdependence between nature and human endeavors, as farmers rely on the bounties of the land and the support of divine forces to ensure a prosperous harvest.

What to Expect During Jatra

The Panauti Jatra provides tourists a unique opportunity to dive deep into the ancient Newari culture. As a tourist, you can soak in the joyful ambiance of the town and be a part of lively celebrations with locals.  If you are planning to observe the Panauti Jatra, mark your calendar from 2nd of June to the 4th of June. 

On the main day of the Jatra, all the local businesses in Panauti are closed. The center gets super busy. You will see chaos and crowd but all of it perfectly falls on the right path. You will be able to observe the Jatra closely with the locals and see many small engrossing ceremonies.

There will be lots of small kiosks around the street to check out. If you have a local host or friend you can get much more information about the Jatra. You can also try the delicious Newari food.

Believers consider Panauti a holy town where one’s wishes come true when they pray with a pure heart. Make sure you visit Panauti to attend this Jatra on Jestha Shukla Purnima on the 4^th of June, and celebrate Jatra with the locals of Panauti.

 

Thank you kajal Aryal

 

Ropai Festival in Nepal

 

Rice Planting Festival – June

The Rice Planting Festival holds immense significance for Nepalese farmers as they commemorate the day new rice seedlings are planted. Join the locals in the fields, where you can partake in lively activities in the mud and water, experience the joy of planting rice, and savour the delicious combination of rice and yoghurt. One of the most poignant festivals in Nepal, the celebrations are accompanied by traditional songs, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.

The month of Jestha/Asar, which is the beginning of the monsoon season, holds great significance for the Nepali farmers. It’s that time of the year when the hills and fields in Nepal, are covered with green paddy saplings. The air feels a lot fresher, with chunks of clouds making their way past the steep hills. It feels like nature is taking in a breath of fresh air, reciprocating the same feeling to the ones watching it as well. It’s that time of the year when farmers carry their plowing tools and head to the fields for rice plantation. To indicate the beginning of the rice plantation, they celebrate the Ropai Festival.

The locals consume rice as a staple food on a daily basis. Annually, to commemorate the planting of rice seedlings, the Ropai Festival is celebrated on Asar 15 (June–July). The period occurs during the middle of the monsoon and is one of the busiest season for farmers as they prepare their fields to plant rice. On this day, most farmers finish planting rice in their fields. This day is also widely popular as ‘Dahi Chiura Khaney Din.’

The Ropai Festival is also called ‘Ropai Jatra,’ in some communities, it is known as ‘Sina Jya Jatra’ (Newari) or ‘Chopai Jatra’ (midwest and far western Nepal). Over the years, this festival has been slowly gaining popularity among local and international tourists. It’s a great opportunity for travelers to mingle with the local community members and plant rice seedlings in the fields. In addition to that, they can also celebrate the end of the plantation by singing and dancing in the mud along with playing different games.

The History behind the Celebrations of Ropai Festival in Nepal

According to Lunar Calendar (Patro), the Ropai Jatra was first introduced in Nepal by Gajraj Singh Thapa – the Colonel of the Nepal Army during the Rana regime and the governor of Ilam, in 1972 BS (1915 AD). Since then, different communities in various parts of Nepal celebrate this festival on different days, following their own customs and traditions. Nowadays, there’s a popular belief that the owner of the paddy field should throw themselves in the mud of their field, according to a hilarious belief that makes the owner feel closer to their roots and soil.

Celebrating Ropai Festival

This festival is celebrated across the country with the belief of bringing a good harvest. Families and community members come together and head to the fields to begin the plantation. Both men and women plow the field and plant the seedlings simultaneously. Apart from the hard work, people assemble to sing and dance, engage in mud battles, sing songs of pleasure and sadness, and slap muddy water at one another while in the fields.

Following the mud bouts, they indulge in a delectable yogurt and flattened rice dish called Dahi Chiura. Today, various fruits and handmade beverages are served with this traditional lunch. In the end, farmers also revere their land in the hopes of reaping a bountiful crop later during the harvesting season. 

People still plant rice traditionally out of reverence for the past, even though ancient agricultural systems have been replaced by contemporary ones.

Where is the Ropai Festival Happening?

The celebration of rice plantations is common in most parts of rural Nepal since agriculture is a common profession for most residents. One can even participate in the festival by visiting the fields at Khokana, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur if they’re in Kathmandu.

There are many travel entities that are trying to promote the Ropai experience as a part of the authentic Nepali experience. Community Homestay Network offers its guests an authentic and immersive experience of paddy plantation through their festive experience – Ropain Festival.

How can I Participate in the Ropai Festival?

Since the Ropai Festival is a seasonal event, the locals usually celebrate the festival during the monsoon season in Asar 15. However, other communities are open to welcoming guests to participate in this cultural experience too. 

Community Homestay Network allows their guests to partake in the Ropai Festival experience during the month of Asar. The event will occur near the capital city in Kirtipur and Nagarkot. Guests participating in the Ropai Festival will also get the chance to learn more about the local cultures. Additionally, they can stay at a local homestay and dine with their host family to end the day on a sweet note.

Thank you Rubik Joshi and CHN team 

 

 

Bat Savitri Brata Festival of Nepal

 

 Vat Savitri Brata Festival of Nepal

Savitri Brata is observed by married Mithila women in Terai or Madhesh region of Nepal on the last day of the dark half of the month (no moon day, amabasya or ausi) of Jestha of the Hindu lunar calendar. Vat puja on Jestha Amvasya day is also called called Bat Amavasya or Savitri Amavasya Brata. The roots of Vat Savitri Vrat delve deep into Hindu mythology, drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of Savitri and Satyavan. Savitri's unwavering love and determination to bring her husband back from the clutches of death showcase the epitome of marital devotion. The rituals of Vat Savitri Vrat echo this legendary narrative, fostering a sense of connection with the rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Vat Savitri Vrata is a ritual and custom performed by Nepali married woman for her husband’s health, well-being and long life. The day is dedicated to observing prayer for everlasting conjugal love between wife and husband and their longevity. Women wear bridal type dresses and jewellery. Some women fast for 3 days and most of them at least for a day. After breaking their fast, food, fruits, clothes and such other articles are given in charity in a bamboo basket to the Brahmins. The fast concludes with rituals performed under the sacred Vat Vriksha, emphasizing the sanctity of the Banyan tree in this celebration.

Late in the afternoon when all formalities of worships are done, woman bow respectfully to her husband and elderly people. Women worship a banyan (Bata) tree, and listens Savitri katha (story) in groups. Women offer prayer and worship in this day. People who perform Vat Savitri Puja under Vat Vriksh are said to receive the blessing of Soubhagya, or the extension of their husband's life

Women feed water to the peeple tree, sprinkle red powder (kumkum, simrik, abir) on it, Cotton threads are wrapped round Bar trees trunks and then they go seven times round and to do the parikrama. It is believed that, the seven round of parikrama tie the relationship between husband and wife for seven more lives to come. Women adore Savitri Devi during the puja and present Bhog (food offerings) to her with the utmost devotion. Just so you know, this festival is based on the epic legend of Savitri and Satyavan as narrated in the epic Mahabharata.

 

 

Sithi Nakha

 

 

Sithi Nakha

The Newa community celebrates Sithi Nakha on the sixth day of the waxing moon of Jestha (MAY/JUN) in the Bikram Sambat calendar. The word ‘Sithi’ came from the Sanskrit word “Shashthi” meaning sixth and “Nakha” which means festival. It is also prescribed to be eaten at Sithi Nakha which is the feast that marks the beginning of the rice transplantation season.

According to Sanatan mythology, it is said that the day is dedicated to Lord Kumar Kartikeya, the first son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parbati. Another name for the day is Kumar Shashthi. The festival is celebrated in honor of Kumar. Hence this day is also known as Kumar Shasthi. Many Newars also perform their Dewali Puja, the worship of the family deity, Digu Deya, during Sithi Nakha. Sithi Nakha is considered the last day for the Newar community to perform it as the festival marks the end of all festivals for the year. As the family deity is worshipped, this day also holds significance to newly married daughter-in-laws as they are welcomed into the family.

Especially Bara/Wo (Newari dish made of lentils) and Chatamari (Newari dishes made of rice flour) are use as offering for the rain baby served on this day. The food items are not just for taste. They are high in carbohydrates, protein, iron, etc. As the monsoon approaches, bodies are exposed to different types of bacteria and these types of food increase the immunity of one’s body. It is customary to worship around wells, boreholes, and ponds and to clean up before worship. Pinwheels are put on display as well tracing the movements of the wind helping make predictions for the rains to come.

Newars worship the pikhalakhu in his name, an eight-petal stone lotus set at the main entrance to every Newar house. “Pikha” means outside and “lakhu” means the rivers nearby. It is a small circle or a mandap drawn outside each household of the community. 

It is believed that the water resource should be closed for a few days after cleaning in Sithi Nakha to stabilize the water level. When water is cleaned, it is cleaned by entering inside the dug wells, ponds, and boreholes, and by doing so, the underneath wastes like mud, silt, and sediment come up to the surface of the water.

 

Buddha Jayanti

 

Buddha’s Birthday

As per the Nepal calendar, Buddha Purnima falls on the Purnima of the Baishakh month, and coincides with the first lunar eclipse of the year. Buddha jayanti is the birth day of loard gautam Buddha. Which marks the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha. Buddhist and Hindu’s worship Buddha and offer many kind of food and beverages. Buddha’s original name was Sidhartha Gautam. Siddhartha gautam was born about 543BC in kapilvastu of Nepal. Sidhartha was son of King Suddhodhan Gautam and queen Maya Devi. Buddha was born in garden of sal trees (Shorea robusta), sitated in the beautiful and peaceful Lumbini zone in Rupendehi district of Nepal. Buddha was born on full moon day, his achived nirvana in the same day and left this world on the same day of Baishakh sukla Purnima. Siddhartha, the truth wasn't easy to find. He took to the life of an ascetic. In Bodh Gaya, he sat down under a tree to embark on an extended journey of meditation and decided not to rise until he found enlightenment. He meditated for 49 days straight, formulating a body of wisdom, which was ready to bring mankind a new religion. Soon after the enlightenment, Buddha preached to a small group who soon became his disciples. From then onwards, Buddha became a spiritual teacher. After years of teaching, he finally liberated himself from the cycle of rebirth and achieved salvation. Buddha spent his first 29 years in Devdaha, his maternal home; during his stay there, he visited many sacred places and monasteries around the country.

This day is celebrated as Buddha as Buddha purnima all over the world. Buddha means “Awakened One”. Gautam Buddha is also known as Shakyamuni. Two great stupas, Shyambhunath, Baudhanatha and Lumbini, were also established in honor of Lord Buddha. UNESCO has also enlisted these stupas as a World Heritage site.

On Buddha Purnima, individuals dress in white garments and give out kheer (rice pudding). As per legend, a lady named Sujata once offered Gautam Buddha kheer on his birthday and it has since become a practice. According to Buddhism, the three most important foods served to the Buddha were the final meal (discussed above), most likely mushrooms, the meal just before enlightenment, which was the milk rice served by Sujata, and the meal right after enlightenment, which was barley meal and honey items.

It is recommended to opt for a sattvic meal throughout the day. Buddha Purnima is a time to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and to practice compassion, peace, mindfulness, and generosity. By choosing what to eat and avoid, one can maintain the sanctity of the occasion and promote spiritual growth and development.

Aama ko Mukh Herne Din

 

 

Aama ko Mukh Herne Din

Mother Day in Nepal

Mother’s Day in Nepal is also known as Mata Tirtha Aausi. We do have a day to remember and honor our mother as Mata Tirtha Aunsi on the month of Baisakh Krishna aausi. Mukh Herne means "to allow someone as our relative or give respect or to recognize the achievement of or love to someone". This is the day when we recognize and pay respect to our mother for her care and unconditional love to us, so we call this day the "Mother’s day" – “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” (the literal meaning is “to see Mother’s face”). People pay homage to their mothers presenting her favourite food, clothing and various gifts on this day. Traditional Delicacies- The day features special dishes like kheer (rice pudding), achar (pickle), and other local cuisines that symbolize the sweetness and spice mothers bring to life.

Mother's day is not attached to a certain religion or a particular community. This occasion is observed by many communities across the nation. Mother's day in Nepal is a tradition rather than a festival of a particular group or community. Those who have already lost his/her mother remember her giving Sida Daan to pandit (Sida is holy mixture of rice grains and other pure food materials with clothes). 

Generally people around Kathmandu visit Mata Tirtha (holy place North West of Kathmandu) to perform “Sraddha” or “Pinda Daan” to their deceased mother. People in different part of the country do the ritual at home or at a river or any other holy place nearby.

According to a local legend, a young boy would take his livestock to a nearby pond to feed them. However, every time he sat down to eat, some of his food would accidentally fall into the water. One day, as he glanced at the pond, he saw a vision of his deceased mother, who had come to visit him. She could not join him for his meal but promised to visit him every year on the new moon day of the Nepali month Baisakh. Following this incident, people began visiting the pond in the hopes of connecting with their deceased mothers. Nepal has various ethnic groups, all different community and tribe have their own way of celebrating mother’s day.

They prepare foods and tasty feast to their mother. The celebration and fun of the festival depends upon the place, climate and ethnicity. However, the ultimate essence of the festival is to give love and respect to our mother.

 

Naya Barsha baishak

 

Naya Barsha

New Year

Photo: Sulav shrestha 

The New Year in Nepal starts on Baishakh. Baishak is the first month of Bikram Sambat offifial Calendar of Nepal. It is a solar calendar and based on ancient Hindu traditions. It gets its name and starting date from the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. There are 12 months, but the number of days in each month changes each year and can go up to 32. This means there is no need for a leap year. Nepal celebrates nine different new years in different times of year.  Baishak 1st falls in mid April. In other words Nepal is a live example of unity in diversity. People of different cast and culture live in Nepal. New Year is a fun day celebration.

We celebrate each of them with same zeal and enthusiasm.  However, Baishakh 1st is regarded as national New Year, the country’s official calendar year starts this day.  

People plan some things different in this day visit bisket jatra, temple, parents house, visit 22 dhara mela, new destination tour and travel in this day. Friends and family gathers and organize picnic or day out.  Venue and Parks across the country are full of people with celebration events. People make new resolution this day. Students plan their study schedule for the year. Similar to the traditions of a new year festival, Bikram Sambat is celebrated parties, family gatherings, the exchange of good wishes and participation in rituals to ensure good fortune in the coming year.

 

 

Akshya Tritiya

Akshya Tritiya

The day is significant to Hindu and Jain followers because it is the day, that falls on the third tithi of the brighter half (waxing lunar phase) in the Hindu sanatan lunar month at the end of April (baishak). In Sanskrit, the word ‘Akshaya’ means eternal. So it is believed that any fasts, donations to the poor, and prayers will yield wonders this day and may endow believers with unlimited prosperity.

Lord Parsurama was born. Parsurama is considered the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parsurama was the son of Jamadagni and Renuka. Lord Shiva and Parvati had married on this day. The day Akshaya Tritiya means nothing will be lost. Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered a sign of good fortune and an invitation to prosperity into the household. The day is also known as a donation day. Anything donated on the day will result in a good omen. Devotees get up, early in the morning and get dressed in fresh yellow clothing. In Hinduism, yellow is considered auspicious. Then they bathe the idol of Bishnu in the holy water of the Ganges harahara and offer a garland of tulsi leaves and fresh flowers. Sometimes the Bishnu Sahasranama mantra or the Bishnu Chalisa mantra is also recited.

On the day, barley flour is toasted to make ‘satu’ and ‘sarbat’ is made by adding molasses, sugar, black pepper crushed, sugar candy and clarified butter.

Donating satu and sarbat to others is believed to help in gaining a fruit that is never finished. All the guests in the house are fed satu and sarbat on the day. Such gesture is believed to make Lord Vishnu happy. Scientifically, the traditions to eat satu and sarbat also have positive benefit to human. Sugarcane sarbat and barley flour are believed to help body in coping with the heat.

 

 

 

The Signature Event on Bhaktapur

 

Biska Jatra also known as Bisket Jatra refers to an annual festival celebrated in April at Bhaktapur, Thimi and their environs The name Biska encompasses festivals celebrated around the same time in Bhaktapur, Thimi, Bode, Nagadesh, Dhapasi, Tokha, Dhulikhel, Katunje, Gundu and Sanga all of which were once part of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur. Biska originated as festival celebrating the Solar New Year in Bhaktapur by exhibiting a long banner tied in a long wooden pole. During the Malla dynasty, the festival spread to other parts of the kingdom and many new traditions were added, including the chariot festival of Bhairava and his consort Bhadrakali in Bhaktapur, the sindoor throwing festival in Thimi, both of which constitute the most iconic part of the festival today. Each city has its own unique way of celebrating the festival.

The signature event on Bhaktapur Taumadhi kicks off the Biska jatra "dya koha bijyaigu" which means the god Bhairava is brought outside from its temple for the festival, it is a tug-of-war between the Thane (upper) and Kone (lower) part of town. The chariot is pulled from both sides and whoever wins that part of town gets to take the chance of the chariot to their place while the other sides wait for their turn. The chariot is at last pulled down to gahiti where the chariot is kept for two days and again pulled down to Lyasinkhel on the eve of Nepali new year.

An approximately 25 meter Yoh si Dyo is erected in the yosi khyo. The chariot is then pulled on the Lyasinkhel and kept till the next day. The Yoh si is pulled down on the eve of New Year. Then again the chariot is pulled to gahiti and on the last day which is also called " dya thaha bijyaigu" which means god Bhairava is again brought to temple,all the people are, the chariot is again pulled on both sides and finally settled to the premises of 5 storied temple.

Several places in Madhyapur Thimi (Thimi, Nagadesh and Bode) also celebrate Biska Jatra. Folks from various parts of Madhyapur Thimi gather, carrying their own chariots in Layeku Thimi. People celebrate and share greetings, throwing simrik color powder and playing Dhimay music.

Bode witnesses a tongue-piercing ceremony. One resident spends the whole day with an iron spike piercing his tongue and roams the city by carrying multiple fiery torches on his shoulder. Juju Bhai Shrestha is the most renowned tongue piercer town

 

photo Sujan Shakya 

Special Street Foods From Nepal II Food Tour

 

1.    Live BBQ Sekuwa : Nepal is an ethnically and culturally diverse country, and one outcome of this is that there is an impressive array of local cuisine. Nepalese food has been strongly influenced by both India and Tibet, and in places like Kathmandu there is a growing interest in western dishes. Much of the local cuisine (particularly from the Himalayan region) can taste a bit bland if people are used to spicy or savory food, but the diet in Nepal receives a good deal of praise for its health giving properties. Imagine enjoying rasilo sekuwa—dice pieces of meat mixed with natural spices and herbs and skewered and grilled over natural wood fire—on a fine evening near Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Seems like a nice plan to enjoy street food, isn’t it? The sekuwa here is tender, and you can feel the succulent taste of juicy dicey meat and spices in every bite. Puffed rice, radish pickle, dalmod, ginger sour pickle, chutney, side salad and a wedge of lemon come with the sekuwa to make it a spicy-sour appetizer. Few restaurant are serving jhaneko sekuwa, sekuwa sandheko, sekuwa chilly and platter.

2.    Buff Syabhale : These delicious fried meat mountain pies are wonderful as either a snack with drinks, or as part of a meal. Usually stuffed with buff minced, they retain a soft, juicy, flavorful inside that provides a perfect counterbalance to the carving crunchy exterior. With some spicy sauce to dip it in, and a cold drinks close at hand, it’s a taste that’s hard to top.

3.    Hakku Buff Choila: Choila names automatically comes mouthwatering I can’t stop while seeing buff choila, this is medium-hot, green garlic flavor on every bites, spicy, and mouth-watering Newari dish has captured the hearts of many. Usually, choila is grilled water buffalo meat mixed with a range of spices, including generous sprinklings of mustard oily flavorful chili. Have it with chiura (beaten rice) and aila (homemade liquor) to make it more delicious and heartwarming. Jatra is coming so, lets ready for taste and experience.

4.    Gwaramari: If you go for a morning walk around the Ason, patan galli, chowk, Swayambhunath or Kathmandu Durbar Square heritage sites, you will find many people eating with milk a round type of bread known as puffy gwaramari morning time only. This small yet famous Newari breakfast dish is best served warm over a nice cup of milk tea. The outer layer is fried, which makes it crunchy on the outside, but inside soft.

5.    Pop Soda Drink : Newroad area and park area mostly people are having standard refreshing drink with black salt.  Soda used to be a popular (and still is) aerated drink before the introduction of Coke, fanta and Pepsi in Nepal. Interestingly, it is bottled with a marble color ball as a lid, which makes a nice popping sound while opening. The drink is indeed very refreshing when served with a pinch of sea salt and lemon juice; perhaps even more so than popular brands.

6.    Momocha: Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. In Nepal the most common type of momos are buff (buffalo) momos followed by chicken. Easy and catchy snacks meals in Kathmandu each and every corner to start level hotel. Momo is no doubt the most popular delicacy in Kathmandu, and found everywhere. The taste differs a lot from the ones commonly found elsewhere. Because it’s winter season right now, many places have also added hot and spicy Jhol Momo, fried momo, momo platter, jhaneko momo, chilly momo, kothey momo, momo pie, momo burger, water bbq momo to their menu.

7.    Aloo Chop: Nepalese homes are a great place to get these tasty bites made with potatoes and chicken. These tamarind-flavored chutney-served aloo chops are a tasty snack that appeals to both residents and visitors. You should try them as a quick and easy street snack option while visiting Kathmandu!

8.    Lassi/mattha: It is originated in  royal premises but it is so popular in Kathmandu made of yogurt and adds flavor, sweetened, and chilled with ice, also you can add some Kaju ( cashew nut ), khuwa, and nuts  on top over. It is so popular in the summertime you can see the people surrounded by the shops and gathering, you can even get a place to sit there but people prefer it so much.

9.    Piro Lhaphing: The taste of bouddha from Tibet, It’s been newly introducing street dish has risen from the Tibetan streets of Boudha to become a favorite for the rest of us. Lhaphing might be a cold noodle dish seasoned with spices, but this cold dish might be the best way to turn up the heat in your body this chilly season. No, it’s not as hot as timmur, but it still gives that hot hit of chili. To add a different flavor menus, one can throw in a variety of spices and a good dose of sesame oil.

10.  Thulo Lakhamari: Lakhamari has been one of the ethnic sweet delicacies of valley since a very long years. Before, it was primarily presented to guests by the groom during his wedding and special subha event, but in recent times on saipata, it has increased in popularity and now this sweet crusty delicacy can be enjoyed anytime.

11.  Handmade Udon Noodles: Inside boudha nath area, in the most unlikely location, is a shiny blue building where you will find the best udon in Nepal. Handmade by a old man and his well-trained staff, the noodles are just as they should be: thick, chewy, and hearty. You stir fried, you can have mixed with different vegetables, tofu, buff and hot seasoning chowmein. 

 

12.  Thukpa: Thukpa has become a readily available noodle soup in Kathmandu today. It’s easy to prepare and offers a delicious bowl of broth with options for both vegetarian and meat versions. Enjoyed as a comfort food, Thukpa doesn’t require a special occasion to indulge in its delightful flavors. It’s a satisfying and wholesome meal on its own. You can savor this tasty bowl of Thukpa at the local eateries along the streets of Kathmandu and from food trucks around the city.

 

13.  Daal Bhaat Tarkari: Bhojan of Nepalese, The nearest thing to a national dish in Nepal would be dal bhat. The basic ingredients of this are rice and lentil soup. Many Nepalese will eat dal bhattwice a day. There are many different versions of this meal, but the most popular is dal bhat tarkari which also comes with curried vegetables and chutneys. Hearty and filling, it is best enjoyed by eating with your hand, rather than using cutlery. 

14.  Nepali Coffee: We probably all remember the days when the only simple coffee one could get in the city was Nescafe. So much has changed since then, and now delicious Nepal-grown coffee is available at numerous stores found in nearly every corner. Not only is Nepal growing its own coffee, there are now many baristas who are experts at roasting, grinding, and brewing it, all of which is essential in producing that perfect cup.

15.  Chatpate: Chatpate is one of the famous Nepali young teenager’s girl snacks which is usually sold at street-side stalls. It is a very famous street food among teenagers as well as adults, especially females of almost every age group love it as Chatpate consists of lots of mouthwatering flavors. chana chatpat traditionally comes in a piece of rolled up paper with the corner of the waiwai cartoon used as a spoon.

16.  Sel Roti: Another popular dish, which resembles a doughnut, is a delicious sweet bread. This crispy, sweet and crunchy bread is enjoyed with tea and is healthy as it is made with rice flour. This locally made bread is prepared during festivals and occasions. In fact, there are several versions of this dish available and can be tweaked as per taste.

17.  JUJU Dhau : In the Newari language, JUJU translates to King and Dhau means Curd, making JUJU Dhau the "king of curds." This delicacy holds great ritual significance within the Newari community, symbolizing purity and being a mandatory item during auspicious ceremonies, local festivals, marriage rituals, religious occasions, and family gatherings. Throughout Kathmandu, one can find posters advertising this famous dessert

18.  Pani Puri: Pani Puri is a popular Nepalese street food, also commonly enjoyed across the Asian subcontinent. It consists of a fried and crispy hollow puri filled with flavored water. In Kathmandu, apart from Pani Puri, one can also indulge in the delicious chowchow Puris. This variation of the same snack is a common street food in Kathmandu, where instead of water, the puri is filled with curd.

19.  Khaspe(Sherpa bread): Sherpa bread (Khaspe) is a very crunchy snack that is quite common among Buddhist and Mongolian communities. It does not have a very distinct flavour to it, so some prefer salt and yak butter seasoning over it,

20.  Gudpak(Nepali sweet):  This sweet items famous in our cultural for energy giving while women has pregnancy and their baby delivery . It builds muscles and essential sweet meal in post natal diet. Women have gudpak on fasting time

21.  Furandana(fried beten rice). Fried beten rice with spices and nuts (Furandana) is also very popular during celebrations and festivals. Furandana is often eaten during marriage ceremonies, bartabandha and other family and religious gatherings. Furandana is considered a sattvik snack, hence using garlic, tomato and onions in it are traditionally forbidden. But there are many other optional ingredients that can be added to the dish such as nuts and dry fruits, ginger, fried mung beans etc

22.  Murai laddu(puff rice ball): puff rice seeds with molasses are, especially eaten on maker or maghe sankranti, a festival which falls on the first day of magh. Sesame seed laddu also famous in tharu culture, it also provides instant heat to the body.

23.  Maalpuwa(Maalpuwa fritters):  Malpuwa are sweet, thick, fried nepali pancake flavoured with fennel seeds. The sweet bread is delicious by itself or can be served with fresh fruits and a hot beverage. These are best eaten hot but can also be served at room temperature. Mal mas ko samyam maalpuwa daanle jiwan purna huncha bhanee kimbadanti cha.

24.  Sukuti: Sukati is a traditional dish for the people of the rajbanshi. It is an oil free food items prepared of dried jute leaves. Additives like green chilli, garlic and table salt are used to make it tasty. As usual khari is an important ingredient of sukati.

25.  Kurauni /Malaicha(Dry milk): Dry milk (Doodh ko Khuwaa) is milk cooked down to the consistency of soft cream cheese. It is the basic of many nepali sweets, in areas where there is no access to refrigeration, khuwaa is one of the best way to preserve milk said by Krishna baje converstion in dachinkali area. Trained sweet makers spend hours boiling the milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until the milk solidifies. Because this process is very time consuming, khuwaa is usually purchased rather than made at home. Farmer makes khuwaa on a wood fire and then brings it to kathamndu