Nepal
Enjoying The Show
We were fortunate to catch a really special event at Tengboche Monastery on our journey in the Khumbu. Mani Rimdu is a ceremony that celebrates empowerment.
It lasts 19 days and concludes in a 3 day public festival. Sherpa people gather to celebrate alongside the monastic community. A high lama is flown in from tibet to preside over the festivities. The celebration diminishes the demons and rewards the virtuous. Monks wear ornate costumes and masks through a series of ritualistic dances that commemorate the victory of Buddha over Bon. The last days that we were able to catch are more humorous in tone and also include chanting prayers. An absolutely beautiful event to witness.sherpaportraitnepalnepalesehimalayatengbochemonestarylaughterportraiturenepalitravelculture
Ama Dablam Prayer Flags
Prayer flags frame the dramtic peak of Ama Dablam...considered one of the most spectacular mountains in the world.
Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu lasts 19 days and concludes in a 3 day public festival Sherpa people gather at Tengboche Monastery to celebrate alongside the monastic community. A high lama is flown in from tibet to preside over the festivities. The celebration diminishes the demons and rewards the virtuous. Monks wear ornate costumes and masks through a series of ritualistic dances that commemorate the victory of Buddha over Bon. The last days that we were able to catch are more humorous in tone and also include chanting prayers; however, I believe these monks were getting a bit tired as the day and festivities wore on.
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Tihar Marigolds
Woman preparing marigold flowers for the festival of Tihar in Kathmandu. Tihar is a 5 day festival of lights and 2nd biggest festival of the year. The first day celebrates the crow. Religious belief in Nepal regard crow as messenger of Yamraja, the god of death. People worship it to bring good luck in their houses. The 2nd day celebrates the dog. People offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs. The 3rd day worships the cow. Cows represent prosperity and wealth. On this day people show their gratefulness to the cow by garlanding and feeding them with the best grass. The 4th day celebrates the ox. It is worshiped by being given a variety of yummy foods. The 5th and final day is called Bhai Tika. It is observed by sisters applying "tilaka" or "tika" to the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and thank them for the protection they provide.
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Playing with the Pigeons
A girl runs through the pigeons sending them into a frenzy. Watching kids just be kids reminds you so much of what life is truly about.
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Smoke Break
A man in Bhaktapur takes a smoke break and gives me an endearing smile. These everyday beautiful moments connecting us as humans.
Running With The Pigeons
A girl playfully runs with the pigeons at Boudanath Stupa in Kathmandu. A poignant reminder to stay young at heart.
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Curtains Close
The curtains begin to close. It's nearing the end of the show. Dramatically rising above, Pumori comes up for one last breath. Clouds enshroud. One last bow. Basking in the final moments of cozy warmth and lust before the sun's golden speckles turns to dusk.
Namche Mornings
Nothing like waking up before sunrise and meandering around the Sherpa capital Namche Bazar taking in the quiet splendor and feeling the energy of the Himalaya charge your soul.
Prayer Flags
Prayer Flags silhouette the Himalaya mountains in the backdrop. In Buddhism, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe the prayers are carried silently by the wind, never to be still and spread compassion. White symbolizes air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind.
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Into The Wind
A woman in Pottery Square in Bhaktapur prepares the rice by setting up a small house fan on a chair and dropping the rice down letting it blow and separate the grains from the dirt and debris.
Lush
The lower reaches of the SoluKhumbu near Phadking are lush with all of the snowmelt creating a beautifully verdant ecosystem.
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Cotton Candy
Adding a pop of color to the streets of Kathmandu as vendors sell cotton candy on the streets.
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High Suspense(ion)
Mules carrying gas towards Namche Bazar over a high suspension bridge over the Imja Khola river. There are no roads in the Khumbu, therefore these mules are the semi trucks and this bridge is the interstate.
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Crouched
You often see men sitting in doorways and along walls in interesting positions watching the world go by. This man in Bhaktapur looked cozy in this difficult crouched position as he watched the days activities.
Daily Conversations
Two woman in Durbar Square in Bhaktapur sit and chat. One woman was so kind to give me a big smile.
Dusty Road
A sherpa and his Yaks return on the dusty path down to Namche to load up more goods and do it all over again. These yaks are amazing animals but really struggle in the heat. You can't help feel for them as they pant their way down in the hot sun.
Bhaktapur Nights
Dattatraya Square in ancient Bhaktapur at night is full of live and color.
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Prayers in the Wind
Prayer Flags silhouette the Himalaya mountains in the backdrop from Namche Bazar, the Sherpa capital. In Buddhism, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe the prayers are carried silently by the wind, never to be still and spread compassion. White symbolizes air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind.
Overheated
Yaks kicking up dust with their tongues hanging out as they work their way up a climb heading to Namche Bazar. These animals are better served in the high areas above 14,000 feet; however, they are often used way below sometimes even dying on the trails.
Singing Bowls.
Very common in Buddhism, these bowls are played by rotating a mallet in circles around the outside rim to create a beautifully peaceful sound. They are often used in prayer and meditation.
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Conversations at the Temple
Two ladies in Bhaktapur engage in conversation sitting at one of the temples in the old city.
Nature's Throne.
Isolated and alone yet connected to nature's deepest throne. Oh this little home...
Amidst the foot of the mighty Himalaya, enshrouded by pines along the thundering sounds of a turquoise glacial river.
A place to become invisible. No expectations. Mother nature takes you into her nurturing arms, embracing you with the most assuaging of hugs. She'll surely test your merit but what you'll inherit...will last a lifetime.
Moments of ennui translating to deep musings. Growing pains as the river slowly erodes our worries and doubts... replaced by a sense of purpose and passion. A translucent connection to the dirt beneath your feet. Practicing the art of patience, observing and feeling. Getting in rhythm with your soul. A reminder that this sphere we all call home is worth celebrating and protecting.
(Solukhumbu, Nepal).
Monks of Mani Rimdu
Monks on the second floor over look with a certain stoicism as the festivities play out in the open courtyard below.
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Street Peddler
The daily grind on the streets of Kathmandu. A countenance that exudes a quiet determination yet a poignant reminder of the daily difficulties just to get by.
