Author: Keshya

Indra Jatra: A Brief Explainer

Written by Keshya on September 19, 2021. Posted in K6, SAMSKRITI.

Indra Jatra this year (2021) will be celebrated on September 19th. This festival is perhaps the most famous of all festivals celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, characterised by colourful masked performers and parades held throughout the Valley. But do you know why we celebrate this day with such enthusiasm and ardour every year? (Please note that what follows does not claim to be a factual, definitive or comprehensive history. These are stories that have been passed down in an oral tradition for many generations. There may be different versions of each of these stories and what is found...

Unravelling Hinduism: Ethics, Virtues and Vices

Written by Keshya on July 30, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

I read “Sanatana Dharma: An Elementary Textbook of Hindu Religion and Ethics” so you don’t have to. I am sure that some of us have both the time and intellect to delve into and understand the Hindu scriptures. However for most of us (myself included) this is probably more than we can handle. Therefore I found the aforementioned book (Sanatana Dharma) and read it to gain a better understanding of my religion and the rituals and practices which define life in Nepal for a lot of people. Even this textbook version of Hinduism was a challenge to understand and process, though I have tried...

Unravelling Hinduism: Rites, Rituals and Routines

Written by Keshya on July 16, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Unravelling Hinduism: Basic Religious Principles

Written by Keshya on July 6, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Netflix and Still Looking for Someone to Chill with?

Written by Keshya on June 26, 2021. Posted in SHANTI.

Imagine the following: you have your hot plate of food in front of you and you’re nibbling around the sides scrolling through Netflix, waiting to eat as you watch… several minutes later you’re still scrolling and your food is now unpalatably cold. Whether it be Netflix, Prime, Youtube or any other entertainment source of your choice, the chances are, you spend entirely too long picking what to watch. Well panic no more and keep scrolling to read up on our recommendations for what to watch, whatever the mood or occasion. A Sexy and Scandalous Period Drama: Versailles Versailles...

Let’s Talk About Blind Date – the viral show dominating the Nepali social media sphere.

Written by Keshya on June 15, 2021. Posted in K6.

Love it, Hate it or Love to Hate it? In case you have somehow missed the memes, tik toks and clips floating around the Nepali social media sphere, Blind Date is a Nepali dating show where young Nepalis go on a series of blind dates in search of their perfect partner. The premise of the show is not new to TV but is certainly the first of its kind that I have seen based in Nepal . Like many others, I have been tuning in to watch new episodes as they are uploaded onto Youtube each week. Undoubtedly the show is entertaining as you laugh at awkward first date fails and cringe at declarations...

Short Read: Where are the Bhairabs of Nepal?

Written by Keshya on June 7, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

If you have been keeping up with our “Can you Hear the Gods Whispering” series, you may be interested to know that the stories of the Bhairabs we have been exploring simply scratch the surface of the deep connection that Nepal has with the god Bhairab. Bhairab is considered to be the most fierce, powerful and destructive form of the Hindu god Shiva and Nepal is home to many forms of Bhairab. Asta (eight) Bhairabs (the most famous Bhairabs) Kal Bhairab: Located in Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu. To read more about Kal Bhairab click here. Bikraj Bhairab Krodh Bhairab Chandha...

Can You Hear the Gods Whispering: Aakash Bhairab, The Flying Head of a Fierce Warrior-King

Written by Keshya on June 1, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Some years ago, I saw a book called “Kathmandu: where the Gods are young.” This title struck me so deeply that even now, almost a decade later I still recall it, even though I never got the chance to open up the book and see what was inside. There was something so profound about the title, it reminded me that I live in a city where the Gods are present at every turn. Each street corner has a small temple or shrine and our cityscape is defined by round Stupas and triangular mandirs. I would see these buildings without fully appreciating what it meant: that this city, this country, it’s history...

Can You Hear the Gods Whispering: The Mysterious Discovery of Kal Bhairab

Written by Keshya on May 25, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Can You Hear the Gods Whispering: Herding Goats and Chaining Deities, The tale of Man Kal Bhairab

Written by Keshya on May 17, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Can You Hear the Gods Whispering: The Origins of Kathmandu Valley

Written by Keshya on May 12, 2021. Posted in SAMSKRITI.

Years ago I came across a book called “Nepal: where the Gods are young.” This title struck me so deeply that even, now almost a decade later, I still recall it, even though I never got the chance to open up the book and see what was inside. There was something so profound about the title, it reminded me that I live in a city where the Gods are present at every turn. Each street corner has a small temple or shrine and our cityscape is defined by round Stupas and triangular mandirs. I would see these buildings without fully appreciating what it meant: that this city, this country, it’s history...

Japan: A “professional” foodie’s amateur guide

Written by Keshya on May 2, 2021. Posted in CHIA-PAAN, YATRIKA.

As I sit down to write this, sipping on my matcha (more on this later), I realise that Japan is definitely the ultimate and unbeatable destination for food lovers. Efficiency defines life in Japan and this is reflected in the food culture here where meticulously perfected meals and snacks are available at a moment’s notice. Japan offers delicious and high quality food for every kind of traveller. Whether you want to dine in style at Michelin starred restaurants, munch on street food as you walk the streets or snack on convenience store goodies late at night, Japan has got you covered. Ordering...

Italy: A “professional” foodie’s amateur guide

Written by Keshya on May 2, 2021. Posted in CHIA-PAAN, YATRIKA.

Rome Rome is a city where gladiators, philosophers and artists walked the streets over many millennia. The whole city feels like a living museum with exhibits from the times of Julius Caesar, to Renaissance artists, all the way up to Twenty-First Century high fashion. The city that was famously not built in a day is a testament to the march of history, moving forward constantly and bringing with it an ever growing collection of landmarks, traditions and of course, foods. While all of Italy is known for its excellent cuisine, there are particular dishes that must be eaten in the city...

Netflix And Who Are You Chilling With?

Written by Keshya on March 1, 2021. Posted in SHANTI.

We’ve all been there: you have your hot plate of food in front of you, or you are all wrapped up in your blanket… and then you spend AGES picking what to watch and by the time you take your first bite your food is unpalatably cold. Whether it be Netflix, Prime or any other entertainment source of your choice, the chances are, you spend entirely too long picking what to watch. Well panic no more and keep scrolling to read up on our recommendations for what to watch, whatever the mood or occasion. The Underrated Gem: “Hollywood” Remember back at the very beginning of lockdown...

Silver Linings on Dark Clouds: How Journaling Can Help You Stay Positive Through The Pandemic

Written by Keshya on March 1, 2021. Posted in SHANTI.

It would be the understatement of the century to say that the last year has been different. In almost every imaginable way, life has changed for everyone. The year of the pandemic brought with it a palpable shift in the way we live our lives. The way we work, study, eat, drink and think has been altered, and we did not know for how long. In the midst of the more tangible changes we have all faced has been an undercurrent of change in our mindsets as well. In March of 2020 we all bode farewell to our social lives, work routines and educational structure. The effect of this on our mental health...

Flying, Feasting and Photos: Is This Everest The Easy Way?

Written by Keshya on March 1, 2021. Posted in YATRIKA.

“My toes haven’t been the same since we went to Everest.” This is what one of my friends told me on an icy cold morning in London as we recalled the adventures we had been on the previous year. Her not-quite-the-same toes were a remnant and reminder of the unforgettable experience of flying to the foot of Everest in a helicopter and enjoying the most delicious breakfast when we got there. It is perhaps my extreme impatience, or maybe the instant gratification culture that we live in today that led me to the discovery that no, I do not need to trek through the wilderness to...