Nepalese craft paper factory

The Peacock Shop Bhaktapur traditional nepalese “lokta” paper factory is a not-for-profit organization aiming at heritage preservation through the promotion of medieval craftsmanship and the spread of Buddhist ideals.

This traditional paper made from the fibrous inner bark of Daphne (plant): Daphne bholua and Daphne papyracea, known as lokta bushes. The plant is poisonous by itself. And the paper said to be resistant to humidity and bookworms. That’s why in the past it was used for government and religious documents.

Ram Narayan Prajapati – owner and founder of the Peacock Shop, enthusiast, scientist, collector.

Lokta kagaj – making of Nepalese craft paper

Buddha Jayanti in Kathmandu

Celebration of Buddha birthday at Bouddhanath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.
More information – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha’s_Birthday

In Nepal, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on the full moon day of May. The festival is known by various names, Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Vaishakh Purnima and Vesak. The day marks not just the birth of Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha but also the day of his Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. But as a gentle effect of the West, the event of the birth is given paramount importance.

Mahashivaratri in Kathmandu

Every year thousands of sadhus – holy pilgrims from all over Nepal and India come to Pashupatinath temple, the biggest hindu temple in Nepal located in Kathmandu. And even more devotees come to get blessing from temple’s priests and pay their respect to sadhus on the special festival called Mahashivaratri (The great night of Shiva).

As an act of worshiping to Lord Shiva sadhus smoking ganja (cannabis or marijuana) with chillum a special pipe made from clay and spell mantras. It’s believed that to smoke with sadhu is the way to get blessed on this special day. So many locals come for that as well, especially young people. Officially it’s not allowed, but possible to do.

Only hindu people allowed to go inside the temple and during Mahashivaratri there are special sacred guests staying inside. They called naga babas – holy men who have renounced all material and earthly attachments and accoutrements, including their clothes.

Timal shamans festival in Nepal

Nepali shamanism is a unique mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient Bon religion. It’s based on belief in balance and harmony between human beings, nature and divine. People turn to shamans to get healing, blessing and protection in both physical and spiritual aspects of life.

In Nepal shamans commonly called “Jhakri” or “Dhami”, but every ethnic group has its own special word as well. The main ethnic group in Timal area are Tamangs. Originally related to Tibetian culture, tamangs have their own rich traditions and spiritual practices.