Today’s Date (three ways)

August 12, 2013   ~   Saun 28,2070   ~   Nepal Sambat1133 Gunlathwo Kasti

Nag Panchami ~ The Day of the Snake 

In Nepal we are just at the beginning of Festival Season in Kathmandu. I have not experienced this before so everything is new. I will do my best to take you along...

Sunday was Nag Panchami, the day Nepalis set aside to honor the snake. It marks the 5th day after “no moon day”. It celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the Nag Khaliya. 

Like many American Indian tribes in the Southwestern US, Hindus believe snakes assist in bringing rain and the life that comes with it. Besides rain, a happy snake has the power to bestow good health, wealth and and many other blessings on appreciative human beings. Offerings of cow’s milk, honey, nuts and seeds are left in the fields and near the snake holes. Colorful pictures of snakes are posted over the doorways of homes and businesses along with other small offerings to keep away evil spirits and as a sign of respect and veneration. By contrast, an unhappy snake can bring illness, poor crops or even death. It is important to keep your local snakes happy. All over Nepal, nags, statues and other representations have been doused with milk.

The beautiful photograph to the left depicting a girl pouring milk on a cobra was on the front page of Monday’s Kathmandu Post. It was taken by Manoj Poudel. The photo of the woman pouring milk on the statue above, also from The Kathmandu Post, was taken by Sampurna Manandhar.

These are Nag Offerings above a door at Northfield Cafe in Thamel. 

The statue at the right is located in the garden at NFC. It depicts Lord Krishna having subdued the Nag Khaliya.

In the market there are many different Nag posters you can buy to place over your door.

                                                                           

Your Nepali Phrase of the Day is:  Nag Panchami, Nag meaning “snake”, Panchami meaning “5th day after no moon day”. 

Kathmandu Weather: On Monday it was partly cloudy and 80ish F (around 28 C) with evening and early morning rain showers. Looking at the forecast, you can probably count on more of the same for the next ten days. Can’t complain about that!

That is it for now. This is actually Nag Panchami Take Two... I accidentally deleted the original post. I hope I have not forgotten anything important in the retelling.

For now, Pheri Bhetaula... “See you Again”!

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