Today I wore my first sari ever! The coordinators at Projects Abroad organized this get together at the HIV centre to celebrate Teej, a women's festival. It's not really a feminist friendly festival. Women all over Nepal get together during this festival to pray for the success of their husbands. They fast (the men don't) and this will hopefully ensure the future happiness of the husband! If you're unmarried, you fast and pray as well in hopes of ensnaring a wonderful husband. Not quite the type of festival we would normally have in Canada. However, it's quite fun because of the dress (all women have to wear some red/pink) and supposedly it's going to be so busy at the temples on Friday (national holiday).
After the celebration at the centre, decided to go to the holiest temple in Nepal - Pashupatinath. My housemates see this place everyday because they walk to work. I can't walk because I work so early so I have to resort to the microbus. This place is definitely one of my favourite places in Kathmandu. It's kind of magical and you feel like you are in another time and place. Upon entering the area, I first encountered a show in front of the ONLY elderly home in Nepal. They had beautiful folk music playing for the residents and I had a great commentary from one of the staff in the home. Then I entered the actual temple grounds and observed the cremation ceremonies amidst the old temple buildings. It was one of the most touching things I have ever seen. It's really an experience you all should experience, I can't really put it in words and as I think about it tears well up. Am definitely going back.
After the celebration at the centre, decided to go to the holiest temple in Nepal - Pashupatinath. My housemates see this place everyday because they walk to work. I can't walk because I work so early so I have to resort to the microbus. This place is definitely one of my favourite places in Kathmandu. It's kind of magical and you feel like you are in another time and place. Upon entering the area, I first encountered a show in front of the ONLY elderly home in Nepal. They had beautiful folk music playing for the residents and I had a great commentary from one of the staff in the home. Then I entered the actual temple grounds and observed the cremation ceremonies amidst the old temple buildings. It was one of the most touching things I have ever seen. It's really an experience you all should experience, I can't really put it in words and as I think about it tears well up. Am definitely going back.
