Rice Feeding Ceremony

Introducing solid food to a Newar baby is a joyful event, marked by a ritual and a party. The ceremony takes place at the age of five months for girls, and seven months for boys. Eating food continues the gradual process of separating from the mother and becoming a distinct person. Not just any food: it is food cooked with salt and, especially, cooked rice that are charged with meaning. So complete is the identification of food with cooked rice in Nepal that the word is the same for both.

Rice Feeding Ceremony

Introducing solid food to a Newar baby is a joyful event, marked by a ritual and a party. The ceremony takes place at the age of five months for girls, and seven months for boys. Eating food continues the gradual process of separating from the mother and becoming a distinct person. Not just any food: it is food cooked with salt and, especially, cooked rice that are charged with meaning. So complete is the identification of food with cooked rice in Nepal that the word is the same for both.

Nepal's Peace to Last

Young Newar girls celebrate the declaration of peace with hands in the traditional nepalese greeting of namaste signifing the blessing, "I acknowledge the God within you" Kathmandu, Nepal

NEWARI BRATABANDHAN, BHAKTAPUR

Mama (maternal uncle) of initiaties, pretends shaving head by touching initiates' head on all four direction with a new blade folded in a hundred rupee note, which will be later gifted to the barber, who will carry out head-shaving ritua on behalf of uncle. Phupus (Paternal aunt) of boys collects the shaven hair on brass plate and is later cast away in nearby river. Bratabandhan of Newar boys, Dipesh, 7; Manjil, 11 and Manish-7. This is the first time ever boy gets his head shaved since his birth. From this point onwards they are permitted to take an active part in religious ceremonies like marriage, last ritual of their parents and grandparents, etc.Bhaktapur. Nepal.

NEWARI BRATABANDHAN, BHAKTAPUR

After head shaving ritual, father gives new clothes to boys. They wear Pitamabara Paketa (“Pitambara” derived from Sanskrit: pita is "yellow" and ambara is "garment". This is another name of the Hindu gods Vishnu or Krishna, given to them because yellow clothing is traditionally worn at religious events. And, Paketa means underwear.) They also put white turban, which is a sign of respect. And, Hindus never perform puja (worship) bare head. Bratabandhan of Newar boys, Dipesh, 7; Manjil, 11 and Manish-7, in Bhaktapur. Nepal.

NEWARI BRATABANDHAN, BHAKTAPUR

Initiates are bathe again after hair-shaving ritual. Bratabandhan of Newar boys, Dipesh, 7; Manjil, 11 and Manish-7, in Bhaktapur. Nepal.

Gupha Ceremony of Dipita Phaiju,11. Bhaktapyur, Nepal.

11 year old Dipita Phaiju as a bride, feels happy to undergo the traditioanl Gufa ceremony and getting married to the Sun God.

Gupha Ceremony of Dipita Phaiju,11. Bhaktapyur, Nepal.

Dipita Phaiju performs final puja on Nau graha, kalasha altar and then to the Sun God gradually. She then receives tika and peacock feather blessing from her mother Sangita Phaiju. Her mother also pours lava and flower over her head from copper container.

Rajani's Wedding (Feb-19-2009)

Rajani's Wedding (Feb-19-2009). Kathmandu, Nepal

Rajani's Wedding (Feb-19-2009)

Rajani's Wedding (Feb-19-2009). Kathmandu, Nepal

Budho Junko ritual of 90 year old Newar lady. Dhaubahal, Patan, Nepal.

Adorning the forehead with moki.

Budho Junko ritual of 90 year old Newar lady. Dhaubahal, Patan, Nepal.

Applying third earings of her third junko. They are golden ring with pearl and coral. This particular ring is worn for Junko only.

Budho Junko ritual of 90 year old Newar lady. Dhaubahal, Patan, Nepal.

Venerating the celebrant by offering foot water (padaargha).

Budho Junko ritual of 90 year old Newar lady. Dhaubahal, Patan, Nepal.