indrajatra, rain from heaven

Indra, traditionally regarded as the most powerful Hindu rain god is highly respected in Nepal. The Rigveda, the earliest known Hindu scripture is full of Indra’s hymns whose number might run into thousands. Some oriental scholars have assigned the date of this text way back to two thousand years B.C. When viewed in this light Indra definitely appears to be the most popular and powerful Vedic deity indeed.

One of the main reasons of his popularity from the early Vedic age down to today is definitely his close association with agriculture and rain. In the Vedas he has been repeatedly described as a great giver of rain and food. He has also been depicted in the same text as the valiant fighter, the destroyer of devils and droughts and so on.

It is interesting to note that one of his oldest names is Purada which means a great destroyer of enemy states. The Rigveda enthusiastically describes him as a great destroyer of ninety nine puras or the city states.

The puranas also speak very highly about the significance of Indra, the Vedic hero. There are plenty of fascinating puranic episodes dramatizing numerous battles Indra had to fight at times with his enemy asuras.

The Bhavishya purana describes the significance of this festival. The Mahabharata also speaks very highly about its meritorious aspects. According to this great Hindu epic Cher\diraj Vasu was the first king to make this festival into a public celebration.

One of the most popular post monsoon festivals of Nepal is, indeed, Indrajatra. This fascinating festival officially begins with the raising of a huge 50 feet long ceremonial pole at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu. Raising of this pole, symbolic of a victory banner, is marked with traditional music and a gun salute. This week long festival is celebrated in Nepal as a thanks giving gesture to Indra, the rain god for the monsoon rains.

Another highlight of this festival is the traditional display of life size statues of white Aakash Bhairava and blue Aakash Bhairava who represent the tantric aspect of Indra at many important places of the Kathmandu valley. Besides this there are many other small ritual poles erected at various points of the city. However the most important monument to be seen during this festival is the king size golden statue of Indra at Maruhiti Tole (locality). The display of these religious figures is said to represent Indra’s annual visit to earth to see if his devotees have enough to eat. It must be remembered here that Indra is equally honoured as the king of heaven too.

In the evening many Newar Buddhists who have lost somebody in their family that year follow a certain route prescribed for this purpose that goes through many important places of worship where they leave oil lamps in small clay cups called Palcha and pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

The most important venue for all kinds of major cultural activities is the Hanuman Dhoka area. This is where you see the typical Lakhe (demon) dance, Bhairava dance, Mahakali dance and many other cultural performances from early morning to late evening. One of the most enjoyable items in the series is the Dash Awatar Pyakhan - so to say - the pageant of ten different incarnations of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation.

Another important event Kathmandu dwellers celebrate with great enthusiasm is the third day of Indrajatra, locally known as Kumari Salegu, meaning the ceremonial pulling of the festival chariot of Kumari, the living goddess which is followed by two other living gods namely Ganesha, the elephant headed god of good luck and Bhairava, the god of super strength and action both duly seated on their respective chariots. On this day, the King, accompanied by state dignitaries, arrives at the Gaddi Baithak Hall which is right across from the famed temple of Kumari to watch the event. The action starts sometime around 3-4 p.m. when the king proceeds to receive the tika (a symbol of blessing) from the Kumari. After this the festival chariots are moved through the surging mass towards the south of Kathmandu for their time honoured traditional round. The people celebrate this occasion by feasting on Samebaji (spicy dishes specially prepared for the occasion) and drinking rice beer. Many on this day prefer to drink the beer pouring directly from the mouth of white Aakash Bhairava at Hanuman Dhoka and blue Aakash Bhairava at Indra Chowk and consider themselves the luckiest on earth.

The last day, which is the eight day of Indrajatra, is observed with an animal sacrifice to Bhairava. The closing of this festival is marked by pulling down the ceremonial pole installed at Hanuman Dhoka which is immediately dragged all the way to Panchali Bhairava at Teku and from there soon to the riverside to be thrown away. This is the last ritual performed indicating the end of the festival.

directing the game

By Zaheer A Khan

Red cards and Midfield, though not the synonyms, these two subjects are quite the centre in the centre where players are vying for ball possession. Great players have evolved and established themselves playing in this position. And there seems to be a certain aggressive touch in their temper when we get a look at their play. Flying high, roaring loud and bustling swift, these mid-fielders display the fighting spirit that sometimes turns into aggression and may not work towards the spirit of sportsmanship; however it is inevitable in tough match-ups where the battle for ball possession is hot and electrifying.

Mid fielders direct the play of the game. Hence the name - ‘playmaker’, as they are usually termed. It’s for the ball possession that they slog so hard. Whether it be in anticipating long clearances, middling the ball or breaking the defence, they have to encounter opponents who are striving for the same. Thus the physical contact is inevitable. They are responsible for distributing the ball and directing the course of the play whilst changing the strategy as well. They therefore have to give their heart out for every ball possession. As such, aggression is so evident.

This fighting spirit is what the spectators love to watch. John McEnroe in tennis, Dennis Rodman in basketball, just to name few, are so much popular amongst fans that they have booked a place in history and earned this separate tag that they proudly display. It’s not the brutality alone that they display but they are gifted with the sheer talent that is so unmatched.

This very genuine touch of talent and the unique quality of aggression has helped them carve their names inside the hearts of many sports lovers. Aggression in soccer imparts enthusiastic touches to the game thus making it more tough and competitive. There are many contemporaries of our time who have made a place in soccer books playing in this slot and possessing this brutal instinct.

We have seen Zidane being shown red-cards quite a number of times in the Italian league this year. He even got into card trouble during the France ’98 World Cup playing against Saudi Arabia. Edgar Davids, his former club-mate, also earned a name in this slot giving away the most number of free-kicks in the same world cup. There also was Beckham, perhaps the best in sending weighted crosses, who also fell into temper and was punished with a red-card in France ’98. Recently, Effenberg had to sit on the bench being suspended for the play in the semifinal of the 2000-2001 Champions League. He even got away in the final when he once displayed his temper while encountering Figo, who himself is quite an aggressive player. There are many others like the instrumental Hagi, Dalminha, Veron, Vierra, Albertini, and others who all dictate and dominate the mid-field.

They have the upper hand in influencing the outcome of the game. Also, it seems like many established clubs are paying high for these vital playmakers. Zidane, with the transfer fee of US $ 66.05 million recently broke the record for the highest paid football player. Luis Figo previously held the record at US $ 56.1 million. Not surprisingly though, both are playmakers. As for Zidane, a man who says so little, his US $ 66m price tag speaks volumes about the player’s importance in the middle. Real perhaps persisted on signing the twosome in Figo and Zidane - both with the Midas’ touch, even though their frailty had been in defence.

Looking at the new signings, it would be interesting to keep eyes on Manchester United with Veron now combining with Beckham. All said, everything’s not so as what might seem perfect on a piece of paper. Yet, one thing’s for sure - these great players have transformed the classical styles into speed and aggression whilst maintaining and improvising the basics.

aspects of the common

Spost

Common streets of Kathmandu, a crowd of people passing by, a butcher’s shop, a man riding a bicycle. All common things, almost a day to day schedule of city life and its busy people captured by camera. Recently, the photos of French national Teddy Seguin, a student at the National School of Photography in France, were exhibited by the Alliance Francaise at its premises in Thapathali.

The photos made attempts at capturing sensory over load. Portraying a new experience in a foreign city. The sights, the confusion, the new details of another city and another life. The city was portrayed, the arterial heart of the old city running from Ason and squeezing through to junctions a stone’s throw away from New Road, people on the streets of the major crowded bulging veins of the antique streets, a single fragment of the city because there are many aspects, different kinds of life styles, different kinds of people. Even different becomes different.

What do you see when you look at the streets? What do you see when you look at New Road? New Road walks like a drug addict; New Road walks like a pompous fool; New Road walks like the Sisters of Mercy; New Road walks like a lost child; New Road walks like a work of art. They are all there. The lamp post becomes a cross and a child sleeps under it. A nativity. The windows of buildings become entry points into the secret minds of people who live there.

So, photos can also suggest what the mind can too. A photograph of somewhere in Ason taken on a long exposure, showed a combination of movement and darkness substantiated by a golden glow. "For me, it is a feeling of Kathmandu. Now I’m here on an assignment of the impact of tourism in Nepal, culture and children", said Seguin.

The photos were all shot within 10 days. Fascinated by this wounded city the photos just had to come out. And the fascination is there. Now he is back again to get his camera rolling on the impact of tourism in Nepal. Of empty streets with hardly any tourists perhaps.

home grown truths

By Birodh Pandey

Indigenous technology (IT) in simple definition is an "age old traditional practice to manage the natural resources for sustainable livelihood". Apart from rich biological diversity we have a different hidden identity, a country blessed with one of the highest indigenous technologies.

Indigenous technologies as suited for wide range of environmental conditions are also economically and environmentally feasible and friendly. This is the technology that has answered the needs and aspiration of the Nepalese’s community, as they are dynamic in circulation and scientific. Development of IT is associated with cultural practices of Nepal’s ethnic groups. As an example, the applying of organic manure by Jyapu farmers in their fields as a soil conditioner and the use of various wooden tools instead of animal power to plough the field. The practice sounds simple but contrary to application of inorganic fertilizers and inviting environmental complications this is the best option for cropping opportunities.

Similarly the bamboo house of the Tharu community looks simple but is suited to a wide range of climatic conditions. The best dynamism of IT in Nepal can be seen in the traditional medicinal practices and in agriculture. In Bhujung village in Lamjung, the wide application of plant and its derivatives is used to cure various forms of diseases and people have faith in the practices as it has passed down in the form of inherited culture to maintain their health.

The local healers popularly known as Dhamis have a profound knowledge on the different plant species and its uses. Interestingly the traditional healers have an answer to all forms of diseases, from common cold to life taking brain diseases. Before the introduction of modern medicine in Nepal until 1950, traditional medicinal practices homeopathy and ayurved was the prime health care system. However with the penetration of modern medicines these practices are diminishing.

Dynamism in indigenous technology can also be seen equally in the agricultural practices. The people have developed different modes of farming with understanding of the topographic features. Terrace farming in the steep soils is an example of effective ways of farming in a country where land and water is scarce and landslides are prone. Different other methods exist to effectively conserve soil and water and enhance productivity.

However for the quest of development the government has completely undermined the indigenous technology that has so long helped sustain Nepalese in isolation and in arduous environmental conditions. Dollars are poured into import new technologies without studying its implications and feasibility. These technologies will only bring disaster in the name of development. What we need is recognition of our own indigenous technologies and modification of these technologies if needed after all indigenous technologies have been subjected to change with modern amenities. What should be understood is that these technologies still exist in the hills of Nepal and more prominently in the mountain regions. We cannot just bring in imported technologies into the villages where social taboos are deep rooted. Government and other developmental agencies should strengthen the existing technologies and rehabilitate the forgotten traditional technologies. As another example, electricity has been generated successfully from water mills and the technology has been transferred into Bhutan. Apart from this we have many potentials yet to be tapped.

Dr. Chabi Lal Gajurel, a researcher in indigenous technology, sees great potential in enhancing our own forgotten technology with modifications and maintains ecological and social balance.

However with the intense penetration of foreign goods into our market indigenous technologies are being pushed behind. Antibiotics replace traditional medicines, aluminium utensils are replaced by plastic ware, and inorganic fertilizers replace bio-fertilizers.

The government and other developmental agencies should realize that IT can be the best alternative technology to alleviate poverty and is feasible as it is completely based on raw materials within our reach.

If we are really to make a difference in the field of sustainable natural resources utilization of indigenous technology must be prioritized.

alcohol and pregnancy

By Khagendra Bikram

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in any part of the world. There is still a lot of controversy whether thus drug when used in the form of a drink is health promoting or deteriorating. However, it is indisputable that alcohol drunk in large amounts or drinking during pregnancy is very harmful. Alcohol consumption by women when pregnant is too risky for her and the foetus in her womb.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one such serious situation developed because of drinking excess alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placenta easily and enters the fetal brain, leading to the dearth of both glucose and oxygen, very necessary for the developing nervous tissue. The result is a combination of growth and mental retardation, and physical defects, which is commonly known as FAS. When at the extreme severity, it involves prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, impairment of the brain and nerves, with consequent mental retardation, poor coordination and hyperactivity.

Also, abnormalities of the face and skull, increased frequency of major birth defects (cleft palate and defects in major organs -heart, ears, genitals, and urinary system).

In some of the babies only subtle symptoms are reported. These symptoms have been seen often enough to be given the name sub clinical FAS, or foetal alcohol effects. The babies with subclinical FAS do not express the classic facial abnormalities so remain generally unnoticed, although they may have learning disabilities, behavioural abnormalities, motor impairments, and more.

When alcohol crosses the placenta to the foetus, it raises fetal-blood-alcohol concentrations. So, it takes more time for fetal blood levels to come down to normal because the mechanism of the detoxification of alcohol in the foetus is far less developed than as in the mother.

There is no clear-cut answer when one asks how much alcohol is too much. The statement of Surgeon Generals say that pregnant women should drink absolutely no alcohol. Similarly in the Journal of the American Medical Association it is advocated that women should stop drinking as soon as they plan to become pregnant. The responsibility of caring for another life requires that women abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Some of the authorities argue that pregnant women can safely take one or two drinks a day as they have not shown very dreadful situations in some cases. However, it is not completely safe to drink any quantity of alcohol during pregnancy.

When is the damage done during pregnancy? Different dangers are associated with each trimester of the pregnancy. In the first trimester when there is organogenesis, developing organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys may be malformed. During the second trimester, the risk of spontaneous abortion increases. During the third trimester, when the foetus is fully formed and rapidly growing, body and brain growth may be retarded.

Male alcohol ingestion may also affect fertility and foetal development. One study relating to that, found an association between alcohol intake one month prior to conception (defined as an average of two or more drinks daily or at least five drinks on one occasion) and low infant birth weight. This relationship was independent of parents’ smoking or maternal use of alcohol, caffeine, or other drugs.

Of the leading causes of mental retardation, FAS is the only one that is preventable. Every female, indeed every person, should know the potential dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy. Proper health education begins before conception. The message is clear: FAS and many other alcohol related disorders can be prevented by maternal, as well as paternal (in some cases) avoidance of alcohol.

She hood winked all

By C B Dahal

The old woman like any other old woman, clung on to her possessions all the time she walked this earth. She had two objects that never left her side. One was a small hooked khurmi and the other a soot-darkened pot just large enough to cook a meal in. The Khurmi was her knife to slice and cut vegetables, it was also her khukri to chop wood and sticks; in case of danger it was the dagger to defend her. The pot substituted as the cooking vessel, an eating plate, from a drinking cup to a water mug. The only odd thing about her possessions was that she never ever left the two items out of her sight.

She was a religious and very pious woman. She must have seen merrier days. Even at an age when many would never venture out of their beds, she could still caper about the world on her age-worn spindly legs and use her pretty sharp tongue to make herself heard.

No one knew about her family, or if she ever had any children. But, the way she carried herself she definitely looked like someone who had been married. She still retained a mischievous twinkle in her eye and was known to hoodwink anybody whenever she felt the need to. All who came across her had a feeling that she had played some mischief on her family too. The uncanny feeling never gave way, which must have been the reason why very few actually befriend her.

As a widow, she had deemed it necessary to go on a pilgrimage - to the Char Dhams. She managed to secure a seat for herself on the bus that makes the trip to the Char Dham every year. The pilgrimage bus carried forty passengers plus the regular bus staff. The journey was to take little more than a month, with a few more days added for unforeseen delays and detours.

And from day one of the journey, our grand lady was picked on by all for their own amusement and hate as well. The trouble (should I say fun) began as soon as the bus reached the first stop, a border checkpoint. The old lady got off the bus and scurried off somewhere. It took a full twenty minutes to locate and bring her back.

The lady had a bag that contained her provisions. Small polythene bags containing rice, lentil, dry chillies, salt, ginger and other items of daily requirement besides her bedding roll and clothes. Nobody knew how much money she carried. No one noticed her buying anything. Every temple they visited, she had the audacity to pinch flowers and prasads off the fellow worshippers and offer it at the altar. She never took anything from the temples. At times she did not even bother to get a tika. The only persistent problem was, she simply got off the bus everytime it stopped, even when it paused to give way to another vehicle. So within a few days all the passengers began keeping a close vigil. They even forgot that they were on a pilgrimage being too occupied trying to keep a close eye on her. The one thing that everyone noticed was she never let go of her blackened pot and the khurmi.

The day had been bright and hot when the group neared Hardwar. The old woman, compelled by her habit had shot out of the bus and headed towards a nearby stream as soon as the bus had stopped. As she remained in full view, the fellow passengers let down their vigil and busied themselves with their own chores. All were engrossed in the daily ritual of preparing meals and stretching their legs after the long tiring night journey.

The bus-conductor, then casually asked about the old lady. All turned their eyes to find her. They saw a bundle of rags heaped on the stream bank, but the woman was missing and nowhere to be seen. All rushed towards the bundle and there she was asleep with the two most prized possessions held in her hands.

The conductor placing his hands on her fragile shoulder shook her and shouted at her to wake up. But, she was already stiff and long gone on a permanent sleep.

The pot and the khurmi were picked up, but the weight seemed odd for their size. Some one took out a knife and scratched the soot off the pot leaving a streak of yellow metal exposed in its track. Both the pot and the Khurmi were of solid gold.

The pilgrims in all their pious conduct sold the prized possession to give her a decent cremation at Hardwar.

Even when leaving the world she had hoodwinked all her fellow passengers.

MAIN