10 famous Quotes about Nepal

• Heaven is a myth, Nepal is real.
• “Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains.” - Jeffrey Rasley
• “The mountains were so wild and so stark and so very beautiful that I wanted to cry. I breathed in another wonderful moment to keep safe in my heart.” - Jane Wilson Howarth
• “… everything was fresh, green and particularly beautiful. Afternoon light, filtering between remnants of monsoon clouds, picked out gullies and spot-lit patches of forest and scrub on the convoluted ridges of the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Or, after a rainstorm, wisps of clouds clung to the trees as if scared to let go. Behind, himals peeked out shyly between the clouds.” - Jane Wilson-Howarth

20 Popular Chalie Chaplin Quotes

Born on April 16, 1889, in London, England, Charlie Chaplin was a comedic British actor who became one of the biggest stars of the 20th century's silent-film era. The sweet little man with a bowler hat, mustache and cane, Charlie Chaplin was an iconic figure of the silent-film era and one of film's first superstars, elevating the industry in a way few could have ever imagined.

Charlie Chaplin's versatility extended to writing, music and sports. He was the author of at least four books, “My Trip Abroad”, “A Comedian Sees the World”, “My Autobiography”, “My Life in Pictures” as well as all of his scripts. "The Gold Rush". "The Circus", "City Lights", "Modern Times", "The Great Dictator" are some of his famous movies.

Best Stephen Hawking Quotes

Stephen Hawking (January 8, 1942 to March 14, 2018) was a British scientist, professor and author who performed groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology, and whose books helped to make science accessible to everyone. At age 21, while studying cosmology at the University of Cambridge, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Part of his life story was depicted in the 2014 film The Theory of Everything.

Stephen Hawking was regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history. His work on the origins and structure of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes, revolutionized the field, while his best-selling books have appealed to readers who may not have Hawking's scientific background. Hawking died on March 13, 2018.

Travel Alone Quotes

• “The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” - Henry David Thoreau
• “Anything we fully do is an alone journey.” - Natalie Goldberg
• “I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more.” - Thomas Jefferson
• “A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.” - Roman Payne, The Wanderess

7 Unknown Facts About Buddha That You May Not Know

1. Buddha did not Care about  “Gods”. Buddhism was a stark contrast to many of the orthodox teachings of Hinduism in its day. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the conception of gods in Buddhism: there are none! Buddha did not believe that gods or goddess were really relevant to the supreme goal of enlightenment…therefore, they could be left out of the main teachings. It’s up to the practitioner to find what works for them. But belief of their existence is needless.

2. Unlike most religions or spiritual beliefs, Buddha’s teachings were spread by nonviolent methods such as word of mouth or carvings on prominent stone buildings.

3. Buddha’s spot of enlightenment underneath the bodhi tree is still preserved to this day.

4. After achieving the enlightenment he started sharing his idea and his teachings. Buddha and his disciples for the next forty five years went to different places in the world to spread their words and teachings. Buddha taught people that to become the enlightened one, a person should never be ignorant, angry and hate people. It was not hard for Buddha to win hearts of people wherever he went as he knew the true feelings of people and knew how to deal with them.

8 World Records of Nepali Cricket.

Few hours back Nepal achieved the ODI (One day Internationals) status in cricket. It is supposed to be the greatest achievement by Nepali cricket till now. Nepal is an emerging cricketing nation with short but rich history. With consistent performance at all levels, Nepali cricket has managed to grab international limelight. Here are some of the records Nepali Cricket hold:

• Nepal bowled out Myanmar for just 10 off 12.1 overs in 2006 ACC Trophy and chased the target of 11 in just 0.2 overs with extras being the top scorer with 5 wides. The score of 10 was the lowest in any level of men's international cricket. Nepal set two records of bowling out the opponent for minimum number of runs and chasing the target in minimum overs, both in the same match.
• Mehboob Alam is the First and only one player in world to take all 10 wickets in ODI. His performance of 10 wicker for 12 runs in 7.5 over is the best spell in One day Internationals.
• Rubina chetri grabbed a 5 wicket in an over against Singapore is world's only bowler to take maximum wickets in an over. In that match , she had taken 5 wicket in 5 ball giving 1 extra run of wide in last over where opponent team needed just 2 run to win with 5 wicket remaining.
• Best economy rate in an innings: 0.20 (Bowling figures: 10–8–2–3) by Shakti Gauchan against Malasiya, ICC World Cricket League Division Four 2012. He achieved extraordinary figures of 10-8-2-3, which is the best economical bowling spell ever in limited over matches. 
• Rahul VishoKarma's 6 wicket off 3 runs with the economy of 0.47 against PNG in u -19 world cup is the best spell in that world cup. Only not that, he become most economic player to take 5 wicket haul (actually 6) by conceding less run in u-19 world cup.

Some amazing facts about Nepal

• Nepal is the Birth place of Lord Buddha who is known as the "Light of Asia".
• Nepal is the only country with the attitudinal variation that ranges from 60 meters to 8848 meters.
• There are 8 of the worlds 14 highest mountains above 8000 meters including Mt. Everest.
• Nepal has 8 % of the total species of birds found in the world.
• Nepal has the lake on the highest point on earth (Tilicho 4800 meters)
• World's deepest lake (145 meters) She Phoksundo at the highest elevation (3600mt.)
• World's deepest river gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki river).
• Nepal has the highest valley on earth (Arun Valley)
• Nepal offers diverse adventure activities like mountaineering, trekking, whitewater rafting, jungle safari, Para-gliding, mountain flight, bungee jumping, ultra-light aircraft ride etc.
• Nepal has 8 % of the total species of birds found in the world.
• Annapurna region of Nepal is voted as the top ten trekking trails in the world.
• Country of worlds 8 Cultural Heritage sites and 2 natural Heritages sites. Kathmandu valleys 7 heritage sites have the Guinness book of the world record in such a close proximity (cluster of 7 world heritage sites in the smaller area).

Things to be remembered while visiting temples in NEPAL

Nepal is a multi cultural, multi lingual and religious diverse nation. Nepal is also a secular state according to the constitution of Nepal. Hinduism is the largest religion of Nepal. According to the 2011 census, 81.3% of the Nepalese population was Hindu, 9% was Buddhist, 4.4% was Muslim, 3% was kiratist (indigenous ethnic religion), 1.4% was christian, 0.2% was sikhs, 0.1 was jains and 0.6% follow other religions or religion. 

Kathmandu is the city of temples. In ancient times there was a saying, "There are more temples than house and the number of statue of gods are more than the human population in Kathmandu."  Pashupatinath, Manakamana, Changunarayan, Dakshinkali, Budhanilkantha, Muktinath, Janakpur dham etc are some popular Hindu temples of Nepal. So, as a Hindu dominated country,there are few rules that you should keep in mind while you visit temples of Nepal. 

• Before you plan to go to temple, you should take a shower or bath.  It's not that those who don't bath can't go to the temple, but since temples are spiritual places, it’s traditional to bathe before attending a temple.
• Remove your shoes outside before entering the temple. It is ok to ear shoes outside or around the temple.
• Smoking and drinking inside the temple is prohibited.

20 Beard facts that you may not know

• Hans Langseth’s  beard stretched to 5.33 m (17-feet, 6-inches) in 1927, earning him the title of Man With The Longest Beard Ever. Hans Langseth’s beard eventually made its way to Washington, D.C. and was stored in the Smithsonian Institute in 1967.
• Vivian Wheeler of the United States holds the record of having the longest female beard ever. Following the death of her mother in 1990 Wheeler grew a full beard that measured 11 inches.
• The Australian band called “The Beards” have sung every single one of their 38 songs about beards.
• Some people have the fear of beard which is called Pogonophobia. Nausea, feelings of dread, sweating and irregular heartbeat etc are its symptoms. 

Harmful Effects of Fireworks in Tihar

Fireworks is often used for celebrating various national and cultural events all over the world. Tihar or Dipawali in Nepal, Diwali Festival in India, Yanshui Festival in Taiwan, Montreal International Fireworks competition, Lantern Festival in Beijing, Guy Fawkes Night in the United Kingdom etc. are the festivals celebrated with fireworks.

If you ask me we should think twice before buying fireworks in Dipawali. This is not the way to celebrate this beautiful festival. There can be many alternatives of fireworks. We can buy gifts, books, gadgets or cloths which are less harmful for nature as compared to firecrackers.  Considering the effects of fireworks on health and environment we should avoid the use of fireworks & look for alternatives. 

Harmful effects of fireworks in tihar:

• On this auspicious occasion unknowingly harmful gases and toxic substances released to environment by bursting fireworks such as Barium, Cadmium, Sodium, Mercury, Nitrate and Nitrite. These are called as Air pollutants. High level of pollutants cause various respiratory tract diseases and skin diseases.
• Need of electricity goes high in this period. To overcome shortage of electricity majorly electricity generated by using diesel, Coal etc. that also causes air pollution.

Tihar

Tihar is second biggest festival celebrated in Nepal after Dashain. Tihar is also known as Deepawali in Terai and Diwali in India. Tihar is five day long festival which is celebrated 20 days after Dashain(Dashami). People light their houses with ‘diyos’ and many other lighting bulbs inside and outside their house. We can see whole Nepal lighting better than ever in a whole year during this festival.The five long day festival begins with worship of crow, followed by worship of dog in second day, laxmi puja in third day, govardhan puja in day four and ends with bhaitika on the fifth day. The festival marks the turn of year in Lunar Calendar, Nepali Sambat. 

There are various stories behind the celebration of Tihar. One of the famous stories behind the celebration of tihar is related to Yama the god of death and his sister Yamuna. Yama had been staying away from his sister for a long time. His sister wanted to meet him so she asked various sources to visit him and ask him to give her a visit. She sent crow, dog, and cow and at the end she went herself to see her brother. She worshipped him with tika and flowers, she put him five colored tika. Yamuna made a circle with mustard oil, Dubo Grass (Cynodon Dactylon) and put Makhmali Mala (Globe Amaranth) and asked Yamaraj not to go till the oil, Dubo Grass and the flower gets dry. Therefore, every sister worships her brother keeping him in the circle of mustard oil, putting mala (garland) of Makhmali flower and Dubo grass.

Good & Bad Aspect of Dashain

The biggest festival of Nepalese "Dashain" is celebrated during the month of Ashoj or kartik every year. Dashain is the longest festival of Nepal and celebrated throughout the kingdom of Nepal. The fifteen days long festival glorifies the triumph of good over evil. Dashain is mainly celebrated by hindus but it leaves its impact on every citizen of country.Weather you participate or not in the biggest festival of Nepal, there are other things to look forward to. 

Good Aspects of Dashain

1. Festival for all age group

Dashain is the festival which is entertained by all. Childrens, adult, old all celebrate and enjoy in Dashain. Family gathering, eating meats especially 'खसी ' , flying kites, visiting temples, playing cards, worshiping god & goddess etc. are the activities performed in dashain. 

आधुनिक दशैं

नेपाली भित्तेपात्रोमा सबै भन्दा लामो र महान चाड विजया दशमी "दशैं" हरेक साल अशोज - कार्तिक महिनामा (around september - october) पर्ने गर्छ। दशैंलाई नेपालको राष्ट्रिय चाड पनी मानिन्छ। दशैंलाई दशारा, बिजया दशमी, नवरात्री पनि भनिन्छ। हिन्दु धर्मावलम्बीहरुले आश्विन शुक्ल प्रतिपदा देखी नवमी सम्म शक्तीको आराधना गरी, दशमीका दिन आफ्ना नाता कुटुम्ब, ठुलाबडा र मान्यजनको हातबाट टिका र जमरा लगाई आशिर्वाद  ग्रहण गर्ने चलन छ।  घटस्थापनाका दिन जमरा  राखी , नवमी सम्म हरेक दिन फरक फरक देवीहरुको पूजा गरिन्छ। दशैंको पहिलो नौ दिन देवी दुर्गा र राक्षस महिसाशुर बिच चलेको दोन्ध जनाउछ र दसौं दिनमा महिसाशुरको बध गरेर विजयी भएको हुनाले, यस दिनलाई विजया दशमी भनिएको हो। दशमीको  दिनलाई यस चाडको प्रमुख दिन मानिन्छ। भनिन्छ,  भगवान रामले यसै दिन रावणको वध गरेका थिए।  दशमीको  दिनलाई सत्य माथी असत्यको जितको रुपमा पनी लिईन्छ।

Hiking to trishul dada

Changunarayan temple which is enlisted in World heritage site is considered as the oldest temple of Nepal. But people who want to explore bhaktapur before going to changu narayan can hike to Trishul dada. One can go hike for around 30 minutes either from sanga, on the northern face connecting duwakot to kathmandu, or from the western and northern points off the main road near sankhu. Trishul dada is on north of Changu narayan temple. If you want to go for a longer hike, you can opt for the two hour hike from changu narayan to telkot, nagarkot.

Changunarayan Temple

Changunarayan which is regarded as the oldest temple of Nepal is supposed to have been constructed in 4^th century. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu is listed in World Heritage site. The temple is located at top of the hill, which is surrounded by forest with champak tree and small village. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple built in pagoda style came into existence in lichhavi period. The temple was rebuilt in 1702 after a major fire occurred.

Changunarayan Temple after earthquake

Homestay and Ghalegaun

Homestay is a type of lodging that tourists share with the homeowner with the intention to learn culture and lifestyle from the homeowner who is willing to transmit and share their culture. The homeowner prepares lodging and food for the tourists with reasonable pay. Home-stay is different experience in comparison to other modes of accommodation such as a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast.Thehe location of the homestay is normally situated in rural areas where the whole community is still practicing the traditional way of life and embracing strong culture and traditional practices.

#Beautiful Ghale gaun Village/pic by Raseek

History of Earthquake in Nepal

Earthquake is not new in Nepal. Every now and then, Kathmandu is hit by the massive and destructive earthquake. Kathmandu is also one of the cities around the world that lies in the seismic zone. There were several records of earthquake that has hit Nepal and caused huge damage to both human life and property. The massive earthquake that was occurred in 1934 was of 8.4 Richer, more powerful and deadliest than the recent earthquake on 25th of April, 2015. During that massive earthquake, it has destroyed many cultural and historical heritages such as Dharahara (which has been completely destroyed in recent earthquake), Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and many such places which are important from both cultural and historical points of view. Those places were rebuilt after the shocking disasters.

Damage/Loss in Culture Heritage Sector of Kathmandu

Seven groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley make up the world heritage site. Let’s take a sad look at what has gone and what stands still.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

80 percent of the temples around Durbar Square are now destroyed in Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the 18th century Vatsala Durga Temple – a towering sandstone structure that evoked the peaks surround-ing the city. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square also sustained severe damage, with parts of the Hanuman Dhoka (the city’s oldest palace) having collapsed along with the pagodas of several temples.

Why Should we travel?

Travelling is a natural human activity just like breathing, eating. From the beginning of human civilization people used to travel.. However, people travelling in the past had different motives than people travelling in the present times. In past travelling were more related with trading and merchandise, visit to religious sites and some people used to travel to new places to enhance knowledge and experience. However, modern day travel is mostly related to rest & relaxation, pleasure and so on.

We have modern transportation facilities now which has made travel lot more easier than before.  We can travel from one corner of world to another just in few hours of time. Not only transportation, we have internet which provides information of every country, its culture & people and popular destinations. We need to travel more as travelling is much more easier now. Travelling enhances our experience, the more we experience we gain the more we understand life. We will get a chance to know the life behind our community.

Here, are few reasons why we should travel:

• Travel to know the unknown
• Travel creates moments
• Travel to know what is beyond your community
• Meeting new people and learning about their culture, language and so on.
• Travelling increases knowledge
• To know nature closely
• To refresh mind & be energetic
• Travel makes you feel younger