Live from Kathmandu: Chhath Festivities

It seems like this is the time of year for festivity after festivity.  After last week's Tihar, Chhath comes a few days after with its own fascinating rites and rituals.   This time the focus is on dawn and dusk on the riverbanks of Nepal.   

During Chhath, a Hindu ceremony, everyone gathers by the side of the river - and sometimes in the river - to worship the sun, aka Surya in the Nepali language.   Originally only practiced in the Terai, or the southern low-lying rice basket of Nepal, in the last 6 years the practice of Chhath has spread to the Kathmandu Valley.

Fireworks were part of the spectacle.   Even though outlawed, firecrackers were common.

The ceremony is believed to bring prosperity, well-being and progress as well as curing skin conditions including leprosy.

Nepal's current President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, turned out for the ceremonies, though he and his party were in a separate tent from the locals.

The Nepali police wasted no time in moving us so that the President could drive through.  They gently waved their batons. 

As the sun sets, the ladies gather with their offerings of flowers and food.   The women also fast and eat no meat during this four-day holiday.   Some towns in Nepal have become completely vegetarian for the holiday and butcher shops take the days off.

People wait patiently to get across the river to the main temple area of Pushupathinath.

The president's private tent was on the other side of the river from main festivities.   The name Chhath is from the number 6 in the Hindu language.   Chhath is also celebrated in India by both Hindus and Jains.

This morning around the Boudha stupa, a black dog enjoys his drink from a small cup while another pup curls up in the sun.

Buster the Labrador Retriever by Baba, Megh Raj Thapa and Sagar (clockwise from top left)

Buster is a water dog that loves his Caribbean beaches.   He would be at home in the river with the Chhath celebrants.   His owner could not choose and bought all three of the above portraits.   Theya re all quite different and great in their own way.   Love the deep shadow on the beach on all three.

This is what you can expect when you honor your dog (or cat or bunny) with a Nepal Art Dog portrait.  The time to order is now.   No obligation to buy, but I bet you will not be able to resist!  You will receive your choice of portrait in time for the holidays.   Orders accepted through the end of November.

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If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken , bunny, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, now is the perfect time to order.   I am here in November, 2012, to order more Danger Dogs and Cats.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Fall 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

Micro-finance through art patronage.    Trade not Aid.