Welcome to Nepal's Day of the Dog 2017
New Finals from Dilip

Laxmi Puja or the Festival of Lights in Boudha

The third day of Tihar starts as being the Day of the Cow, but the real fun starts when evening comes and every home is adorned with colorful powders (rangolis) leading to their front door.   Also lit by butter lamps and candles, this is all meant to attract Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth, to their home.   The day is filled with music and merriment, fireworks and laughter.

But those Rangolis...

 Rangoli on the Boudha Stupa draws many admirers

A large Rangoli made of colored powders

 This one was done by a female Nepali artist.  I remember her from last year.   People come and marvel at this impermanent piece of art.   This rangoli only lasted another 48 hours, but was always admired.

A colorful rangoli beckons Laxmi into a shop

A Rangoli beckons Laxmi to a shop
Rangolis for Laxmi Puja
Rangolis in an arcade in Boudha

 When many shops are in an arcade, the rangolis can get elaborate.   I hope Laxmi isn't confused...

A pinwheel rangoli to entice Laxmi
Rangoli on a quiet street in Boudha

 This pinwheel shape is especially appealing.

Rangoli and fireworks on the Boudha Stupa
Sparklers and fireworks are part of the fun
Sparklers and Rangoli on theBoudha Stupa
Boudha Stupa rang with laughter and sparkled with light

 Cafe du Temple Arcade lit for Laxmi

An arcade in Boudha filled with Rangoli 
Primitive Rangoli in Boudha
A small Rangoli 
Butter lamps heat the night around Boudha Stupa
Butter lamps glow in the night around the Stupa

 Religion is always the reason for any holiday in Nepal. 

Boudha Stupa covered in lights
Boudha Stupa covered in light

 It is always special to see Boudha Stupa lit at night.   During Laxmi Puja they stay on all night.

Street dogs of Boudha
Street dogs of Boudha sleep through the festivities

 These insouciant street dogs don't seem to mind the loud fireworks and the crowds.  They are sleeping in order to get up and bark all night!

 

Street dog of Boudha with Rangoli
The next day the rangoli are intact

 For at least a little while, these rangolis see the light of day before being destroyed by footsteps or dogs or the wind.   After 3 days they are all gone. 

Folk art portrait of a Papillon Chihuahua dog hand painted on metal in Nepal
A Papillon Chihuahua mix by Megh Raj Thapa

This little charmer is hand painted on metal by the sign board artist Megh Raj Thapa and is a perfect example of what you can expect when you order a portrait of your pet.   You can fully customize what you would like it to say, coloring in the background, style of painting (folk art or realistic) and, of course, all pets are welcome.   I have had everything from desert turtles to conyers to ferrets ordered.    Each commission gets a choice of 3 portraits by different artists.

I am currently in Nepal at the beginning of my trip.   Please order soon.

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!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   

I am in Kathmandu right now and taking orders until the November 25, 2017 cut off date.  I will be back in plenty of time to mail your holiday orders.

How to order your custom pet portrait from NepalDog.com

  1. 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 people 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   [email protected]  
That's it !

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!

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $20 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait. 
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

Let's keep these artists painting.

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!

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