Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Hosts Cultural Mahotsav
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organized a vibrant ‘Mahotsav’ to celebrate the shared cultural heritage between Nepal and India. The event took place on a Friday evening and featured captivating performances by Nepali bands, including Sur Saptak and Kanta dAb dAb. These bands showcased a mix of ethnic, folk, fusion, and contemporary music, delighting the audience.
Celebrating Festivals Together
The Mahotsav was held in honor of significant festivals such as Dashain (Dussehra), Tihar (Diwali), and Chhath. Dashain, celebrated from October 3 to October 16, is Nepal’s longest Hindu festival, marked by family reunions, gift exchanges, and prayers to Goddess Durga. Tihar, known as the festival of lights, will be celebrated from October 30 to November 3, focusing on the worship of Yama, the God of Death, and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun, will occur from November 5 to 8.
Distinguished Guests and Festive Delights
The event was attended by distinguished guests from various fields in Nepal, including art and culture. Attendees enjoyed traditional delicacies from both Nepal and India and participated in festive activities like swinging on the ‘ping’. The Mahotsav was a beautiful representation of the cultural ties between the two nations.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Embassy -: An embassy is a place where representatives of a country live and work in another country. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is where Indian officials work in Nepal to help with relations between India and Nepal.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, which is a country located to the north of India. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Mahotsav -: Mahotsav is a Hindi word that means ‘festival’ or ‘celebration’. It is an event where people come together to enjoy cultural activities, music, and food.
Sur Saptak -: Sur Saptak is the name of a Nepali band that plays music. Bands like Sur Saptak perform songs and entertain people with their musical talents.
Kanta dAb dAb -: Kanta dAb dAb is another Nepali band that performs music. They are known for their unique style and contribute to the cultural celebration with their performances.
Dashain -: Dashain is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and some parts of India. It is similar to Durga Puja in India and involves family gatherings, feasting, and worship.
Tihar -: Tihar is a festival celebrated in Nepal, similar to Diwali in India. It is known as the festival of lights and includes decorating homes with lamps and worshipping animals like cows and dogs.
Chhath -: Chhath is a festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal. People offer prayers to the sun and take holy baths in rivers.
Distinguished guests -: Distinguished guests are important people who are invited to attend special events. They can be leaders, celebrities, or experts in their fields who are respected and recognized for their contributions.