Nepal Celebrates Phulpati: A Dashain Festival Tradition
In Kathmandu, Nepal, the vibrant celebration of Phulpati took place, marking the seventh day of the Dashain festival. This tradition involves a palanquin arriving at Basantapur Durbar Square’s Dashain Ghar from Gorkha Durbar, a practice that has been honored for about a century. Phulpati, a collection of auspicious flowers, leaves, and fruits, is anointed at Dashain Ghar, following Vedic rituals.
The tradition began with Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of modern Nepal, who established a single Dashain Ghar in Kathmandu. He initiated the custom of bringing Phulpati from Gorkha to Kathmandu, adding significance to the festival. Each year, a palanquin carrying Phulpati is dispatched from Gorkha Dashainghar to Kathmandu, where it is received with a grand procession involving the Nepal Army, police, and cultural pageantry.
Phulpati marks a time when government and private offices close, allowing people to return to their ancestral homes to seek blessings from Durga Bhawani and their elders. The festival, which begins with Ghatasthapana, gains special fervor on the day of Phulpati.
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Phulpati -: Phulpati is a special day during the Dashain festival in Nepal. It involves a traditional ceremony with a collection of sacred plants that are considered auspicious.
Dashain festival -: Dashain is the biggest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal. It is similar to Durga Puja in India and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and rituals.
Gorkha Durbar -: Gorkha Durbar is a historic palace in Nepal. It is significant because it was the home of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who unified Nepal.
Basantapur Durbar Square -: Basantapur Durbar Square is a famous historical site in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known for its beautiful old palaces and temples.
Prithvi Narayan Shah -: Prithvi Narayan Shah was a king of Nepal who is credited with unifying the country. He started the tradition of Phulpati during the Dashain festival.
Nepal Army -: The Nepal Army is the military force of Nepal. They participate in the Phulpati procession as part of the cultural and traditional celebrations.
Dashain Ghar -: Dashain Ghar is a special place where the Phulpati ceremony is held. It is where the sacred plants are anointed during the festival.