Culture under a shadow by Kishor Maharjan

Photo: kishor Maharjan

CULTURE UNDER A SHADOW: Men were in ‘daura suruwal’ and women were in traditional red with colourful beads and jewellery. This week, Martadi, Bajura locals came together in the middle of Rautada forest to celebrate the local Madu Puja, in honour of the Hindu god Kailash.

Women were carrying flowers and ‘jamara’ in big baskets on their heads, chanting and singing. For Martadi local Dhani Kathayat, 53, Madu Puja was a chance to continue her family tradition and meet her mother and sisters.⠀ ⠀ ⠀

Photo: Kishor Maharjan

While the government has prohibited celebrating festivals due to the pandemic Kathayat believes that god is bigger than the virus. Asked if she is scared of the virus she says, “We all die one day, I am not afraid to die.”

Photos and Text: Kishor Maharjan @kishor.maharjan

Edit: Mallika Aryal @mikaness

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