RusticGuy

Rildok: soup of smashed potatoes with tomatoes. Rildok is a traditional Sherpa dish made from potatoes mashed to a pulp by beating or pounding it. We can find this dish in the villages and also in Boudha and Swoyambhu area of Kathmandu valley. It is getting more popular recently and is specially in demand during winter. Traditionally, boiled potatoes were smashed or pounded in large wooden mortars to prepare rildok. These days many people use electric machine like hand blender and stone mortar. I stayed with a Sherpa family for 12 years. And I used their large wooden mortar whenever I made rildok. I used to prepare it twice a month then. Today for this recipe also I am using a wooden mortar because my friend has recently purchased one especially to make rildok at her home. Now, let’s get onto the recipe of smashed potato soup (Rildok) with tomato broth.

Sakela (Nepali: साकेला) is one of the main festival of Kirat Rai people, an ethnic group indigenous to Eastern Nepal and Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling regions of India. Sakela is celebrated twice a year and is distinguished by two names Ubhauli and Udhauli. Sakela Ubhauli is celebrated during Baisakh Purnima (full moon day in the month of Baisakh) and Sakela Udhauli is celebrated during the full moon day in the month of Mangsir. Significance: Kirats believe in shamanism and are worshippers of nature. The Sakela celebration is a prayer to mother nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities. The festival is Started on Baisakh Purnima, Sakela Ubhauli is celebrated for 15 days in Baisakh (April/May) marking the beginning of the farming year. Similarly, the celebration of Sakela Udhauli during Mangsir (November/December), which is the harvest season, is the giving of thanks to mother nature for providing a good harvest. Sakela dance: The main characteristic of this festival is a ritual dance call Sakela dance performed by large groups of Kirats, wearing their traditional attire. People from all ages dance together in a large circle. There are male and female leaders in each circle known as Silimangpa and Silimangma respectively. They choreograph the dance moves known as sili while others follow them. The sili reflects the different aspects of human life and their relationship with nature. Variations Bahing or Bayung Rai performaing Segro Silli dance. Among the various Rai languages Sakela also called "Sakewa/Sakenwa" in Bantawa, Dungmali and Mewahang "Tosh in" Kulung and Nachhiring , "Toshi" in Thulung , "Segro" in Bahing , "Iksamang/Balipuja" in Lohorung and Yamphu , "Fagulak" in Puma all Rai people worship "land deity" (Bhumi dev) Mother Earth (deity) in this festival and perform various types of dance related to nature and Human civilization:farming, hunting, weaving, acting of birds, animals and insects etc the dance is called "Silli" in Rai languages like "Toshi silli", "Tosh silli", "Sakela silli", Sakenwa silli etc. Silli means dance moves.

Brief History of Kirtipur The history of Kirtipur is really fascinating. The word “Kirtipur” means “glory city.” The fall of Kirtipur actually brought down an entire empire. Prior to the 1770’s, the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Dynasty. This dynasty is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of the valley because of its emphasis on craftsmanship. Most of the famous Nepali architecture was built during this time frame including all of the Durbar Squares. In the 1750’s, the Gorkha King was trying to take over with little luck. The Gorkhali army actually attacked this little city three times before winning. The first attack was somewhat straight-forward, while the second attack involved setting up blockades to starve the residents of the city. After little success, they attacked at night, but the townspeople threw stones over the walls to deter the army from getting in. On the third try, the Gorkhas made it into the city with the help of a traitor who showed them the way. It’s said that the Gorkha King was so mad at being defeated so many times that he killed anyone noteworthy and cut the noses off of the remaining 800 villagers. At the time this was a common punishment for thieves. After capturing Kirtipur, the army was able to capture the remainder of the Kathmandu Valley, and the rule changed from the Malla dynasty to the Shah dynasty which lasted until 2008. In Nepali history, this was known as the unification of Nepal. There’s also an interesting story of a woman named Kirti Laxmi who disguised herself as a man to fight off the Gorkha army. She continued to fight them even after they gained control. She was later held captive and took her own life, but before being captured, she inspired the army not to give up. It’s said that the city is named in her honor. Today, Kirtipur is a quiet city with beautiful temples and views of the Himalaya.

Handmade Singing Bowl is a type of standing bell in the Buddhist tradition, which produces a soothing musical tune. This delicate singing sound invokes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves mental awareness. Buddhists use singing bowls in various religious practices, meditations, and chants. Singing Bowl Therapy Singing bowl therapy is very popular in Nepal, India, and Tibet. The therapy relaxes the body from stress and takes the mind to an equilibrium state. A lot of healing centers who provide singing bowl therapy stress that it deeply relaxes the body and mind. It helps with palpitations, stabilizes breathing and blood pressure. It also heals your body internally and reduces anger to increases mental alertness. Singing bowl therapies across the world have proven their miraculous effects. This therapy is emerging with an increasing emphasis on holistic living.

The Treaty of Thapathali (Chinese) was a treaty signed between the Tibetan government of "Ganden Phodrang" and the State of Nepal at the "Thapathali Palace in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, after the Nepal–Tibetan War. In January 1856, a representative group of Tibet came to Kathmandu to discuss the treaty. After lengthy discussions, the delegation finally signed a treaty on March 24.After this treaty, the Nepal-Tibet vote trade formally began and Asan Indrachok was the main center. From Asan to the local level, the practice of market bazaar spread all over Nepal.