Rediscovering Salleri: Reviving Nepal’s forgotten regional heritage

In the archives of Nepal’s cultural narrative, the Everest juggernaut has long eclipsed other regions—none more so than the Heart of Solukhumbu- Salleri, once the thriving heart of Sherpa culture reduced to a transit station or a parking station for the jeeps coming down from Lukla or Namche carrying stranded trekkers from Khumbu. Today, the Saga Dawa Running Festival organized by Thekchhen Pema Chholing Monastery, is scripting a quiet but profound counterpoint: a reclamation of Buddhist heritage through the rhythmic cadence of runners’ feet on ancient trails.  

This is no ordinary marathon. It is, if you will, a moving meditation—one that traverses the sacred geography of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and forgotten heritage spots. The festival, timed to Saga Dawa (the holiest month in the Buddhist calendar, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana), transforms athletic endeavor into spiritual homage. Runners become pilgrims, retracing steps once taken by Sherpa traders and monks, their breath mingling with mountain winds that have carried prayers for centuries. The racing routes aren’t merely scenic; they’re internationally accredited by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and UTMB, adding credibility and granting participants, especially Nepal’s trailblazing local runners, a coveted spot in the global performance index. 

But the festival’s genius lies in its vision of interconnectedness. Alongside the races, a Himalayan food tour offers flavors preserved through generations, while an ‘ethnic fashion show’ showcases colorful fashion woven with stories of resilience. Highland dance workshop and ethnic music performances—raw, authentic, and beautiful—are not mere entertainment but acts of cultural preservation.  

The jewel in the crown? The Buddha Purnima celebrations,  which is one of the most important festivals will bring the entire community for a peace procession in the town and ceremony in the monasteries which the visitors can witness.On the same day, inauguration of Himalayan Art Symposium 2025 supported by the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Arts, New York, honors the regional Himalayan artists and elevates their artistry onto a global stage.Nepal's greatest cultural custodians have often been the last to recognize their own inheritance. Through immersive presentations and dialogues, the event hopes to awaken the locals to what has too long been taken for granted: the sublime mastery of our mountain artists;  providing an antidote to the cultural amnesia. Master artists and young prodigies alike gather, their brushstrokes echoing the festival’s ethos: that heritage is not static, but living and breathing.  

In reimagining Salleri and the surrounding villages as a nexus of outdoor recreational sport and Spirituality, the festival achieves something extraordinary: it proves that development need not come at the cost of identity. Here, every stride is a step toward remembering—and in remembering, we attain a spiritual honor which every Nepali needs in these dire times and can offer to the troubled world today.

The ultimate shopping solution

Shopping for clothes in Kathmandu can sometimes be an ordeal. With cheaply made and sourced Chinese products dominating the market, the options are endless but you can never be sure that the product you buy is of good quality. Colors fade, fabrics shrink and look misshapen, buttons pop off on second wear, and you’ll have to soon replace it with another. Though we have recommended some sustainable brand wears in the past, we know it might not always be a feasible solution especially given the fact that these pieces though well crafted and of high quality can be slightly on the expensive side. So, this week, we bring to you some businesses that offer good quality clothes at reasonable prices.

Ruby’s Collection

If you want good quality cord sets, kurtis, kurta sets, saris, etc. at a price you won’t regret, look no further than Ruby’s Collection. From party wear to everyday outfits, you will be spoilt for choice. Sourced from different parts of India like Banaras and Jaipur, the products at Ruby’s Collection are gorgeous and offer great value for money. You can browse through their collection on their Instagram and Facebook page or even visit their outlet located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur.

Nesca Nepal

Head to Nesca Nepal in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, or order from their Instagram page if you want daily wear clothes that are unique and fun. They even have a range of accessories and bags at affordable prices that you can pair with your outfits to create looks that match your mood. Most of the products are sourced from India so that vibe can be a little ethnic with floral motifs, paisleys, and tribal prints dominating the products available here. But you can rest assured that you won’t be paying a paisa extra than what they are worth.

Junkiri

We think the clothes Junkiri sells are beautiful. You will want to buy them all. They are well-designed pieces that are different from what you get at regular stores in Nepal. There is a wide range of tops and kurtis that are perfect for office or party wear. Junkiri’s summer collection is even better than their winter edition so now is just the right time to head to their outlet located in Manbhawan, Lalitpur, to get your wardrobe ready for the hot months ahead. Some of the items might feel slightly pricey but given the quality and the make, it will be worth the investment.

Yantra Fashion

This could very well be your one stop solution for party dresses, pants, tops, t-shirts, skirts, and everything else that you want to include in your closet. They have a good variety of clothes and they almost always have sizes available so you won’t have to be disappointed. What’s more, they have separate accounts for children’s clothes, men’s clothes, and accessories as well. What you see on the posts or photos is exactly what you will be receiving so you don’t have to worry about not liking something once you get it. You won’t have to spend a lot on these items as everything is moderately priced and feels light on the pocket.

Jurshital: A folk festival of Madhes

Jurshital is an ancient folk festival celebrated across Madhes, akin to Holi, but with the joyous tradition of playing with mud instead of colors. This festival is observed annually before the advent of the New Year in the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar. It is a social festival enjoyed by all, characterized by fun and merriment. Jurshital is neither entirely cultural nor religious; rather, it is a one-day festivity that brings people together in celebration.

The festival marks the beginning of the New Year in the spring season, a time when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, creating a soothing and pleasant atmosphere. It is widely celebrated by Maithili, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Tharu-speaking communities in southern Nepal, as well as in certain regions of neighboring India. Jurshital usually falls on April 14th or 15th each year, heralding the arrival of the New Year in the Bikram era.

Jurshital embodies a deep connection between nature and humanity. In today’s fast-paced world, people often struggle to appreciate the beauty of nature. As the poet William Wordsworth once wrote:

“The world is too much with us; we have no time to stand and stare.”

This festival serves as a reminder to reconnect with nature. The very name ‘Jurshital’ reflects this essence: ‘Jur’ means connection, and ‘Shital’ means coolness. It symbolizes staying calm and composed, even if just for a day. Playing with fresh, pure mud is believed to have medicinal benefits, acting as a natural remedy for skin ailments and stress.

One of the unique traditions of the festival is the act of seniors pouring cold water on the heads of juniors, signifying blessings and a wish for a calm and peaceful mind. This ritual strengthens social and cultural bonds within the community. Additionally, plants, trees, and animals are also included in the celebrations, as people pour pure and cool water over them early in the morning to maintain the ecosystem.

Jurshital begins with a local ritual called ‘Satuaiyan’ on the first day of Baisakh. The second day, Baisakh 2nd, is marked by the practice of seniors pouring water on juniors’ heads as a gesture of love and well-being. A significant aspect of the festival is the consumption of ‘Satua’, a flour made from roasted gram, which keeps the body cool and is rich in nutrients such as iron and magnesium. This medicinal diet is high in protein and low in sodium, making it an ideal breakfast choice.

Another traditional practice during Jurshital is giving the kitchen a break for a day. People eat food prepared the previous day, which is believed to be cooling for the body and mind. Delicacies such as cold curd-based curry, rice, ‘badi’ (sun-dried lentil dumplings), mango chutney, drumstick (‘Sohijan’) curry, and vegetable fritters are enjoyed. This practice also symbolizes respect for fire, as no cooking is done on the first day of Baisakh.

A significant cultural aspect of Jurshital is the performance of the folk drama ‘Salhesh’, which is especially popular among the Dushadh community. Salhesh, a revered figure in Madheshi folklore, is worshipped as a domestic deity by the Dushadh people, though members of other castes also participate in the festivities. The worship of Salhesh takes place in open spaces, usually under a ‘pipal’ tree on the outskirts of villages. The ritual involves offerings of rice, incense sticks, and sandalwood, among other sacred items.

A priest, embodying Salhesh, performs a trance-like ritual, chanting mantras and engaging in dramatic acts such as walking on the edge of a sword, which devotees believe is a manifestation of divine possession. He then showers flowers and rice upon the audience as a blessing before returning to normalcy.

In the past, the Dushadh community was considered a lower caste in the hierarchical caste system of Madhesh. However, in the present era of democracy and equality, caste-based discrimination has diminished, and the Dushadhs are now regarded as equal members of society. They actively participate in social activities without any distinctions.

Sirodhara: For deep relaxation and healing

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, stress has become an unwelcome but constant companion. The pressure of responsibilities, digital overload, and emotional strain leave the mind restless and the body fatigued. But what if there was a way to silence the noise, restore balance, and awaken a deep sense of calm? Sirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy, offers a sanctuary of healing where warm herbal oils flow like liquid meditation, melting away tension and inviting profound relaxation.

Sirodhara is not just a treatment—it’s an experience, a ritual of rejuvenation that dates back to over 5,000 years to the wisdom of Ayurveda. The word itself—Siro (head) and Dhara (flow)—embodies its essence. There’s a continuous, gentle stream of warm oil dripping down over the forehead, particularly targeting the Ajna Chakra, or the third eye. This sacred region, located between the eyebrows, is believed to be the seat of intuition, consciousness, and mental clarity. In ancient times, sages and healers practiced this therapy to bring balance to the body’s energies, particularly Vata and Pitta, which govern the mind, nervous system, and emotions.

But beyond its spiritual significance, modern science now validates what Ayurveda has known for millennia—Sirodhara has profound effects on the nervous system, hormonal balance, and overall health. 

The journey of Sirodhara begins with stillness. As you lie comfortably on a specially designed table, surrounded by the faint aroma of healing herbs, the process unfolds like poetry. Warm oil, chosen specifically for your body type and needs, is poured in a continuous, hypnotic stream over your forehead—right at the Ajna chakra, the third eye. The oil glides in smooth, silken waves, washing away fatigue, dissolving tension, and lulling the nervous system into a tranquil state. Time drifts, thoughts fade, and what remains is pure, undisturbed peace.

From this writer’s personal experience, the sensation of warm sesame oil continuously flowing over his forehead and scalp was nothing short of transformative. The pressure and stress that he had been carrying in his head seemed to dissolve and flow down into his lower body. It felt like all the tension, once accumulated in his mind, was being released from his head, spreading throughout his body. After the Sirodhara, he took a steam bath, and it was as if all the remaining stress that had moved to his lower body was entirely removed. He highly recommends taking a steam bath after Sirodhara for a complete sense of relief and relaxation.

Sirodhara is deeply therapeutic, offering sanctuary to those burdened by chronic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and mental exhaustion. It calms the racing mind, regulates sleep cycles, and provides relief from the pressures of modern life. The therapy is also beneficial for the body, nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, and improving circulation. 

One of the most remarkable benefits of Sirodhara is its ability to lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. Research has shown that Sirodhara naturally reduces cortisol levels, bringing the body back to a state of equilibrium. The warm oil, along with the rhythmic motion of the therapy, activates the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the ‘rest and digest’ mode—slowing the heart rate, relaxing muscles, and promoting deep breathing. This results in a state of profound calm, reducing symptoms of anxiety and mental fatigue.

Sirodhara also stimulates the hypothalamus, regulating hormones, and promoting a natural sense of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s an effective remedy for sleep disorders, migraines, sinus-related headaches, and chronic stress, helping to restore balance and well-being. 

For optimal results, Sirodhara is best performed three times a month. However, it can also be done regularly as a part of a holistic wellness routine. Just like yoga and meditation, Sirodhara’s full effects are felt with consistent practice, enhancing mental clarity, regulating stress hormones, and improving sleep patterns over time.

Sirodhara is an art, a science, and a gift from the ancient past to the modern soul. It’s an invitation to step away from the rush, reconnect with yourself, and surrender to the healing touch of Ayurveda. 

At Swasthya Dental and Wellness Center, trained Ayurvedic practitioners customize the experience by selecting the finest herbal oils based on your dosha and health concerns. Whether you seek relief from stress, improved sleep, or enhanced mental clarity, Sirodhara offers a transformative journey of healing. As someone who has experienced this therapy, this writer can confidently say that it’s more than just a treatment—it’s a path to emotional balance, physical rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with yourself.