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The Shiva Linga is a representation of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It symbolizes the formless and limitless nature of Shiva, representing both creation and dissolution. The Lingam is typically depicted as an elongated oval-shaped stone or pillar, often with a cylindrical base called the yoni, symbolizing the cosmic womb.

This past week, I came across Mithilesh Kumar Santra’s Murti Kala Kendra, a statue shop in front of the west gate of Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. Upon entering, I saw many designs of Shiva Linga and statues of different Hindu deities. They also make statues of humans, with photos as references.

The statues are made of marble, black stone, or red stone. Black stone statues cost double as ones made in red stone or marble. Eighteen-year-old Aman, who is helping his father with the business, says “I often see Lord Shiva in my dreams. He tells me to work hard and concentrate more on my work without worrying about the result.”

Making statues of people is also popular. A single statue of a human that’s made with marble weighs around 200-250 kg. It’s designed in India. Making precise detailing on statues requires big machinery and that’s the reason such designs are made in India and then brought to Nepal. It costs a minimum of Rs 70,000 to make a human half-body statue.

There are five different designs of Shiva Linga found at this shop, the prices of which range from Rs 50,000 to 75,000. The worship of the Lingam is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years and continues to be an integral part of Hindu spirituality and rituals. It’s believed that the Lingam embodies the essence of Shiva’s energy. Devotees worship Shiva Linga as a symbol of the divine power of Lord Shiva and as a means to connect with the universal energy.

Over 300 artists from 11 countries showcased various cultural performances at a program jointly organized by Vajra Kala Kunja and the Ancient Monument Conservation Research Society in Basantpur, Jhochhen, Kathmandu on March 8. The cultural extravaganza aimed to celebrate and safeguard the rich tapestry of global art and heritage.

According to the organizers, the essence of the program lay in the preservation and promotion of original art and culture, cultivating a deeper understanding of diverse cultures worldwide. It also served as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering collaboration among nations, and contributing to the promotion of tourism.

The participating artists were from different nations, including Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Estonia, Germany, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, and South Africa. Each brought their unique cultural traditions to the forefront. Their collective presence underscored the universality of art and its power to bridge geographical and cultural divides.

Through a vibrant display of talent and tradition, the event not only celebrated cultural diversity but also fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration among nations, enriching the cultural landscape of Kathmandu and leaving a lasting impact on the attendees.

Full moon live concerts take place every full moon night at the Kirateshwor Sangeet Ashram, which lies on the east bank of the Bagmati river on the premises of Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

The ashram, which was established in 1991, was founded for the development of classical music in Nepal. It offers vocal classes, dance classes, and a variety of music courses.  

Every year, a competition is held at the ashram and only the most deserving students get a chance to play during holy full moon nights. The winner is awarded a year of scholarship at the ashram as well as a cash prize. 

The concert is held between five to eight in the evening. It’s free and everybody is welcome. The music is soothing and it feels a little spiritual too. The tunes transported me to a meditative state of sorts. It’s an extremely calming experience that can recharge and rejuvenate you. 

I was surprised to find out that not many people know about these concerts that have been happening regularly for the past 25 years. I believe we must do everything we can to promote this event as a tourism activity. Though I saw a lot of locals and tourists alike when I was attending one, the concert deserves a much larger crowd and fanbase. 

Veda Herbal Product is a small-scale industry that makes soaps, essential oils, massage oils, hair oils, etc. They have a range of fragrances—citronella, mint, honey blend, neem, rose, sandalwood, lemongrass, etc. Butter tree soap is one of their best selling products. Their products are used in hotels in Nepal and exported to Japan and various European countries.

“Butter tree soap is a great alternative to perfume-mixed commercial soaps. It has high medical value too,” says Rajiv Pandey, the founder of Veda Herbal Product. Located in Bhangal in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, the company was founded five years ago. Pandey’s father was an Ayurvedic doctor who provided the necessary information needed to launch the brand.

The process of making handmade soap generally involves mixing fats or oils with a strong alkali solution (such as lye) to initiate a chemical reaction called saponification. The process starts with collecting all the ingredients needed for the soap recipe, including oils or fats, lye, water, fragrances, colorants, and any other additives. The oils and fats are heated until they melt and mix. Lye is then added to the water and stirred until it dissolves completely. The desired fragrance is added once both the oil and lye solution have cooled to a suitable temperature.

The workers then pour the soap mixture into molds of the desired shape. The soaps are left in the molds for 24-48 hours, after which they are cut into bars. The bars are placed on a rack in a well-ventilated area to cure for four to six weeks. This allows excess water to evaporate, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting bar of soap.