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I recently visited Angel Horse Stable in Chundevi in Kathmandu. I wanted to see what all happened at a horse-riding school. I met Suman Bhujel, 20, who is currently an instructor at the center. He has been working there for the past seven years. He started as a helping hand at the center, cleaning the stables and feeding the horses, and later learned horse riding and underwent buggy management training as well.

Bhujel says he has always been fascinated with horses. As a child, he used to peek through the walls of the center and watch people ride horses for hours. “It’s an unconventional job but it’s exciting and I love it. No two days are the same,” he says.

In recent times, horse buggy or horse carriages have become popular in some parts of Nepal. It’s often used in weddings as it adds a festive and ceremonial touch to the marriage procession. Bhujel says many couples have been favoring beautifully decorated horse buggies as part of the wedding celebrations instead of the regular cars and jeeps.

Traditionally, horse-drawn carriages were used at weddings. It was once reserved for princes and princesses. The carriages were usually velvet-lined and adorned with flowers. The practice is now back in fashion again as more and more couples have started opting for this regal mode of transport during what is perhaps the most important day of their lives.

Apart from using horse buggies for weddings, the general fascination with horse riding seems to have increased too, says Bhujel. There are lots of children and adults alike coming in for weekly riding classes at the horse-riding school. Bhujel says the younger you start learning the better it is but horse-riding is fairly easy once you grasp a few important techniques. 

There’s something extremely calming about lighting oil lamps, especially in the serene environment of a religious space. Watching others light the wick is also quite comforting. It’s something I find solace in whenever I feel overwhelmed.

Butter lamps, commonly found around stupas, hold cultural and religious significance in various Buddhist traditions. They symbolize dispelling darkness and ignorance and represent the light of wisdom. Devotees often offer butter lamps as a form of prayer and to generate positive karma.

Recently, I talked to an elderly woman, Chhiring Sherpa, at Boudhanath in Kathmandu. She was lighting oil lamps in memory of her late husband. It was a way for her to remember the good times they shared and offer prayers for his well-being in the afterlife.

In front of the Boudha stupa, someone was readying the materials needed to make the lamps. There was butter (ghee), and cotton wicks with a thin bamboo stick inside them to hold the flame in place. The butter is made from pine trees and is melted into liquid form in a big container and then poured into lamps. After the lamp is burned, workers use prayer flags tied at the stupa for cleaning purposes.

Every day thousands of butter lamps are lit at this place. The price of a single oil lamp ranges from Rs 15 to Rs 15000. The most expensive lamp can be lit for almost a month. The culture of lighting oil lamps has existed for centuries. People today still have faith that lighting oil lamps brings harmony and that all their prayers will be answered.

I have closely followed the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track national pride project for over two years. Whenever I’ve inquired about the project with the Nepali Army, which is responsible for its execution, they assert that everything is on track. However, the actual on-site progress tells a different story.

Since the government entrusted the project to the army six years ago, the deadline has been extended four times. The most recent deadline is set for April 2027. But the progress of the fast track stands at a mere 28.56 percent, with financial progress at 29.44 percent.

During my recent visit to the site, my primary focus was on the tunnels. I visited the construction site of three tunnels—Mahadevtar, Dhedre, and Lendanda. Work on three other tunnels has yet to start.

Currently, out of the total 6.415 km length of three tunnels, 3.592 km has been completed, marking a progress rate of 56 percent. This might be a hopeful sign.

At the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the desert meets the sea, resides a city that embodies luxury, innovation, and limitless exploration. Against the backdrop of the Global Climate Conference, COP28, Dubai revealed its multifaceted allure, beckoning both delegates and visitors to explore its vibrant tapestry.

Venturing beyond the conference precincts, I embarked on an excursion through Dubai, a diverse fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary extravagance. The city unveiled a myriad of experiences, each more thrilling than the last.

From the awe-inspiring views during a lavish yacht party, where the shimmering skyline mirrored the bright-black sky above, to the adrenaline-pumping adventure of a desert safari, navigating golden dunes under the Arabian sun, each moment was filled with excitement.

The sun-drenched beaches welcomed guests with their flawless sands and azure waters, offering a tranquil escape amidst the city’s bustling energy. As night descended, Dubai’s nightlife lit up the sky, casting an enchanting ambiance over the lively streets and bustling venues.

Through my camera lens, I captured Dubai’s essence—a blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient heritage harmonizes seamlessly with futuristic marvels. Each photo encapsulates the spirit of adventure, luxury, and cultural opulence that defines this extraordinary city.

Every image of Dubai tells a story of marvel and indulgence, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered.