Bishwakarma puja -- preparations. Pix 2.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

Joined
Mar 5, 1999
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top -- mama prepares the altar with offerings of fresh fruit, flowers, abir and incense.

center -- finished khukuris are placed on an altar, not allowed to touch the wall or the wood of the altar. A sprinkling of abir is placed in front of them.

bottom -- Yangdu listens intently as Sgt. Karka explains the significance of Bishwakarma puja to her and tells her how important, meaningful, and truly religious it is to the men of BirGorkha. Because she is a female Yangdu cannot participate in the ceremonies. There may be exceptions to this female exclusion but if there is I don't know about them.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
Bill,
Are females allowed to stay in the building during the ceremony and just observe?
Thanks for more great shots.

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JP
 
The females did not stay in the shop during the cermonies. They are Nepali and understand this is a male dominated society and that this ceremony is for the men of the shop, not the women. As you will notice when I post pix of all the attendees later the only women here are Yangdu and her sister, Dicksung. They most likely would have been chased away had they not been Pala's daughters. Because he is the sauji, Pala and his family, including me, get special consideration.

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Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
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