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Bala Chaturdashi: Nepali Festival To Give Salvation To Departed Souls

Nepali Hindu devotees climb the hill to sprinkle the ''Sat-bij,'' seven sacred seeds, on the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 30, 2024, during the occasion of Bala Chaturdashi. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. The seven grains, also called Satbeej, include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start from Marga Krishna Trayodashi, the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir (8th month according to the Nepali calendar). Devotees who observe this ritual maintain strict fasting, with only one meal that day and abstain from garlic, onions, fish, eggs, and other food items that are said to be impure. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#11822315
Date Taken	30 November 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2025 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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