April 2020 - Nepal Travel Talk

Rudraksha Beads | DO’s and DON’T’s – All you need to know!

by Siddartha MishraApril 14, 2020March 13, 2022OTHRES6 Comments

Rudraksha Beads: The most sacred and auspicious beads

The rough seed about a size of marble wearing by Sadhus and monks in India and Nepal has raised curiosity to others who does not know about it. It is call Rudraksha and it is the most powerful and auspicious bead that you can find in this continent.

What is Rudraksha?

Rudraksha seed is the product of Rudraksha tree, also known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Scientific name).

Rudraksha is a combination of two Sanskrit words call Rudra (another name for Lord Shiva) + Aksha (tear drop).

So, Rudraksha simply means Lord Shiva’s tears.

It is said that the tears are a result of compassion that Shiva felt when he meditate about the endless suffering of humans. In essence Rudraksha offers humans freedom from suffering and a union with the divine
Aksha in Sanskrit also means Shiva’s eye.

Rudraksha is regards as the most sacred bead in Hindu society. Hench which is widely use by great Yogis, saints, sages, monks and religious people from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, China and across Asia.

Facts about Rudraksha Tree:

The actual Rudraksha Tree. Source – Wikipedia

Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb is the scientific name for Rudraksha tree.
More than 300 species of Rudraksha trees have been found in different part of the world, including Nepal, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Northern Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China and Taiwan.
Rudraksha tree is generally 10 to 30 meters tall. Trees, leaves and flower are either grey, green or white in color.
Rudraksha leaves looks similar to mango leaves. And have anti-bacterial properties making it beneficial for treating wounds, headache, mental disorders, migraine and epilepsy.
One Rudraksha tree yields up to 2000 fruits a year.
Rudraksha flowers are nearly about 6-inch-long and white in color which grow in bunches. November – December is the best time to see flowers and fruits come up on Jan – Fe. The fruits are green color and nearly 1 inch in diameter shaped like berries. These fruits fall off after complete ripening. The outer skin of Rudraksha fruit has many great medical importance, mostly used treating patient suffering from fever, cold and dry cough.
Rudraksha from Nepal and India are consider of best quality and values.
Naturally, Rudraksha can be found 2000 meter above sea level. In Nepal they even grow in hilly region up to 3000-meter altitude.

Rudraksha Mala

Rudraksha beads are made into a necklace or mala with a string. A necklace consists of 108 beads and one Bindu, which allows for the flow of positive energy.

Benefits of Rudraksha

There are multiple benefits a person can gain from Rudraksha. From spiritual and physical well-being to treatment of various diseases. Simply wearing Rudraksha beads as necklace or wristband can help bring positive life energy in your body. Rudraksha is an important part of meditation and spiritual practices.

Rudraksha guides one along the path of truth, clarity and purpose.
It reduces stress and negativity while achieving peace of mind.
Aligns your vital energies and bring balance and harmony with nature and cosmos
Rudraksha is scientifically proven to cure physical as well as emotional disorders and is extremely beneficial even in the treatment of optic, neurotic, digestive and cardiac related issues.
Rudraksha also protects one from negative energies like ghosts, evil spirits and other such malefic components.
Because of its electromagnetic properties, Rudraksha can play a positive role in stabilizing heartbeat and improving blood circulation.
Rudraksha beads alleviates depression, eliminate anxiety and has anti-aging properties.
Wearing Rudraksha helps one to escape from untimely death.
Rudraksha helps you attain truth and ultimate enlightenment.

Do all Rudraksha have the same power?

There is no doubt every Rudraksha are powerful with unique properties. The varying faces of beads correspond to different deities. One therefore needs to select proper Rudraksha based on one’s horoscope and requirements.

Find more information about its power and properties on “Benefit of Rudraksha”.

Can everyone wear Rudraksha Mala?

There are no restrictions on wearing Rudraksha. Anyone and everyone can wear a Rudraksha regardless of their gender, age, nationality, and caste.

Which Rudraksha to wear according to Zodiac Sign? READ HERE.

Is woman allow to wear Rudraksha?

Wearing Rudraksha is not limit to men only. Both men and women can wear Rudraksha as scriptures does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed or gender.

In fact, 7 Mukhi (faces) is bless by Goddess Lakshmi, 9 Mukhi by Goddess Durga, 18 Mukhi embodies Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) while 2 Mukhi shows Gauri Shankar and Shiva in harmony.

DO’s and DON’T’s of wearing holy Rudraksha

Here are some do’s and don’ts of wearing Rudraksha mala if you wish to get maximum benefit out of it.

Do’s

Become a vegetarian
Avoid touching Rudraksha with metal, gold and silver as it brings impurity. Once impure Rudraksha will have to be cleansed again before wearing.
It is recommend to clean Rudraksha every six months.

Don’ts

Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid eating meat.
Refrain from killing anyone.
Avoid touching Rudraksha with metal, gold and silver as it brings impurity. Once impure Rudraksha will have to be cleansed again before wearing.
Don’t wear Rudraksha mala while going to funeral or baby birth ceremony.
Don’t share your mala with any and don’t use it as ornaments for showing off.
Avoid mixing different types of Rudraksha.

Selecting a Rudraksha

Selecting a Rudraksha is not an easy task because each Rudraksha have it own unique features and importance. We suggest you to make consult with Hindu Gurus about Rudraksha and its suitability for you.

It is believe that great Rishi (Yogis) introduced Rudraksha in Nepal and India. Indonesia produces about 70% of the Rudraksha in the world followed by Nepal (20%) and India (5%). Rudraksha from Nepal is consider the best in the world because of climate, size, color, durability and religious belief. Nepali Rudraksha are costlier than Indonesian and Indian Rudrakshas however there are no vast differences on their physical properties.

1 to 21 multi face Rudraksha can be found in Nepal. One or two faces are very rare to find while 5 faced ones are the most common. One has to be above 14 years of age to wear it. Modern technology now allows for changing the shape and size of Rudraksha which is quite unnatural and unethical. Please be careful of purchasing such types of Rudraksha as it will do more harm than good.

Rare Type of Rudraksha. Read here for more. Please contact us if you need a genuine supplier.

Rudraksha for Chinese

Chinese people are very fond of buying Rudraksha. It is one of the most sought-after items for Chinese visiting Nepal. Chinese believe that Rudraksha offers a good “FENG SHUI”, which is a must for one’s physical wellbeing and positive energy.

Read all the information about Rudraksha Beads.

Nepal Laws: Basic Requirements to run orphanage / child care home in Nepal

by Siddartha MishraApril 10, 2020March 13, 2022OTHRESLeave a Comment

Basic Laws: Requirements to run orphanage child care home in Nepal, House requirement:

According to the current Nepal laws to operate the orphanage, the house conditions and structures should be as following:

The house for orphanage should be Earthquake resistance .
House must be nearby school, hospital and police station.
There should have enough rooms and comfortable room for the children.
House should have compound and proper playground.
Toilets /bathrooms should be separate for boys and girls.
Rooms should be open and light and air passing.
Boys and girls bed rooms should be in separate flour.

Rooms required for SCIF NEPAL:

Currently, we are managing a small orphanage house in Kathmandu – SCIF Nepal. And according to requirement by Nepal Government, we need below rooms requirements.

NO	Room Name	Quantity	Remarks
1.	Girl’s Room	2 rooms	Maximum 4 children in a room.
2.	Boy’s Room	2rooms	Maximum 4 children in a room.
3.	Study Room	1 room
4.	Kitchen Room	1 room
5.	Dining Room	1 room
6.	Store room	1 room
7.	Office Room	1 room
8.	Library & Computer Room	1 room
9.	TV/ Function Room.	1 room
10.	Medical Room	1 room
11.	Manager/staff room	1 room
	Total Room	13 rooms

Staffs / employees:

No	Particular	Quantity	Employee Type	Remarks
1	Care Giver	1	Regular	Ladies
2	Teacher	1	Regular
3	Manager	1	Regular
4	Children counselor	1	Regular/ partial
5	Helper	1	Regular/ partial
6	Medical Person	1	Regular/ partial
7.	Sport and Entertainment person	1	Regular/ partial
	Total Required Staffs	7

Basic Medical Requirements to run orphanage:

Orphanage management should be sure if child has any health problems or not before to keep t new child in the orphanage. And need to do health checkup of new child before to keep child. Need to prepare individual files to keep medical report of every child.
The general health checkup should in every 3 months for every child and medical report of every child should keep nicely.
If any child has any serious health problem or suffering from any communicable diseases, should to take him/her hospital as soon as possible and should provide special take care according to doctor’s advice. A child who is getting sick, should keep her/ him separate from other children with proper take care in medical room.

Food and Nutrition:

Food, clothes, Health, education, entertainment and are the basic rights of every one. There are some basic requirement of food and nutrition for childcare home.

The food for the all children must be fresh, clean, healthy and nutritious.
Food should be arranged for every child minimum four times (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner) according to children’s age.
Kitchen and dining room should be clean and should be separate.
The food should be prepared by involvement of house management, kitchen person and senior children of the house.
There should be food menu in the house and menu should be hanged or attached where everyone can see the menu.
The house management can’t force to the children to have any kind of food if they don’t like to have.

Education and Uniforms/clothes:

Every child has right to go school and orphanage should create the environment to go school and for study for every child of the house. If any child has not started school in her / his age management should be prepared for his /her school and have to admit school from new session.
If any child is not able to school soon, management should create the environment for study and to learn in the house.
House should provide enough time for children to do their homework and for their study.
All children should have enough clothes and uniforms according to seasons.
The uniforms and clothes should be clean and healthy for the children.

Children Capacity/ Number:

There should be capacity for minimum fifteen children to operate the orphanage or Child care Home in Nepal according to the current low for Operation and management of Residential Child care home. Orphanage management can keep more children by arranging enough source for the new children. (Before children capacity was minimum ten children).

These are the Basic Laws: Requirements to run orphanage child care home in Nepal set by Government of Nepal.

Tagged : orphanage nepal

Top 12 Nepal Honeymoon Places

by Siddartha MishraApril 7, 2020April 7, 2020TRAVEL INFORMATIONLeave a Comment

Honeymoon places in Nepal ? Where to go? What to see? In this blog, we will give you some ideas. are listing down Top 12 Nepal Honeymoon Places for you to make decision.

Best destination for honeymoon in Nepal:

1) Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital, largest and the most ancient city of Nepal situated at the height of 1380 meter. It is also known as the city of temples, palaces and stupas such as Pashupatinath temples, Boudhanath Stupa, Monkey temple, Patan and Kathmandu durbar square and many scenic places.

2) Nagarkot

30 km from Kathmandu and 2175m above sea level, Nagarkot provides stunning views of sunset, sunrise and mountain ranges including Manaslu, Ganesh himal, Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishankar, Rolwaling, Mt. Everest and Numbur. Opportunities for short trek and hiking.

3) Dhulikhel

Located at an altitude of 1700 meter above the sea level, Dhulikhel is one of popular hill stations of Kathmandu, renowned for viewing sunrise and sunset. It also provides a panoramic view of Himalayn peaks such as Mt Annapurna(8091fm), Mt. Ganesh (7429m), Mt Langtang (7234m), Mt Phuribichyacha(6637m), Mt Gaurishankar(7134m) and Mt Lhotse(2516m). Dhulikhel is an ancient town inhabited by Newar ethnic community.

4) Chandragiri Hill

Chandagiri Hill is located on the southwest side of Kathmandu valley, at 2551 meters above the sea level. The hill is associated with both Hindu and Buddhist religion. The hill provides panoramic views of Kathmandu valley and Annapurna, Langtang, Ganes Himal and Everest peaks. You can easily get to the top of the hill on a cable car.

5) Kalinchowk

Also called Nepal’s Switzerland, Kalinchowk is located in Dolakha district. It is located at 150 km distance from Kathmandu and is reachable by 8 hrs drive. The place is really popular among local as well as foreign tourists.
At 3800m, Kalinchowk is a great viewpoint to see beautiful views of Gauri Shankar. On the top of a hill is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kalinchwok. To reach there takes one and half hour’s steep hike from Kuri village or you can also take a Cable car which takes you there in 2 minutes. Visiting Kalinchowk during winter time offers travelers the opportunity to play with snow or ski.

6) Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park Tour package from Pokhara

The first national park In Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site. This 932 sq km of park consists of dense forest, marshlands and grassland inhabited by such endangered species as tigers, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles and even dolphins. Wildlife safari, bird watching, canoeing, elephant bathing, crocodile breeding is some of the activities you can be involved in.

7) Bandipur

Situated 9km off Kathmandu Pokahra highway, it takes about 30 minutes’ drive to reach Bandpur from Dumre. Bandipur located at an altitude of 1030m was once a trading transit center between Kathmandu and southern region of Nepal. The town is predominantly inhabited by Newar ethnic community who has their unique culture and festivals. Bandipur is also a famous viewpoint to see a panorama of Himalayan peaks. Short hikes and treks are also possible from Banidpur to nearby Thani Mai temple in Gurungche hill and Siddha cave.

8) Pokhara

Situated 200km southwest of Kathmandu, Pokhara is gateway to world famous Annapurna treks and a mecca for adventure activities including rafting, bungee, gliding, boating, short trek and hike, pony rides, paragliding, Zip lining etc. Pokhara ticks all the right mood with beautiful lakes, stunning views of Annapurna mountain ranges, natural caves and museums.

9) Dhampus

Dhampus is situated nearby Pokhara. It is most probably the most clicked village in Nepal. Dhampus is not only great to observe the traditional lifestyle of Gurung and Magar people but also a great trail to catch the views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, Lamjung mountains.

10) Jomsom

Jomsom (2700m) is the headquarters of Mustang district located on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Originally a Dzong or fort, Jomsom was once a trading center between Nepal and Tibet. Today it falls in the Annapurna trekking route and is the gateway to the temple of Muktinath. Jomsom is inhabited by Thakali community who are famous for their cuisine and trading skills.

11) Palpa

Perched high above the kali Gandaki River is the ancient hill town of Palpa. It is one of the warmest valleys in Nepal and an important trading center during medieval times. Palpa is still famous for its cobbled streets and traditional Dhaka topi. Hiking to nearby Shreenagr hills, touring of Rani Mahal on the banks of Kali Gandaki River or strolling on the banks of the river are some popular activities for tourists visit Palpa.

12) Ilam

Located in eastern Nepal, Ilam is very popular for its beautiful and lush tea gardens. Ilam exports high quality Himalayan tea in domestic and international markets. Aside from tea plantation, you can also visit many cultural, natural and religious sites in and around Ilam such as.
Antu Danda, Mai Pokhara, Sadakpur, Kanyam and Fikkal, Siddhi Thumka, Chhintapu, Gajr Mukhi, Pathibhara and Mai Beni.

Nepal honeymoon places – above TOP 12 Best destination for honeymoon in Nepal is one of the best and most romantic destinations for honeymoon couples or partners to enjoy and celebrate marriage- life’s auspicious point.

Make your honeymoon with your beloved more memorable and exciting by visiting Nepal.

Nepal honeymoon place will allow you to spend plenty of romantic time with your partner and take time to tour cultural sites, visit waterfalls, lakes and caves, witness spectacular views of Himalayan peaks and make love on a moonlit night.

Our Nepal honeymoon programs offer you candle lit dinners, private service, transportation and great cuisines:

Tagged : Best destination for honeymoon in Nepal / Honeymoon places in Nepal / Nepal honeymoon place / Nepal honeymoon places / Top 12 Nepal Honeymoon Places

Is Hindu tradition best way to prevent and control Corona virus (Covid 19)?

by Siddartha MishraApril 7, 2020April 7, 2020FOOD & DRINKS / PEOPLE & LIFESTYLELeave a Comment

Nepal is under lock-down from 24 March 2020 to 14 April 2020 due to the outbreak of Corona Virus. Relatively Nepal has low numbers of confirmed cases up to today , and we believe is due to the Hinduism tradition we are practicing everyday in our daily life.

The novel Corona virus (Covid-19) is the latest pandemic to hit the world. The virus spreads by way of physical contact as well as transfer of droplets while sneezing, cough or sweat.

British PM Boris Johnson, Prince Charles of Wales, Matthew Hancock (Britain’s health Secretary), Prince Albert of Monaco, Carmen Calvo (Spain’s deputy prime minister) Peter Dutton (Australia’s home affairs minister), Yaakov Litzman (Israel’s health minister), Ali Larijani (Speaker of Iran’s Parliament) , actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, American singer Pink and her family, French actress Olga Kurylenko, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, TV host Andy Cohen, sport personality James Dolan, New York Knicks owner Blaise Matuidi: French football player Daniele Rugani, Italian Football player Mikel Arteta, Coach of Arsenal football club Callum Hudson- Odoi, British footballer Paulo Dybala, Argentine footballer
Marouane Fellaini, Belgium footballer Christian Wood, NBA player Fernando Caviria, Cyclist Marcus Smart have all been tested positive of the virus. Many politician, business personnel, bureaucrats, diplomats and thousands of civilians have lost their lives.

As the world fights the pandemic, it might be a good occasion to reflect on and adopt some ancient Hindu practices for our safety and wellbeing. And hopefully, it will help to prevent upcoming pandemic in future. Following are some of the oldest and scientifically acknowledged social conduct and human behaviors that Hindus adhere to:

1)Namaste

Forget handshakes, time to Namaste: Trump & Prince Charles latest to embrace Indian greeting.

Namaste is a salutation very unique to Hindu culture. It is equivalent to hand shake or hugging in other societies. Namaste has been derived from two Sanskrit words- NAMA meaning ‘bow’ and TE meaning ‘you’, which translates to bowing down to the divinity in other person.

Namaste has become even more appropriate at this period, given how bacteria or virus can transfer by physical contact. Donald Trump- American president, Shinzō Abe – Prime Minister of Japan, Prince Charles, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and many other world leaders have resorted to adopting namaste than handshake as a gesture of greeting.

2) Vegetarianism

Vegetarian diet is preferred by many Hindu communities. Being a vegetarian is not only good for the planet, but also for one’s health and wellbeing. Most viral outbreaks in the past have been linked directly to meat consumption. So vegetarianism significantly reduces the chance of contracting disease, viral infections etc.

3) Turmeric (and other South Asian Spices)

Turmeric or HALDI/BESAR (in Hindi/Nepalese) is one of the most effective antibiotics in existence. Used in India for thousands of years, it is known to boost immunity as it contains powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic qualities. Other foods such as Ginger and Garlic, commonly used in Indian cooking, are also very good immunity boosters.
They all can be can be very effective in preventing or fighting off viruses.

4) Pranayama – Breathing exercise

Pranayam is a breathing technique integral to Yoga and meditation for creating a healthy mind and body. Regular practice of pranayam helps in boosting immunity thereby preventing an individual from acquiring and further transferring any viral or bacterial disease.

5) Cremation

Hindus do not bury dead bodies but rather cremate it. In China, people who have died of Coronavirus are being cremated swiftly, in order to stop spread of the virus.
Cremation is scientific and efficient: it avoids ground contamination and occupying of precious land. Hindu tradition further forbids touching corpses to prevent spread of disease.

6) Isolation period after death

Immediate relatives of the dead stay in isolation for 11 days following the death. They are forbidden to touch any one and partake only vegetarian diet. They must clean their body daily. This practice holds so much truth in this hour of pandemic.

7) Jutho nakhane (Avoid sharing food/drink)

Jutho nakhane is a strange but sensible custom among Hindus. Sharing same piece of meat or any food often involves transfer of saliva from one person to another. Jutho nakhane prohibits sharing of food, or eating from same plate or drinking water from same bottle. This ensures that one’s bacteria or virus is not contracted by others. This social custom can be adopted to contain the transfer of virus.

8) Maintain daily hygiene

It is a Hindu practice to take off shoes and clean one’s hands and legs before entering house. Taking shower and changing clothes before meeting family members and taking food is also mandatory. This goes to show how scientific Hindu system is in cleanliness and sanitation.

9) Avoid cold and staled food

Drinking cold water or any other refreshments and eating stale food is avoided at all costs. Fresh food and warm dishes are considered good for your health.

Global pandemic like the Coronavirus has reminded us the value of our good old Hindu customs. It further proves how far thinking and scientifically right were our ancestors. No matter how advance we are, we should not forget our roots and common sense of living a simple, good and healthy life.

These time tested social conduct will be helpful and effective not just for now but in combating and preventing all future epidemic and pandemic situations. Prevention is better than cure and beneficial in saving more lives.

And guess what? Even the Hindu ritual of sprinkling alcohol in the surrounding vicinity before drinking also serves a purpose of acting as sanitizer.

Tagged : Corona virus / Covid-19 / hindu tradition / Is Hindu tradition best way to prevent and control Corona virus (Covid 19) / Jutho nakhane / Namaste / Namaster