Applying Mehendi in body parts has always been an important ritual in most Asian culture. However, today, the use of mehendi is increasing , for different usage , among different groups. Here are some facts, which even the mehendi wearers probably don’t know about mehendi:
Medical Properties
According to Ayurveda, henna or mehendi is used to cure skin diseases and hair ailments. It is also said to have high antiseptic and cooling properties. It also enhances the general health of the body and improves blood circulation.
Protection from Evil Eyes
In some culture, mehendi is believed to ward off the evil eyes.
Mehendi is made from dried Mehendi Leaves
Mehendi is a dye that is prepared from dried Mehendi Leaves. The Mehendi plant grows as a tall shrub and usually is found in places with moderate climate.
Stain fingers of Pharaohs
Mehendi was used to stain the fingers and toes of Pharaohs in Egypt, prior to mummification.
Henna therapy for cancer patients
Some artists based in Canada have formed a community named Henna Heals that creates beautiful flowering henna crown tattoos for women who have lost their hair to cancer and chemotherapy.
Attract Good Energy
The beautiful patterns of Mehendi is believed to attract good energy and promote fertility . This is also one of the reasons why Mehendi is applied to the brides.
Strengthening Bonds
During weddings it is not just the bride who applies the Mehendi. A day or two is separated before the wedding day where the bride, all female members and even the bride groom decorate their hands and feet with Mehendi. Family members and friends get together and enjoy the Mehendi rituals together which strengthens the bond between them.
So, now you know, there are just and just good points about Henna/Mehendi. So, clad yourself with intricate designs of this herb this Shrawan and throughout the year.
Kathmandu valley is recognized in the world as the ‘City of Temples’. There are numerous temples within the valley depicted as the homes of various gods and goddesses. All these temples and deities have their own unique history and architecture that fascinates visitors to these places, specially foreigners. But have you, as the residents of these places, noticed these monuments properly? Probably not.
How many of you were aware that there are three separate 5 storey temples in each district of Kathmandu valley i.e. Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu? We are pretty sure only few people have noticed that. So, lets explore about these temples and their historical significance.
Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple | पञ्चमुखी हनुमान मन्दिर – Basantapur, Kathamndu
Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Built by King Pratap Malla during the 17th century
Originally 9 storey counting the base floors, located at Nasal Chowk, Basantapur Durbar Square; Pancha Mukhi Hanuman Temple gives a great view of the palace, the city and even the Himalaya Mountains on a clear day. The struts on the facade of the tower, especially those facing Basantapur Tower have erotic carvings on them. Basantapur means “Place of Spring,” and refers to Kathmandu. Source: Nepalsutra
Location: Nasal Chowk, Basantapur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6Jhm59q9Avx
Nyatapola Temple | न्यातपोल मन्दिर – Bhaktapur
Image Source: iprefertoenjoyit.wordpress.com
Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla during a 5-month period from late 1701 into 1702.
Nyatapola Temple is a 5-storey pagoda located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the temple of Siddha Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. This five-storey temple with a five-tier roof that stands just over thirty meters high can be reached by walking up a flight of steps that leads to the top of the platform. As you walk up these storeys, you will notice that there are statues on either side of you, on every step. Source: Wikipedia
Location: Bhaktapur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GjNcMf2Bhhv
Kumbheswor Temple | कुम्भेश्वर मन्दिर – Lalitpur
Image Source: Google
Built by King Jayasthiti Malla during 14th century (around 1392)
This is the 5 storey temple of Lalitpur which is aside Bangalamukhi. It is called Kumbheswor / Kwanti/ Kunti. This temple is dedicated to Shivalinga . Huge celebration takes places in month of Shrawan-Bhadra as the festival is celebrated by taking out the Shivalinga of temple outside in the middle of pond. Kwanti/Kunti mela is observed by many devotees, however, this temple couldn’t get as much popularity as Nyatapau- a five storey temple of Bhaktapur. This temple is believed to be built during 13th-14th century. Source: Wikipedia
Location: Bangalamukhi, Mangal Bazar, Lalitpur
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PAGVgrm81q32
‘What do you have in your wish list for 2016?’ The most common answer that we have heard for this question is ‘Travelling to New Places’ . With the year end, National Geographic Traveler has released its coolest destination list for 2016, with Nepal ranked as one of the top 16 coolest and must visit places on Earth.
Khumbu, Nepal, Photo By: Jack Brauer
Nepal, a small landlocked country, situated between two giants- India and China, is a land of Diversities. You will find the deepest gorge to the highest mountains here in Nepal. The friendly and welcoming nature of Nepalese people will definitely want to make you stay longer in this country.
Ama Bhujung, Nepal, Photo By: Dhilung Kirat
The devastating earthquake of April 2015 had deteriorated the tourism industry in this himalayan kingdom. But the beautiful place is yet again safe to visit and has made a comeback in International Tourism.
Source: National Geographic
Once in your lifetime, you would definitely want to see the snow clad mountains, take a ride in the wild forests, see the rare animal species, visit the temples/monasteries listed under world heritage, visit the lakes situated in the highest altitude , make a wild bungee jump, paraglide over the eye catching mountains, watch a cool waterfall and if you are determined enough, conquer the highest peak in the world- Mt. Everest.
Mustang, Nepal, Photo By: Ravin Man Bajracharya
If you are an adventure lover and go gaga over naturally beautiful places, Nepal is a place you should definitely visit. Pack your bags and start your new year by visiting this exotic place and the memories will be enough to keep you refreshed throughout the year.
Everest region, Nepal, Source: tumblr.com