We were lucky enough to be invited by Niranjan to his family's house. On this public holiday, which has the same importance as say Christmas in the West, people decorate their houses with garlands made from marigolds or chrysanthemum. In the afternoon, people clean their houses with the mixture of red mud and cow dung, and some footsteps are marked from the main entrance to the pooja kotha, which are believed to lure the Goddess Laxmi inside the house. Recently, they also trace these to their safe or place where they keep the money, so we joked that it would make a burglar's work quite easy during the festival. We helped place the candles, the lotus at the entrance (from which the Goddess had emerged) and trace the footsteps in the staircase.
In the evening, all the houses put out candles and electrified lights, similar to our christmas tree lights (though some come in the shape of banabas for example). These lights are put in the doors, main entrance, windows and roof, as it is the belief that the Goddess is also attracted by light and thus will bless the house and the people for the coming year.
A little bit later, a band from the region where Niranjan's dad originated started playing ‘deusi’ (which is sung mostly by boys) and ‘bhailo’ (mostly by girls). Fire crackers are also blown in the evening. Some people also play cards or gamble throwing cowrie shells as well, and can win (or lose) a lot of money.
Next, we went to our neighborhood, where the ethnic group of Newari's were celebrating new year's eve. The Pathan Durbar Square, lined with ancient buildings and statues, was all illuminated, with people carrying candles and a small concert taking place. Beautifully crafted mandalas marked the entrances to most houses and the entire town was lit up, with everybody enjoying electricity for once.
In short, one of the most lively nights we've witnessed in Kathmandu so far...
