Money From Honey

Several white wooden boxes have been spread along the mound below the giant hills. These modern beehives are home for millions of bees to produce sweet honey.

Bharat Giri, local resident of Shaktikhor, has been involving in beekeeping business for 12 years. He owns 25 hives that produce some 8-9 tons of honey annually. "At the beginning, it was difficult to get the good price of honey because we had to supply our product to limited dealers." he said. Now, they sell honey to Nepal Beekeeping Association and other dealers. Bharat's net annual income from honey is around NPR 100,000.

Sunrise From Siraichuli

The eastern horizon is glowing with brilliant crimson color. Thin horizontal red linings are prominent at the backdrop of blue sky just above the giants hills.

These hills are dwarfed by the massive mountain range at the northern front. Panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Gaurishankar, Himchuli, Numbur and Machhapuchhre from the top of the Siraichuli is really breathtaking.

Holy Dip

Thousands of devotees gathered in Devghat to take bath in the holy river in Maghe Sankranti (also known as Makar Sankranti). Trishuli and Kaligandaki rivers meet in this place to form Narayani river. Devghat, which is regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindu devotees, is surrounded by many Hindu temples, shrines, dharmasala and ashrams. According to the Hindu mythology, Sita, consort of Lord Ram, died in this holy place.

Smile In Faces

In the darkness, their faces illuminated with joy and excitement when local people saw their own photos in the laptop screen. There is no electricity in Upardang Gadi village and its surrounding areas, so any opportunity to see the movies or photos in the electronic devices is rare for many hill people. During this photo-show, they were looking the photos that were taken during Chhour.

Chhour is a cultural event conducted for adolescent boys of Magar and Gurung communities. These communities believe that their sons remained animal until Chhour is conducted. After Chhour, they will be transformed into human from animal and they will become eligible for marriage (http://www.nepalplus.com/?p=5804#more-5804).

The Lost Symbol And My Stories

I just finished reading 'The Lost Symbol'. Now, I am admiring yet another masterpiece of Dan Brown. I could not resist my temptation when I knew about its publication. I was especially moved by 'The Da Vinci Code'. When I expressed my desire to my friend living in US, he sent me a copy immediately.

A Visit To Blind School

Blinds see the world as dark but not their hope, future and aspirations. During our visit to Jhuwani Secondary School, we observed blind students reading and writing the Braille letters immaculately. Touching the dots with the finger tips on the white paper, they read the text fluently.

There are 21 students who are studying at different grades in this Blind Education Section. Primary level students are learning how to read and write Braille letters while higher level students study in their respective class among normal students. Their text books have been converted into Braille letters. They are provided the food and accommodation in the hostel that is adjacent to the school with nominal support from the government. This is the only blind school in the eastern Chitwan.

Elephants In Race

Elephants are great runners. During the Sixth International Elephant Race, some 22 domestic elephants assembled in the ground of Baghmara Community Forest, Chitwan to compete the grand contest.

Regional Hotel Association has been organizing this mega event in the eve of new year to promote tourism in Sauraha.

Ratnanagar Mahotsab About To Kick Off

Like many terai districts, Chitwan is also witnessing overcast condition for a week or so leaving its denizens in utter cold. In the gloomy day, however, some people are toiling hard to set up things in preparation for Ratnanagar Mahotsab 2066 that will begin from January 11.

Ratnanagar Mahotsab, the grand exhibition, is jointly organized by Ratnanagar Chambers of Commerce and Ratnanagar Municipality in every 2 years. The Mahotsab intends to promote local products, tourism and cultural heritage of Chitwan.

New Year In Upardang Gadi

I used to make resolution prior to every new year. But, these new year resolutions were hardly accomplished. So, I give up even thinking about it. However, I plan to celebrate this new year in new environment among friends with lots of fun. What could be better place than Upardang Gadi? The unique hill area lies beneath the historic fort surrounded by Magar, Gurung and Chepang communities.

Friends were really excited listening our plan. But many of them were busy and could not involve in this tour. It turned out to be eight people who made their way to Gadi. Though weather was little unfriendly, we all enjoyed the uphill walk through forests, villages and rough terrains. Spectacular views of the Chitwan Valley was covered by the mist. But it was not missed so much as cracking jokes shared during brief stopover added much flavor in the trip.