Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Few face of the LOOT ....

2012-01-22T21:43:00.000+05:45

Things to do or A New Year resolution 2012

2012-01-01T20:17:00.001+05:45

Things to do or A New Year resolution 2012

* Update blogs
* Work on portfolio (web - Feb)
* Update CV
* Do yoga + exercise regularly
* Put some weight
* Do one print, do one group photography exhibition
* Make one short film, make one documentary film and contribute to one feature film (anything of my skill), make one documentary photo story (multimedia)
* Back to school
* Will NOT work for FREE nor for peanuts
* Will travel 100km more than 2011
* Will travel to new place, at least one place
* Will try to test one new equipments
* Will reply on time (calls, email but only the serious ones)
* Do one not for profit work (charity)
* Work on writing skill
* Work on music skill too
* 365 photographs will upload online at least
* Will finished and complete unfinished projects.

Those are the things that I wanted to do in 2012 or at least try my best to cover all by 2012.

I might add some things more in the above list later.

Let's see where I will stand by 2012, I have very long way to go.

Happy New Year 2011 to you ....:)

2011-12-31T22:26:00.001+05:45

Happy New Year to you ....:) , a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

The Constant Change

2011-11-01T20:50:00.001+05:45

The Constant Change , a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

2/365

2011-08-28T22:53:00.003+05:45

2/365, a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

Testing Canon EF lens 28mm 1.8 ....

2011-08-28T22:53:00.001+05:45

Testing Canon EF lens 28mm 1.8 ...., a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

Self Portrait

2011-08-25T22:55:00.001+05:45

Testing Canon EF lens 28mm 1.8 ...., a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

Thank you ....

2011-05-14T00:36:00.001+05:45

Thank you ...., a photo by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka on Flickr.

Today is the 13 May 2011; it’s been a kind of special day for me as I was back from Malaysia on same day on 2009 to Nepal. It’s been two years in Nepal, and I learn a lot about life, people, photography, filmmaking and much more.

It’s been while that I have not uploaded any photographs on my flickr site nor did any blog post, somebody said that I was lost, somebody said me that I might lost interest in photography. But truth is not that, I still have interest in photography as I use to have and I am not lost too, yes! I was inactive for few weeks but not lost. I have some stuff to take care so I did not able to give my full time for what I love to do.

Two years in Nepal is very fruitful to me, I learn a lot, meet very interesting and talented people work with them too, working with talented people make me feel that I am talented too but I still have to learn a lot and way to go. I want to thank all people who made my two years very wonderful in Nepal.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

World Pinhole Day

2011-04-24T15:27:00.000+05:45

The Taste of Coffee

2011-02-19T06:45:00.000+05:45

The Taste of Coffee is an experience of life lived with coffee in the farm as witnessed by three artists who set out to capture the richness of home-grown coffee beans on their canvas, microphone and camera respectively. Three artists, Clara Puddu, Eloïse Calatayud and Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka, with diverse skills and passion in their respective fields of art have highlighted the uniqueness of this rich and aromatic crop through their paintings, sound design and photography through this exhibition.

However, The Taste of Coffee isn't just about coffee, it is about the people involved in the sowing and reaping of the crop. The exhibition tries to draw attention to the lives of people involved in coffee farming though the chores of Surya Prasad Adhikari and his wife Saraswoti Adhikari, who run a permaculture coffee farm in Lekhnath -10, Begnas of Kaski district, Nepal. The exhibition also highlights the couple's perception and contribution to conservation and improvements of local varieties of cultivation, organic farming and sustainable uses of local biological resources.

The Taste of Coffee is up in painting, sound and photography exhibition at Nepal Art Council Gallery, Babarmahal, Kathmandu 19th through 27th February 2011. The exhibition will be inaugurated by veteran photographer Mr. Hari Bangsha Kirant.

The exhibition has been organised by NEPALPHOTOGRAPHY.org with support from Galleria CUC and Momomagic.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Those eyes ….

2011-02-13T04:17:00.001+05:45

Me and my friend went for a photo shoot at a brick factory at Bade gawn, Lalitpur to do a story about human right, I did not find anything related to what I was looking for but my friend did find something. But I did some random photography around and found this boy looking at me and I feel that his eyes are trying to tell something to me but still I cannot figure out what he wants to say?

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Hunt for a good coffee ….

2011-02-09T23:03:00.000+05:45

As a coffee lover, I always want to know from where the coffee comes from that I am drinking each and every day and last few days I got to know a lot about the coffee and all the process that goes through before coming into my cup. Coffee grown in some part of Nepal goes to all around the world and it is the best coffee all around the world too.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Coffee Killer ....

2011-01-12T23:00:00.001+05:45

Some says home is where your heart is and some says home is where your art is but I think home is where everything is; love, care and what you need is. In this photograph is a regular coffee, but the coffee that I drink in my home have something special that I never find in any coffee shop or other place that offer me coffee.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal

2011-01-10T11:37:00.000+05:45

Today was the launch of the wall Calendar of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal 2011 along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal photography exhibition at Galleria CUC.

The calendar has been published by Chomolungma UNESCO Centre and the photographs have been curated by Galleria CUC. The photographers featured in the calendar are Vibek Raj Maurya, Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka, Md. Fadil, Prazwol Sijapati, Swapnil Acharya, Prajwal Bhattarai, Om Yadav, Sumeet Shakya, Shikhar Bhattarai, Sagar Chitrakar, Kushal Goyal and Nikhil Gurung.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Taking it hard just like you knew I do ....

2011-01-04T22:46:00.000+05:45

Cried all night 'til there was nothin' more
What use am I as a heap on the floor?
Heaving devotion but it's just no good
taking it hard just like you knew I would.

Taking it hard just like you knew I do.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Coca Cola Camera ….

2011-01-03T21:03:00.000+05:45

Camera comes in all shape and size and one of them is this Coca Cola Camera, I will try to put some photographs taken by this Coca Cola Camera in near future.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Yatra – The Journey

2011-01-01T19:21:00.000+05:45

Yatra – The Journey started from today, will be doing some travelling + some travel based job in and around.

Wanna live life to the fullest.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

What the f*ck?

2010-12-31T00:34:00.000+05:45

Today, I was at a waiting room with a friend and flipping some old magazine that was on the room, and I just got my eyes on one of the photograph in one of the magazine in the article about the Tihar festival. And I told my friend that it looks like mine but it is cropped and to make sure that it is my photograph I took that photograph from the magazine. And later as I did check with my original photograph it was the match.

What can I say?

“F*ck!”

This is not the first time something happen with my photographs, few months back one of the web magazine used my photograph and as I was browsing their web site I found out about that but I was not sure that it was my photograph and I did comment on that page “it looks like my photograph” but for my surprise next day I receive email from editor of that web magazine as saying that they do not use anything without any permission and they respect copyright things with a attachment of the original photograph of size 362x300 dimensions as saying that this kind of normal photographs can be taken anywhere and it was not yours. I respect their view and did not reply them anymore, because I know something called PhotoShop. I am doing photography since I was 7 and digital photography from 2005, so I can say what is in photographs and what is not?

I am not saying that you cannot able to use my photographs but my point is that if you do than please do give name credit at least if you cannot able to pay than.

I think this kind of stuff happens to all the amateur photographers, so far as I know one of my friends also was in same situation sometime back, but I did not understand why this kind of stuff happens with a big media house? Or a big name in the game?

This kind of stuff did not discourage me, I am just making my point and hope you get in a right track or get ready to listen a word f*ck f*ck f*ck a loud.

Peace.

This photo at my blog and in flickr.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

This Dashian was ….

2010-10-27T22:45:00.000+05:45

This Dashian was good and bad for me, good on side because I have and did wonderful thing and bad in side as lost 50K, did not took photographs as many as I thought I will but never the less have a wonderful experience, I think that’s matter a lot.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

I still believe in a beautiful morning ....

2010-10-09T22:35:00.000+05:45

I still believe in a beautiful morning.
And a sun shall not declare a sunset, and leave a life full of joy.

"I will dream without Borders".
Someday all the impossible dreams will be achieved.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

That Paradise is ....

2010-10-08T23:26:00.001+05:45

All our things are trivial stuff
All these rusted doors
All this hard love
All these impossible dreams
And all the outstanding predestination . . . .
All this life is used!

If only we realize,

That Paradise is the only home for the truth things !

First day of a Dashain.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The Kite Runner

2010-09-27T22:16:00.000+05:45

The nice thing about the start of Dashain is that it also coincided with the kite season. Now-a-days flying a kite in Kathmandu is not as common as it used to be, this splendid sport used to be the favorite pasttime of kids and adults alike in the 70s. One could see hundreds of kites on Kathmandu’s sky gliding elegantly or fighting a fierce battle with one another and pulling all the tricks it could to bring someone else down. I suppose the sport fell victim to growing popularity of technology-driven entertainment and other games of the late 80s and 90s. Kite flying, marbles (guccha), tash (cards), and other sports like tel kasa (game that involves giving a chase), aas paas (hide and seek) began to disappear slowly and if you ask young kids these days if they played any such games I bet with the exception of kite flying they would not have a clue how these games are played.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Time is slow for those who ....

2010-09-03T23:32:00.000+05:45

Time is slow for those who wait.
Fast for those who fear.
Long for those who grieve.
And eternal for those who love!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Duplicity

2010-09-02T09:08:00.001+05:45

Poster of a short experimental film Duplicity.

Lately, I have been busy with some short film projects.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

August 15th- Pentaxium: World Pentax Day

2010-08-15T23:39:00.000+05:45

Today was World Pentax Day, I did use Pentax camera NOT for the sake of the World Pentax Day but for the love of photography. In Nepal many of my friends always run after the big brand of camera rather than getting into the deep of photography. Many new wanna be photographers in Nepal, every time they browse web sites of famous photographers they first get into the equipment page to see what they use, they do not want to see how they work hard enough to be on that place today.

There is a silent war between the Nikon and the Canon camera user in my friends circle, but I am not into the war nor between the war. I enjoy shooting with what ever I have in my hand and I guess that the best camera in the world is that what you have in your hand. I have used Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Leica, Sony, Holga, Lomo, Minolta, Fujifilm, Samsung, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Kodak, Yashica, Zenith and some homemade cameras to name a few. There are many more brand of cameras that I have not used, if I only run after the brand camera I have no time for photography. So I suggest everyone mostly for the new and wanna be photographer to focus on photography not into camera. Always think positive and what ever you have in your hand is the best camera in the world.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

my heart is but a child ....

2010-08-12T16:06:00.001+05:45

the sight of her binds me
and I can't look away
this silky strand
I can't tear away

It's been years since
I've turned grey
yet the color of youth
refuses to fade away

Oh! and now my heart
beats faster
my face is losing its color
I fear those lonely nights
my heart is but a child

my heart is but a child
Innocent but naive
my heart is but a child

the sight of her binds me
and I can't look away
this silky strand
I can't tear away

It's been years since
I've turned grey
yet the color of youth
refuses to fade away

who knew I'd given shelter
to such a roguish heart
forever I imagined it would be
as virtuous as me

Oh! and it pulls at me
It makes such a racket
it gives undue importance
to trivial things
nothing's more devious
than the heart

someone stop me
someone hold me
or else at this age
I will be deceived
and now I fear I'll
fall in love

my heart is but a child

my heart is but a child
Innocent but naive
my heart is but a child.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

That’s Life!!!!

2010-07-02T09:39:00.001+05:45

When I got enough confidence,
The stage was gone.

When I was sure of losing,
I won.

When I needed people the most,
They left me.

When I learn to dry my tears,
I found a shoulder to cry on.

When I mastered the skill of hating,
Somebody started loving me.

I think .... That’s Life!!!!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Walking away in early morning rain ....

2010-06-26T20:41:00.000+05:45

There are things . ..

That we do not want to happen . ..

but have to accept,

Things we do not want to know . ...

but have to learn !

and people we can not live without but we have to let it go . . . .

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

मुसुक्क हाँस ल! Hi! Girls Do You Love Me?

2010-06-26T19:51:00.001+05:45

Hi! Girls Do You Love Me?

Written on a truck door at somewhere around at national highway. Look like this trucker is a Casanova.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Self Portrait

2010-06-26T09:23:00.000+05:45

Self Portrait into the wild somewhere around at Bigu, Dolkha.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Need someone to fill my heart ….

2010-06-22T07:56:00.000+05:45

Do you know what's the difference between "LOVE" and "LIKE"?

In front of the person you love, winter seems like spring.
But in front of the person you like, winter is just a beautiful winter.

The person you love comes into your mind every two minutes.
You can't look straight into the eyes of the one you love.
But you can always smile into the eyes of the one you like.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

I need somebody to be lonely with me ....

2010-06-20T22:59:00.001+05:45

I need somebody to be lonely with me ....

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Walk side by side with me ….

2010-06-13T19:44:00.000+05:45

I need you like crazy; I love you like crazy …. I want to cuddle you each and every way. I want to grow old with you …. I just want to walk side by side with you in sunshine and even in rain.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The Green Knot Project

2010-06-05T22:57:00.002+05:45

As the cities are turning into concrete jungles, there is a need to raise awareness on the importance of trees that stand amidst pollution and population surge. We are asking you to participate in an event being organized to mark the World Environment Day 2010. This silent awareness raising campaign will be held on Saturday, June 5.

On this day, we ask you to join us at New Road Pipalbot at 7 am sharp. The programme will be launched by tying a green knot around the historic papal tree. Through these green knots, we are airing our silent voices on behalf of all the trees within the valley and against rampant pollution, which is far too apparent in the roads, rivers and streams of this holy city.

After the initial knot tying ceremony, the participants will tie green knots on the roadside railings that run from Juddha Salik to New Road Gate. Then they will head to Tripureshwor and tie knots on lampposts on either side of the road leading to Thapathali. The process will be concluded at the Bagmati Bridge.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

invisible picture

2010-05-13T23:21:00.000+05:45

Earth Day

2010-04-22T23:40:00.000+05:45

Save Earth for Life. Enjoy each and every day as Earth Day and save it for next generation and for new life.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Today ….

2010-04-18T00:48:00.000+05:45

Today was the opening day of the Bahini: Life of my Sisters photography exhibition of Debby Ng and Edwin Koo and there was also reopening of the Harsha-Home and my birthday was a very busy day.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Happy New Year ….

2010-04-14T13:51:00.000+05:45

The time for celebration, new hope, new day and a brand new year. I wish you all a happy new year, a happy jut shital and a happy mother’s day to all of you.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Self Portrait

2010-04-06T23:32:00.000+05:45

I was just cleaning my room and my stuff and found this lost slide that I took when I was 14 years old. It was good time when I only have one cap and one camera and that was my first camera, which is still with me but not in use any more. I miss film photography and working on slide.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Self Portrait

2010-04-01T23:40:00.000+05:45

I always have interest in alternative photography and want to learn it but here in Nepal normally only few people do some kind of alternative photography and if you talk about the young photographers from Nepal than I can bet that there are none.

If you are doing some kind of alternative photography than make me wrong. April is the month of pinhole photography and this self portrait was made by pinhole photography.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Rain ….

2010-03-31T22:05:00.000+05:45

We have rain in January, February and now in last day of March we have rain. Rain in Kathmandu is very different than other place; I am very much connected with rain in Kathmandu than other place. I do not know why but the rain in Kathmandu is simply awesome and I enjoy very much.

Rain....

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Negative

2010-03-11T00:13:00.000+05:45

It’s been a while that peoples have forgotten how it feels to see the negative film, I always have passion for film photography but due to expense it is fading away but I am doing it for some time and still keep on doing it for my passion for film photography. I did try 35mm and 120mm film photography but I always wanted to play and learn with large format but in Nepal it is hard that any photography school or say that anyone can give a lesson for me on large format photography. There are few photography school that give education on photography but it’s all about digital nowadays. Film photography is like dead in Nepal and if you are around shooting in films, fellow photographers who use digital look at you like you are alien. But I love to be alien and keep on using film.

Film is not dead!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Women in my life ….

2010-03-09T00:39:00.001+05:45

I was raised in a family where women have majority and learn to respect women all my life.

Woman has man in it; Mrs. has Mr. in it female has male in it, she has he in it. No wonder men always want to be inside women.

Enjoy! The women day.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Day and day after tomorrow ….

2010-02-20T23:28:00.000+05:45

What will be the day and day after tomorrow for Kathmandu valley? We lost trust on political parties in Nepal, as they never do any think as they say, what you think? Do things will change in Nepal? Or we are still being cheated by political parties each and every time. Think about it.

Hope for good things for our country.

Peace.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Life moves ….

2010-01-27T23:01:00.000+05:45

Life moves pretty fast, I was just wake up for to see the things around me and it’s too late for to feel the mood and get the things in right order, it’s like upside down, If I do not act soon my life will really upside down. There are many people around you who just pull your leg and do not let you climb the high you capable of, so do keep on working as you do and let the other think whatever they think. Try to meet the people who, inspire your work and explore the good things out of bad.

Enjoy!

A Nepali Muslim egg seller passing by along with others at Bagmati bridge at Kupondol, Lalitpur.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Photo Kavya – फोटोकाव्य

2010-01-09T23:51:00.001+05:45

Thank you everyone who visited Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य , who was part of Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य , who brought photographs from Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य and who supported us in every way. Thank you everyone, I learn a lot with your help and support.

Thank you Cheteize Tamang, Kushal Goyal, Prajwal Bhattarai, Prazwol Sijapati, Sagar Chitrakar, Sharad Aryal, Shikhar Bhattarai, Sneha Shrestha and Swapnil Acharya for being part of Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य .

Special thank you goes to Mr. Hari Bangsha Kirant of Galleria CUC, Nayantara Gurung Kashapati, Bhushan Shilpakar and Nishant Shilpakar of Photo. Circle.

I hope, I did not miss any one to thank you because I know how it feels to be missed.

Thank you for everything.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Wide angle ….

2010-01-06T00:07:00.001+05:45

Wide angle …. many of my photographers friend, always ask for wide lens and I also need one but as of my friends I also, right now cannot afford it but there is always the alternate of everything as this photographs was taken by peephole attached in front of camera and it is quite good start to take wide angle.

Try yourself.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Bio at “Photo Kavya – फोटोकाव्य” ….

2010-01-04T23:48:00.002+05:45

My bio at “Photo Kavya – फोटोकाव्य” photography exhibition that is on display from 3rd January to 9th January, 2010 at Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Gaurav started taking photographs with his dad’s camera from the age of seven. But it was after SLC that his attachment to the camera gave him an all-new reason to take the love for photography a step further. After having received a digital camera as birthday present, Gaurav decided there was no looking back.

He has had no formal education in photography. He is a self-learner and says there still are many more things he’s yet to learn. Gaurav has already accomplished his mission of doing 10 group exhibitions and now is headed to putting 100 thousand photos online. Recently, he was part of the Hamra Hajurama: Our Grandmothers project and has also been selected for the exchange program of photo.circle with Pathshala and OUC.

If you are around than do give us a visit.

Thank you.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

NEPALPHOTOGRAPHY.org presents “Photo Kavya – फोटोकाव्य” ….

2010-01-03T23:15:00.000+05:45

Today was very special day for me and I hope for many other peoples too …. Today was the beginning of the first photography exhibition of NEPALPHOTOGRAPHY.org - “Photo Kavya – फोटोकाव्य”. It was not just that, I was part of the exhibition that put smile on my face but as seeing the people united they can change a lot of things and Photo Kavya is one of that things.

I just want to thanks everyone who was part of Photo Kavya in any way.

Thank you all.

Photo Kavya is on display from 3rd January to 9th January, 2010 at Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. If you are around than do give us a visit.

Thank you.

Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Where I am heading?

2010-01-02T23:43:00.000+05:45

There are many things to do and the New Year has more hope than the last year. More exhibitions, many photography project and many things. First photography exhibition of 2010 is Photo Kavya फोटोकाव्य and it is staring from 3rd January to 9th January, 2010 at Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal and also starting my personal photography project “Arrow Project” from this photograph.

If you are around than do give us a visit.

Thank you,

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T23:27:00.000+05:45

Coffee

2009-11-16T22:28:00.001+05:45

Today is National coffee day in Nepal, so drink coffee and save beer.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Gaurav ....

2009-11-16T08:11:00.001+05:45

That's my name in Nepali.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

A glass, window and the shadow ....

2009-11-02T18:40:00.000+05:45

I just tried pinhole photography for the first time and this is the first shot by me. I always want to try it but could not able to do so because of many things but, from now on I will try more stuff. I am still learning so; have to learn a lot about lens less photography.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

My seventh photography exhibition ....

2009-10-23T08:04:00.004+05:45

My 7th group photography exhibition .... Cycle 2: Flora at Galleria CUC.

Photography exhibition featuring the works of Om Yadav, Sagar Chitrakar, Cheteze Tamang, Shikhar Bhattarai, Prajwal Bhattarai, Nirbendra KC, Swapnil Acharya, Kushal Goyal, Prashant Shrestha, Sumina Subba, Prazwol Sijapati and Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka.

This is the poster of my 7th group photography exhibition.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Bhai Tika (Final Tihar Day)

2009-10-19T19:51:00.000+05:45

On the final day also known as Bhai Tika Day, sisters give tika (a colored powder placed on one?s forehead), and mala (a necklace of flowers or also known as flower leis, similar to that's used elsewhere like in Hawaii!) to brothers along with wishes for long life and prosperity.

To sisters, Tihar is also the time to re-call their continued wish for a long and a happy life for their brothers. Brothers sit on a floor while sisters perform their puja. Puja involves following a traditional ritual in which sisters circle brothers three times dripping oil on the floor from a copper pitcher. Afterwards, sisters put oil in brother's ears and hairs, and then give Tika. Also breaking of walnuts by sisters prior to giving Tika to brothers is also a common practice. Tika starts with placing a banana leave already cut into a line shape placed on brothers forehead held by one of the sisters hand, then applying Tika base (made from rice paste) in the open space. Then sister dabs seven colors on top of the base using her fingers. Some may give Tika with the help of a small stick or a brush without the using banana leaves. In this case, small stick is dipped into the Tika base, and then brushed vertically on the forehead, then using a different stick; the seven colors are applied on top of the base. After Tika, flower garland is put around brother's neck. Then brothers give Tika to sisters in the same fashion. Sisters also receive flower garland around their neck. Brothers give gifts such as clothes or money to sisters while sisters give a special gift known as Sagun (which is made of dried fruits and nuts, and candies), and a fantastic Tihar feast takes place. Those without a sister or brother, join relatives or friends for Tika. Sisters pray for their brother's long life to the Hindu God of Death (Yam Raj).

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Deusi Songs

2009-10-18T09:35:00.002+05:45

Male members sing what is called Deusi or Deusuray in Nepali. You can write just about any Deusi song as long as each line ends with the word `Deusi' or `Deosuray'. A group of males get together, carry what-ever musical instruments they have or can play, and sing Deusi door to door blessing the home and family in return for money and/or refreshments. Teenagers perform various Deosi songs to collect money for their picnic! Some may play Deusi to collect money to build a new trail in a far away village in Nepal! During the Tihar festival the only kind of songs you are most likely to hear from local Radio stations are nothing but Tihar Songs, Bhailo, Deusi and folk songs about sisters or brothers unable to see each other during the festival due to various reasons. A poor sister, now a daughter-in-law may not get even a day's break to visit her brother on this special day, and she might sing a song to make your tears flow!

A Sample of Deusi Song. Includes a similar meaning in English.
Bhana Mera Bhaiho Deusuray. (Say it my brothers, Say it. Deusuray).
Sormelai Kana Deusuray. (Say it louder and say it in tune. Deusuray).
Rato Batoo Deusuray. (Red mud trail. Deusuray).
Chiploa Batoo Desuray. (Slippery trail. Deusuray).
Laddai Paddai Deusuray. (Slipping and Sliding. Deusuray).
Akeya Hami Deusuray. (Finally we made it to your home! Deusuray).
.... .... Deusuray.
.... .... Deusuray.
.... .... Deusuray.
Yo Garma Laxmi Deusuray. (In this home Goddess Laxmi. Deusuray).
Sadthai Aun Deusuray. (Always come. Deusuray).
Hamilai Denus Deusuray. (Give us what you have money or meal).
Bidtha Garnus Deusuray. (Please give us now, say good bye to us, so we sing for next home!).

Mahapuja - The fourth day of the Tihar is also about worshiping yourself. This puja (worshiping) is known as Mahapuja. This is also the first day of the special annual calendar of an ethnic group known as Newar residing in Nepal. The coming of a new year is also celebrated in Tihar. Also a popular ritual of the day is the Govardhan puja or Goru Tihar (Oxen Worshiping). Oxen are worshiped on this day as they till lands and help grow crops to sustain life.

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Laxmi Puja Tihar

2009-10-17T19:23:00.000+05:45

One of the most important days of the festival is Laxmi Puja on which day the Goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshiped in every household in the entire Nepali Kingdom by means of Puja, decoration, candle lights, and oil lamps. In this 3rd day of the Tihar Festival, the entire nation becomes an illumination of lights. Pictures and icons of Laxmi Devi (Goddess) are placed and worshiped in a Puja room (or a place in a living room or a dedicated room for worshiping Gods) Puja is performed using flowers, incense, oil lamps, color-powders, bell and money (both notes and coins). Laxmi puja is performed at dusk using red mud, and puja is often done by a female in the family. She uses her hand covered with red mud to make a symbolic foot-print on the floor entering the home and makes a trail leading to the Puja room.

Laxmi puja is not only for households but is equally done by Companies. Business Laxmi Puja is done exactly the same way as is done in home. Usually company's cashier performs the puja during which time the entire office including office compounds are lit with various lights including electrical, candle lights, and oil lamps and usually staffs are invited to participate in the puja procession.

Bhailini Songs: The eve of Laxmi Puja Day is made spectacular not only by lights but also by echos of a special song known as Bhailo or Bhailini that's played only on this day in the entire year! A group of girls get together and sing Bhailo door to door, giving blessings to the family in return for money or homemade treats.

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!

New Nepali bank note of 5, 10, 20 and 50. 100 bill of each of 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Gai Tihar

2009-10-17T12:42:00.001+05:45

The 3rd day of Tihar is about worshiping the mother of the universe - cow (Gai). According to Hinduism, the human infant is fed breast milk by its human mother for under three years. After weaning, the cow acts as the surrogate mother providing milk for the rest of the human life - through childhood, adult age and old age. Cows are the mothers of the universe, the sacred animal. The cow puja is performed by giving a tika to a cow on her forehead, and a flower garland (Flower Leis) on the neck, and offering good meals. Those performing Cow puja place her manure in different parts of the home; drink a drop or two of the cow's urine, as a part of a purification process. Also dip a blade of grass into the urine and lightly sprinkle it on each other's body to become closer to the mother of the universe - cow.

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Kukur Tihar

2009-10-17T07:33:00.000+05:45

On the second day of Tihar, Kukur (Dogs) are adorned with flower garland around their necks, red tika on their forehead, and are offered great meals, and they are the king of the day! On this day, people pray to the Kukur to guard their homes. Call someone "Kukur", he/she will bash you instantly! There are lots of Kukur running around in search of a loving home. You can find them on streets and in your backyards, but on this day, even the most unsightly Kukkur will be treated like a king, everyone has a day. Tihar is also about breaking the boundaries only men created, "The Good", "The Bad", "The Ugly", and all but same to the mother nature! In Hinduism it is believed that Kukur guard's the underworld empire just like it guards our everyday homes! Tihar is about loving Kukurs too!

Romeo

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Kag Tihar

2009-10-16T15:52:00.003+05:45

Here comes Tihar to teach you a lesson! Early in the morning of the first day of Tihar, family prepares a good meal. Each member of the family takes the first portion of the meal outside on a platter. The crows come down in large numbers and partake of the feast; they will call others before beginning to eat: Share, Share what you have with all! Crows (Kag in Nepali) are considered as the messenger of the Lord of Death, Yama. There is a popular Nepali superstition of crows too: When the crows caw, sadness is coming.) On this day crows are worshiped and are kept happy. Where there are no crows, any winged animal of the heavens (bird) will enjoy the feast. So Tihar is also about appreciating animals around us.

Find more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all! .

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

World Photography Day

2009-08-19T19:06:00.000+05:45

My sixth photography exhibition ....

2009-08-16T21:54:00.000+05:45

What do you think about me?

2009-07-29T21:54:00.002+05:45

What do you think about me? This is what 17 very talented and awesome writer and photographer think about me.

17 talented and awesome peoples are Abha Eli Phoboo, Ajit Baral, Arpan Shrestha, Diwas KC, Prawin Adhikari, Rabi Thapa, Sushma Joshi, Utsav Shakya, Bhushan Shilpakar, Nishant Shilpakar, Suraj Shakya, Dhruba Ale, Nayan Tara Gurung Kakshapati, Prateek Rajbhandari, Rockey Prajapati, Sudhir Bhandari and Sushan Prajapati.

Thanks,
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Nag Panchami

2009-07-26T08:33:00.002+05:45

A smallest viper resting after a meal - a rat, it was for display at Bandar Utama, One Utama, PJ, Malaysia.

It was taken last year at Nag Panchami.

A smallest python in a world as said by a girl that represents the python, it was also for display at Bandar Utama, One Utama, PJ, Malaysia.

It was also taken last year at Nag Panchami.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Budget....

2009-07-13T17:44:00.001+05:45

I wish my budget is more so I can do more .... but to make a better budget for something you have to save it too .... and I do not have any saving but from now on I will try my best to save so later I can use it for my better.

Coins on the wish luck pond at River Side Springs Resort, Kurintar, Chitwan.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Walking through the pine forest ....

2009-07-09T09:35:00.002+05:45

There are not much of the pine forests around Kathmandu valley, but still feel good and fresh to hike around it whatever we have around.

It is sad that we have small amount of pine forest around Kathmandu valley and peoples are still cutting down pine trees.

Do you look back at the place that you just passed through?

See the beauty from other side.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Dogs

2009-07-07T16:00:00.003+05:45

Queen of the own place....

The queen is sleeping in her own place and no one can make her wake beside her king.

Dog enjoying a sunbath at Changunarayan, Bhaktapur.

Lazing around ....

I spend my days lazing around in the steps of Changunarayan, if you do love to take my photographs then you are must welcome. Not only me, but you can take photographs of my other friends you can find around Changunarayan temple too.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Love is fading away....

2009-07-03T16:20:00.001+05:45

Is your love true? Do you love someone with true and pure heart? Nowadays it is very rare to find a true love; lover spot in Kathmandu valley are full with couples mostly engaging in sexual activities and even some are in school dresses. I am not saying that who love with true and pure heart do not have sex, but sure they do not have it in public place. Is it a one night stand love or even less as a bollywood film kind of love of two and half hour love?

Is your love a true love or is it fading away?

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Monsoon in here ....

2009-07-02T19:55:00.001+05:45

Monsoon normally hits Nepal by the second week of June. But this year's delayed due to the fluctuating weather condition in the Bay of Bengal and northern India.

During the rainy monsoon season between June to August, it rains to an average between 200-375 millimeters in Kathmandu. There is occasional rainfall during the other seasons too. In an average, 1300 millimeters of rain falls in Kathmandu every year.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Light over the mountain ....

2009-07-01T22:54:00.000+05:45

If you see something with your eyes you can figure out what it is but sometime photography can also make you see something that is not what it used to be. See this photograph and figure out, what it is? It is not a light and not a photograph of the mountain.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Player flag....

2009-06-16T07:19:00.000+05:45

Player flag at Bauddhanath, Kathmandu.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Lonely ....

2009-06-11T08:14:00.000+05:45

Still alone and lonely.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Alone

2009-06-10T12:31:00.000+05:45

Not everyone is lucky to be with their loved ones, I am still alone as I use to be.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The way we manage the wire ...

2009-06-06T13:44:00.000+05:45

The way we manage the wire, the Nepali way. Taken somewhere around Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Holga 120N

2009-06-04T06:54:00.001+05:45

My dream camera, I always wanted to play with it and want to have it. Finally, I got one and soon start to take photographs with it. Everyone is moving on to digital photography but there is still something good about film photography and I love to enjoy the film photography and my new gf Holga 120N.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Free bird ....

2009-06-02T06:54:00.000+05:45

Dance as a free bird ....

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Paint my love ....

2009-06-01T07:42:00.001+05:45

Paint my love.
you should paint my love.
it's the picture of a thousand sunsets.
it's the freedom of a thousand doves.
Baby you should paint my love .

From MLTR - Paint My Love.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The Connection

2009-05-31T08:46:00.001+05:45

Two of my photographs were published in photo feature section of Republica of May 29th, 2009.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The Connection

2009-05-29T22:58:00.001+05:45

Two of my photographs were published in photo feature section of Republica of May 29th, 2009. I was part of the photography workshop that was conducted by award winning documentary photographer Munem Wasif as a part of the Travelling Chobi Mela hosted by photo.circle at Nepal Art Council from May 23 to 26, 2009. Each day, participants have to work on the assigned topic "closeness". Participants were instructed to take photographs of something very close to them, to the hearts. They could interpret the world in their own way, conceptually and this is what I did.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Rise and fall

2009-05-19T22:19:00.002+05:45

Maoist CA election banner, a bit slipped away at Ratnanagar, Chitwan.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Leafline

2009-04-29T14:17:00.000+05:45

Leafline.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

What's on a man's mind?

2009-04-28T13:54:00.000+05:45

What's on a man's mind?

That what's on my mind too? ......; )

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Black rose

2009-04-27T15:29:00.001+05:45

As the love faded away, so does the red rose turn into black as your heart turn black on me.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Interconnection

2009-04-26T13:59:00.000+05:45

Thread interconnected of my white silk shirt.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Play my guitar...

2009-04-25T10:53:00.001+05:45

If you can, then play my guitar as you played with me life.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Drops...

2009-04-24T11:58:00.000+05:45

Drops with life. Life in drops.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Seven...

2009-04-23T15:58:00.001+05:45

Seven... just an abstract nature photograph.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T13:28:00.001+05:45

Happy Earth Day! 2009...

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

The wind of change....

2009-04-21T13:44:00.000+05:45

The wind of change....
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Kiss Call.....

2009-04-20T13:46:00.001+05:45

Wanna have a kiss?

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

April

2009-04-01T22:27:00.002+05:45

My heart is yellow...

2009-02-17T05:42:00.001+05:45

I am away from home in valentine day; I miss a lot of good things that make me feel bad of being away from home and my loved ones. But this valentine day was one of the best valentine day so far though I am away from my home and loved ones, because I joined UR Loved project...

I have never done this kind of things before but heard similar kind of project called Free Hugs project. But I never make it to Free Hugs project before when it happens in Malaysia. May be I will try not to miss it from now on....

UR Loved project, started on 12:30 at Annexe street, Central Market at KL but due to the security problem we have to move it to the other side of the Central Market street but later UR Loved project turns into Free Hugs project...

I really enjoy hugs with strangers and with all of my new friends, whom I met on that day but feels like I know them before. May be we should do another UR Loved project/Free Hugs project. ..I had fun guys, you all rocks!!!..

Thanks for making my valentine day a wonderful and awesome one....

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

A Happy Valentine's Day .....: )

2009-02-14T06:52:00.001+05:45

Wish You a Happy Valentine's Day .....: )

Heart shape ice at McDonald at near Nepal Embassy at KL.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

......never been kissed

2009-02-13T06:07:00.000+05:45

I saw an angel in a subway and she is smiling at me, she want kiss or something from me..... but do not know what she want from me..... her lips look like heaven without touching, I wonder how it feel with the touch.

P.S. Lips on billboard of some cosmetic shop opposite of Borders Book shop at Tropicana City Mall, PJ.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-27T15:40:00.000+05:45

Happy Chinese New Year to all of them who celebrate it and to all who do not celebrate it, Gong Xi Fa Cai!..

Music show in PETRONAS Tower nearby Ampang entrance. ..

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

I will put my pants on….

2009-01-18T21:57:00.002+05:45

I think this is my first step into a nude photography officially. Bimal was happy to be nude and I am happy to shoot him. It was getting dark so this photograph has a bit of noise. Bimal did not let me take his photographs from near and with using flash, so it is like that.

This photograph was taken somewhere on the beach at Port Dickson.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Hidden

2009-01-16T17:33:00.001+05:45

These photograph were taken somewhere at Port Dickson.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Open sky…

2009-01-14T20:31:00.001+05:45

It’s been around 6 months in Malaysia, and I am feeling home sick. I want to go back to Nepal for a month or two, but as I spoke with my mom….she told me not to come back to Nepal. As the situation is bad as it used to be. As the popular saying goes in Nepali “whoever come to the power, the situation will be same” to the laymen. I do not know when will be Nepal, peaceful?

This photograph was taken at Port Dickson.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Pair

2009-01-07T14:46:00.001+05:45

Sometime two things look better on foreground. A couple enjoying evening in the beach, walking side by side holding each other hand, a pair of shoe and a pair of empty boat and so on… I can list million of things that look great in pair but sometime you have to give a space for single things too. That will keep the love of pair alive and fresh as I think so.

A pair of boat at Port Dickson.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka