Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Photography exhibition invitation cards

“I did not have the imageless vision…
I did not see forms whirl until they vanished
In unmoving clarity”

This is an invitation card of photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



William Mebane photographs were on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu.

This is an invitation card of William Mebane photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Personal Encounters on the Journey of Life” by Prakash Chandwadkar was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu.

This is an invitation card of “Personal Encounters on the Journey of Life” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Photo Document: Nineteen Seventies” by Kanak Mani Dixit was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu.

This is an invitation card of “Photo Document: Nineteen Seventies” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Spectrum of moments” by Sushma Amatya was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 17th February to 1st March 2006.

This is an invitation card of “Spectrum of moments” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Inside Information, a walk along the edge of sharing – Hiding the Balls” by Peter Schrader was on exhibition on Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur from 28th February 2006.

And “Inside Information, a walk along the edge of sharing – Performance Blowing up the Balls” by Peter Schrader was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 5th March 2006.

This is an invitation card of “Inside Information, a walk along the edge of sharing” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Images of a Lifetime….A Historical Perspective” by Tej Bahadur Chitrakar was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 20th November to 5th December 2005.

Exhibited photographs were taken from 1899 to 1971.

This is an invitation card of “Images of a Lifetime….A Historical Perspective” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Silent doorways, dark windows and soulful streets” by Herbert Grammatikopoulos was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 23rd October to 15th November 2005.

This is an invitation card of “Silent doorways, dark windows and soulful streets” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Brief Encounters” by Holly Holzer was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 13th July to 30th July 2005.

This is an invitation card of “Brief Encounters” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Thalara Framed. Glimpses of Western Nepal” by Devendra S Rana was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 15th April to 30th April 2005.

This is an invitation card of “Thalara Framed. Glimpses of Western Nepal” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Historic Pillar Stones” by Tim Harward was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 16th September to 24th September 2004.

This is an invitation card of “Historic Pillar Stones” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Samayak Drishti” by Shekhar Kharel was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 1st September to 14th September 2004.

This is an invitation card of “Samayak Drishti” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Himalayan Mandala” by Paula Wenzl & Joseph Bellacera was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 28th November to 10th December 2003.

This is an invitation card of “Himalayan Mandala” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.

Photograph on the card is entitle “Stupa” and made with pigmented photograph medium.



“Secrets of Angkor” by Paulius Normantas was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 24th September to 13th October 2003.

This is an invitation card of “Secrets of Angkor” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“West of the Silk Route” by Ben Schonveld was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 26th May to 1st June 2003.

This is an invitation card of “West of the Silk Route” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Photographs” by Ann Hunkins was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 17th November to 4th December 2002.

This is an invitation card of “Photographs” photography exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.



“Impressionistic Photography” by Sandy Shum was on exhibition on Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Baber Mahal, Kathmandu from 4th October to 24th October 2002.

This is an invitation card of “Impressionistic Photography” exhibition and is also on display at Siddhartha Art Gallery.

Artist Statement: “I wish to provide a moment to a pause and reflect on the wonder and grace in the dream light of the daily life.
I work by hand on each photograph to create a painterly quality, resulting in image full of death and texture.” [ As printed on card ]

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Merry Christmas card

Merry Christmas to you all [belated].

I just receive this card today from my friend from Germany. So, here it is for you.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Chaturman live alone...

Chaturman live alone in a small hut in Sundarijal, Kathmandu. He was going back to home from market with food supply. So on the way to Sundarijal I meet him and he was happy to share his story with me and also ready for few snap.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Line abstract

Some line abstracts !!....: )
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Light abstract

Chhath Pooja

Chhath is celebrated as thanks to the Sun God for providing the necessities of life on earth, and also for fulfilling particular wishes.

Beliefs:

It is commonly believed that the desires of the devotees are always fulfilled during Chhath. Also, the devotees dread the punishment for any misdeed during Chhath. The city remains safe and experiences peace during this time when even criminals prefer to behave.

The Days of Festivity:

The festival of Chhath is unique to Nepal and is marked by 4 day long celebrations and rituals.

Day 1:

The devotees bathe in the holy rivers and ponds to wash away their sins. They also clean their homes thoroughly.

Day 2:

The devotees observe a fast for the whole day, which is broken in late evening, after performing the pooja (worship ceremony) at home. They offer kheer (rice pudding) and fruit to the God and then this is shared with family and friends.

Day 3:

The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. In the evening the devotees go to a riverbank or a pond where the prasad is offered to the setting sun. The devotees with their family and friends return home for another colorful celebration. Under a canopy of sugar cane sticks, clay elephants which contain earthen lamps, and containers full of the offerings, are placed Agni (the fire god) is worshipped.

Day 4:

On the final day of the festivities the devotees, family and friends go to the riverbank. Prasad is offered to the rising sun, this time. The devotees break their fast and the prasad is shared with all the people around.

The Festivities and The Rituals:

Chhath is a very joyous and colorful festival. All the people dress up in their best.

Devotional folk songs are sung both at home and on the riverbank. Millions of people gather at the banks of holy rivers and ponds to celebrate Chhath.

The streets are kept spotlessly clean by volunteers, who also decorate all the streets leading to the river.

The prasad includes sweets and fruit kept in small baskets made of bamboo strips.

The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis on put on maintaining the purity of the food.

Once a family starts Chhath Pooja, it is continued annually by the following generations. If unable to perform the pooja themselves for personal reasons, it is recommended that one should assist someone else who is performing the pooja by providing funds or the prasad instead of completely missing the pooja.

The splendor of Chhath is some thing to experience and enjoy. There are beautiful folk songs sung for Chhath. It is sad that most of them are passed down in families but are not recorded for others to hear and enjoy.

Sun rising on the Ganga Sagar at Janakpur.



A man about to immerse in Ganga Sagar a holy pond in Janakpur on the occasion of Chhath pooja.

Thousands of devotees gathered on the banks of the Holy River and ponds to pay respects to the Sun God. Special prayers were conducted for the welfare and prosperity of their families. Preferably, it is the bounty of fresh harvest, which is considered apt offering to the Sun God.

The festival is celebrated six days after Tihar. It is especially significant for married women. They observe a two-day fast and offer prayers while keeping almost three-quarters of their body immersed in water for two hours.



Devotees are taking holy bath at the ghats in Ram Sagar, another holy pond in Janakpurdham on the occasion of Chhath pooja.



Peoples are enjoying the last day of the Chhath pooja at the ghats in Ganga Sagar, a holy pond in Janakpur.

Find out more about Chhath pooja at here.

May Sun God fulfills your all dream, Have a happy Chhath pooja to you all!!
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Tihar Day 5 - Bhai Tika (Final Tihar Day)

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
P.S. Bhai Tika was on 11 November, sorry for late post.

Tihar Day 4 - Deusi Songs

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!)

भन मेर भाईहो डेउसुरएे।
सोर्मेलाई कन डेउसुरएे।
रातो बाटोओ डेउसुरएे।
चिप्लो बाटोओ डेसुरएे।
लद्दै पद्दै डेउसुरएे।
अकेय हामी डेउसुरएे।
।।।। ।।।। डेउसुरएे
।।।। ।।।। डेउसुरएे
।।।। ।।।। डेउसुरएे
यो गर्मा लक्ष्मी डेउसुरएे।
सद्थै आउन डेउसुरएे।
हामीलाई डेनुस् डेउसुरएे।
बिद्थ गर्नुस् डेउसुरएे।

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

Tihar Day 3 - Laxmi Puja

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!
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Tihar Day 3 - Gai Tihar

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

Tihar Day 2 - Kukur Tihar

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!

Tyson my beloved friend long gone to heaven but he will be still in my heart always.

Tyson
4th April 2001 – 7th November 2005

Find out more about Tihar at here.

Happy Tihar to you all!
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Tihar Day 1 - Kag Tihar

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

Prayers flag

Prayers flag taken at Bauddhanath Stupa, Boudha, Kathmandu.

This is as come out of camera and with out any manipulations beside the name and copyright stamps. This image was created by Through the viewfinder [ Ttv ] technique and I am proud to say that I am the first Nepali photographer to try Through the viewfinder [ Ttv ] technique. But, I might be wrong, if any one out there have done it previously than please do let me know.

It is good to try new things, and that gives me fuel to try more new things.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Distance [ In Love ]

Distance [ In Love ]
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka
Distance in love and relationship is good for some time but not all the time. So be in love and close.

I really miss Joy.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

My granduncle pass away today

My granduncle pass away today in morning around 5 am.

Two new photographs

Sadabahar Ko Phool (सदाबाहरको फूल) in Nepali as it is "Evergreen Flower" in English. I wonder who named it because it is not green it is pink in color. I think it is named after its retaining green leaves all year round or being evergreen plant.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka


थोपा थोपामा अदेको जीवन...Green all the way...with water drops that was left over after the rain. Feeling very cool on the blue. This is as came out of the camera beside the water mark.
Leaf of the white flower at my garden.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

First exhibition

My first exhibition coming soon… :)
I am too tired to write; about it…I will write more about it tomorrow. So be here, tomorrow.
Thank you,
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Bend and look around

Bend and look around
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Looking and picking up the grass that grown under the paddy field. Taken after the 15 days of transplanting paddy seedling.

10 persons,
9 Women and 1 man.

Just the other way to help me >>>> “GIVE THE GIFT OF FLICKR” to me :)

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Eyes....

Eyes....
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

She did not sleep last night, and her eyes are talking with me a loud about the last night fight.

She cries like a river.
So I lost all the battle with her.

[ LOMO Version ]

Just the other way to help me >>>> “GIVE THE GIFT OF FLICKR” to me :)

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Softness [ RED ]

Softness [ RED ]
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Softness of red dahlia

Dahlia n. large-flowered showy garden plant. [Dahl, name of a botanist]

Red —adj. (redder, reddest) 1 of the color ranging from that of blood to deep pink or orange. 2 flushed in the face with shame, anger, etc. 3 (of the eyes) bloodshot or red-rimmed. 4 (of the hair) reddish-brown, tawny. 5 having to do with bloodshed, burning, violence, or revolution. 6 colloq. Communist or socialist. 7 (Red) hist. Russian, Soviet. —n. 1 red color or pigment. 2 red clothes or material. 3 colloq. Communist or socialist. In the red in debt or deficit. Reddish adj. redness n. [Old English]

Taken at home back in 2006.
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Receiving award

Receiving award
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Receiving award from Mr. Deepak Rana, Board of Trustee, Wildlife Conservation Nepal at Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. I receive this award because one of my photographs was selected as semi finalists in the 3rd Annual Nature and Wildlife Photography Competition for Amateur, 2007.
Thank you, Om ji for photograph.

Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Invitation to the Nature through Lens 3 - A Nature and WildlifePhotography Exhibition

Invitation to the Nature through Lens 3 - A Nature and Wildlife Photography Exhibition
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

This is my invitation card of “Nature Through Lens 3” a photography exhibition. This year is my second time on “Nature Through Lens 3” a photography exhibition and on WCN 3rd Annual Nature and Wildlife Photography Competition for amateur 2007. Last year at “Nature Through Lens 2” this photograph was on top ten.

I am happy for this year also thought the result will come later today. I am happy that this is my second group exhibition and being part of it and I am also very much excited about it. This year few photographs are on sale also so if you like my photographs on exhibition please get it for your office’s wall. The proceeds will help WCN to conduct conservation activities at local level.

I cordially invite you all to the “Nature Through Lens 3” a photography exhibition showcasing 300 photographs of more than 100 amateur photographers of WCN 3rd Annual Nature and Wildlife Photography Competition for amateur 2007.

Time: 11.00 am – 4.30 pm
Venue: Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Date: 15th – 18th June 2007

For more information: WCN or Nepal Photography

NEPALPHOTOGRAPHY.org
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Two dogs....talking.....?

Please! Do not disturb me 'coz I'm working like a dog....all night long....so I need full sleep....
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

Please! Do not disturb me 'coz I'm working like a dog....all night long....so I need full sleep...
I find this dog very interesting because he was sleeping like a log despite of huge sound of bell all around him. It was taken at nearby home at Shidhashwor Mahadev Temple at Kaushaltar, Bhaktapur.

Killer Look! [ I did not disturb you ]
Originally uploaded by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka

“I did not disturb you; it is that photographer that makes me wake up too….So I am giving him the look!”
“Hey buddy, what you say about my look?”
“By the way this photographer did not seem to be afraid from my looks. I think I have to bite him, what you say buddy?”
“And he looks delicious to me, wanna join me to bite him, we will enjoy it”
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka