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Photo Gallery – Kathmandu Cham by Jill Gocher
Within the bounds of Kathmandu lies Boudhanath – an ancient giant Buddhist stupa that has become a magnet for Tibetan Buddhists from around the world. Once it was a lonely stupa with no more than a few shops at the side but now it is a huge buzzing Buddhist centre – a bazaar of fabulous shops, many Monastries from all the Tibetan Lineages.
Go there any morning and join the devout and devoted making their morning Kora or circumambulation, prayer beads in hand. While the number of fresh arrivals from Tibet has diminished greatly, since China has been making overtures to Nepal, many Tibetans still live in the area.
Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year, is now celebrated only within the boundaries of the monasteries (gompa) and behind closed doors. On Lhosar great Monastries such as Schenzen Gompa put on a ceremonial display of Tibetan dance known as Cham, to bring peace and prosperity. It is a solemn but joyous occasion attended by residents of the monastery, interested outsiders and other Tibetan visitors.
The sounding of the deep drums, the horns, and the extraordinary costumes of the dancing monks make it an occasion that will stay long in your heart.
Om Mane Padme Hum
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