We just wrapped up a gorgeous Holi celebration here in Sydney, and my heart’s still full. For anyone who’s not familiar, Holi is a festival of colour that marks the arrival of spring. Back in Nepal, it’s one of the happiest days of the year -everyone’s out on the streets with family, neighbours and friends, throwing colours, sharing food, laughing and just enjoying the moment together.
This year, we tried to bring a little slice of that spirit to Sydney. We headed down to the local park with our mates and neighbours, and before long everyone was covered head-to-toe in colour. Kids were running around, adults pretending not to be competitive with colour throwing… the whole vibe felt like home. It reminded me how simple joy can be when you share it.
And of course – the food. We made chatpate, which is such a classic Nepali street snack and honestly perfect for quick get-togethers. If you haven’t tried it, chatpate is a crunchy, tangy, spicy mix made with puffed rice. It’s got this punchy flavour that hits all the right notes, and the best part is how quick it is to make.
Here’s the fast version of how we made it:
Quick & Easy Chatpate
Puffed rice
Finely chopped onion, tomato and cucumber
Coriander
A squeeze of lemon
Chilli (as much or as little as you like)
A bit of mustard oil for that proper Nepali kick
Salt to taste
Mix it all together just before serving so it stays crunchy — and that’s it. Fresh, zesty and perfect for days like this.
Celebrating Holi away from Nepal can feel different, but sharing colours, food and laughs with the people around us makes it special in its own way. Still buzzing from all the fun and all the colour. 💛💜💚
This year’s Teej celebrations were such a beautiful surprise for me! 🌸✨
I ended up joining so many different Teej Ko Daar gatherings with different groups of friends, and each one had its own unique charm. There was endless food (seriously, the feasting never stopped), lots of laughter, hours of dancing, and of course—plenty of TikToks being made along the way. It was festive, colourful, and full of energy from start to finish.
What made it even more meaningful is that I’m Newar, and I didn’t really grow up celebrating Teej in the traditional way. But because of my friends, I was able to immerse myself in the joy of the festival this year—and I absolutely loved every part of it! Sometimes, it’s the people around you who make a festival special, and that’s exactly how it felt.
From finding outfit inspiration online, to getting dressed up in gorgeous festive looks, to sharing meals and dancing until we were all out of breath—the celebrations were about so much more than just tradition. They were about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that will stick with me for years.
Teej this year wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about connection, culture, and pure fun.
I’m so grateful to my friends for including me in their traditions and making me feel part of something bigger. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! 💃
Our recent trip to Tasmania was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. A standout highlight was our visit to the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. Having heard so many glowing reviews, we arrived with high expectations, and MONA delivered a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family—albeit with a few surprises along the way!
From the outside, MONA appears deceptively modest, with its sleek, modern, minimalist façade giving no indication of the vast world hidden beneath. Once inside, we were awestruck by the scale of the underground galleries. Spread across multiple levels, the museum feels like a labyrinth of creativity, with dark, winding pathways leading to a treasure trove of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing art.
The exhibits themselves were a mix of the strange, the beautiful, and the deeply intriguing. One of the standout installations was the “Pulse Room,” a mesmerizing display of hanging light bulbs that pulse in time with the heartbeat of the participants. It was a captivating way to blend art and human connection. Another unforgettable piece was the “Cloaca Professional” (often referred to as the “poo machine”)—a bizarre but oddly fascinating work that mimics the human digestive process. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it certainly sparked some animated conversations with the kids, who were equal parts amused and bewildered!
The “Waterfall” installation, which displays falling water droplets spelling out words and phrases, was another crowd favourite. It was stunning to watch and left us marveling at the creativity and technology behind it. We also explored the interactive “O” device, which provides in-depth information about each artwork, allowing us to choose whether to dive deeper into the meaning of the pieces or simply appreciate them at face value.
Some exhibits, however, weren’t child-friendly due to mature or confronting themes. As parents, we made sure to guide our kids carefully and chose areas that felt suitable for them. Despite these limitations, MONA did an excellent job of offering an educational experience. Our children were surprisingly engaged, especially with the interactive features and the museum’s clever use of technology, like the augmented reality elements that added layers to the experience.
Once we were ready for a break, the outdoor areas provided the perfect opportunity to unwind. The kids, who had grown a bit restless indoors, were thrilled to discover the giant trampoline outside. They bounced with endless energy under the open sky, surrounded by MONA’s quirky sculptures and serene gardens. The outdoor spaces had a unique vibe, blending relaxation with a sense of playful exploration.
The museum’s practical features also enhanced the visit. Lockers to store our belongings made navigating the galleries much easier, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. However, we did find the food options somewhat underwhelming. While the on-site cafes had a decent selection, we expected something more creative and varied to match the museum’s bold reputation.
Admission was AUD 35 for adults, with free entry for children under 18, which we found to be excellent value considering the scale and uniqueness of the experience.
Overall, MONA was an unforgettable experience that added a distinct and unexpected flavour to our Tasmania trip. The museum’s blend of art, creativity, and innovation made for a truly memorable visit, while the outdoor play areas were a major highlight for the kids. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique adventure, MONA offers something for everyone—so long as you embrace the unexpected.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, MONA should definitely be on your list. Just be prepared to balance the visit between family fun and exploring the art, and you’ll have an amazing time!
I hope you all enjoy listening to Makha Twa Ya Gwa, one of the popular and cherished songs in the Nepal Bhasa (Newar) community. This song beautifully captures the essence of Newar culture and tradition, showcasing the depth of the language and the emotions tied to it.
The song is filled with poetic lyrics that speak to the heart and soul, and it has a timeless quality that resonates with listeners of all ages. The rich, melodic tunes paired with the thoughtful lyrics make it a standout in Nepal Bhasa music.
The song is performed by the talented Roj Man Maharjan and Nisha Deshar, whose voice and artistry bring the song to life. With their unique style and powerful delivery, they have made a significant impact on Nepal Bhasa music and have helped keep the tradition alive for newer generations.
Whether you’re a fan of Nepal Bhasa music or are new to it, Makha Twa Ya Gwa is a song you’ll definitely want to listen to. The beauty of the song, paired with its cultural significance, makes it one of my all-time favourites.
Enjoy, and let the melody transport you to the heart of Newar culture! Here’s the translation of the song in Nepali, so you can appreciate the meaning behind the beautiful words:
You know how you can walk past a building countless times but never actually go inside? That was me with the Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks.
When my uncle visited from Nepal, we decided to finally check it out. The museum is a treasure trove of modern creativity, featuring a diverse range of contemporary artworks from both Australian and international artists.
We explored various exhibitions that showcased everything from paintings and sculptures to digital art and installations. Each piece offered a unique perspective on contemporary issues and artistic expression.
The museum has different entry options: paid areas on levels 1 and 3, and free entry on level 2. This mix allows visitors to enjoy both complimentary and premium exhibits.
Located in The Rocks, the museum offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour. We took a moment to enjoy the scenic backdrop, which enhanced the overall experience.
We also discovered that the museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops for all ages, making it a great place for families and art enthusiasts to learn more about contemporary art.
Visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art was a wonderful experience, and I’m glad we finally took the time to explore it. It was the perfect way to spend the day with my uncle, discovering new and inspiring artworks together.
If you are in the city, don’t forget to check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is definitely worth the time!
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