The eighth day of Dashain is called ‘Asthami’. In Newari culture, we eat “Kuchi bhwey” to mark the day.
Yesterday, we went to my cousin’s (K didi) house and we were so happy to see that they had prepared “Kuchi bhwey”.
It consists of 9 Newari dishes which are
Kuchi bhwey
It was really yummy!!!
Happy dashain!!!
Posted in Nepali Festivals, Newari Food
Tagged Alu achaar, Asthami, Chicken Choila, Chiura, Dashain, Kuchi bhwey, nepali australian, Nepaliaustralian
After AS told me he loves me (Our unconventional love story), everything went in fast pace. We continued to Skype and phone and by the time he was going to be in Nepal, we both were sure this is what we wanted. Even it wasn’t long, it felt like we been together for life time. I think as we were friends for so long, it helps us to bridge the distance we had.
The next step for both of us was to tell our parents as we want them to stop looking for match for us. We were planning to do that around the same time so we know straight away how things are going to work out or not. Both of us are from same culture, same ethnic background and same cast so it seems done deal. But until we really make that step we were worried. We didn’t have any other plan if our parents said NO for any reason.
With the grace of God, both our family took the news very well and they wanted to meet each other officially. They were happy that we made a good couple. So the date was fixed for meeting where they were going to officially ask my hand for marriage called “Kochi” ( Newari word for fix).This is a tradition in Newari / Nepali wedding.
That was one of the scary days for us as things were happening too fast. We know it was going great but still scared if something will come into picture and ruin everything. But after our family meeting in one of the restaurant in Kathmandu, everything went well.
As both of us were leaving Nepal again, both the family though it is wise to have engagement ceremony to announce that we are engaged to be married soon. For AS and me it was great relief that things were going as we wanted.
Both families agreed that ceremony should be small and for only close family and friends. But I forgot in Nepal, small is not really small and it turned out to be ceremony for almost 150 people. Initially, we were planning to have the ceremony at my house, but with 150 people, it was not possible so a date and venue was arranged.
I was dressed in red sari with golden work. Had my hair and make up done Nepali bridal way. AS was dressed in dark blue suit and I swear he looked so handsome. My mother in law, following traditional way, has brought trays of sweets, fruits and gifts for me.
The ceremony started with welcoming everyone to this big new family. It followed by elder putting Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermillion) on our forehead. At the end , we had so much Tika on our forehead; it kept sliding to our nose.
Then in front of our families and friends, we exchanged rings and we were officially “ENGAGED”.
After that we cut cake, had photo time with everyone. It was followed by snacks and main meal. And of course there was much-loved dancing.
It was really a great days for both of us. We never expect it to be so easy and quick but we didn’t mind.
This ceremony was followed by
Posted in Wedding
Tagged Engagement, Kochi, Nepalese wedding, nepali australian, nepali wedding, newari wedding, tika
As anyone who is slightly related to Nepal in anyway will know, Dashain ( 15 days long celebration of Hindu) is just around the corner. This year it starts from 28 September and Tika (Dashami) is on 6 October.
Australia is in Southern hemisphere so the weather for Dashain will be windy and wet unlike in Nepal where it is perfect weather for celebration but we have to make most of the situation.
As this is going to be our first Dashain as married couple and we are away from our family, we are planning to have jamara on Ghatasthapana. As I have missed last 6 Dashain and AS have missed last 10 Dashain @ home, we thought having jamara will help us to be involved in our culture and at the same time I want to prove my in-laws and my mom, I can be modern and traditional at a same time. 🙂
So we are going to get some sand. I have bought some barley seeds. I hope it will work and turn into five or six inches long yellow grass by 6 October.
Will let you know the progress.
Happy Dashain !!!.
Posted in Nepali Festivals
Tagged Dashain, Dashami, festival, Ghatasthapana, jamara, Nepal, nepali australian, tika
It is 95 days since our wedding. I know it is funny I am counting days and I hope to count them in years as time pass by. We had big wedding (Big, Loud, Crowded, Nepali wedding) and I enjoyed every minute of it. It involved lots of culture, tradition and people I never knew. So I decided I should write about my experience before it goes fuzzy in my head. We had Nepali Newari wedding. I am going to write about our engagement and will continue with all the steps of our wedding. The steps were as follows:
Posted in Our Wedding, Wedding
Tagged big nepali wedding, Engagement, henna tattoo, Janti, Kul Deuta, Masala, Mehendi, Mukh herne, nepali australian, Nepali Roti, nepali wedding, newari wedding, Sagun, Sari, Sindoor, Supari, Swayambar, Wanjala
