I can hardly believe it—Nepaliaustralian has officially turned 13! When I first started this blog, social media was just beginning to take off, and I had no idea it would connect me with so many amazing people across the globe.
What began as a simple hobby has grown into an incredible journey. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be writing this 13th-anniversary post! This blog has become my personal way of celebrating Nepali culture, traditions, and the unique experience of being a Nepali living in Australia.
As of today, Nepaliaustralian proudly stands at 1,109 posts, 81 pages, 10,714 comments, 2,506,733 page views, 4,447 followers, and 1,383,135 readers from 230 countries. 🙂
I’m beyond grateful to each and every one of you for your support over these 13 years. Your encouragement, comments, likes, and shares have meant the world to me, and I truly couldn’t have come this far without you. Thank you for listening to my stories, sharing in my journey, and showing so much love to my family.
1 tablespoon crushed pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 tablespoon ghee
Optional: Crushed almonds for garnish
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the full cream milk powder and full cream milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Gradually add the condensed milk while continuing to whisk. Ensure the mixture is well-blended and has a consistent texture.
Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavour.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat and add the ghee. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
Pour the milk mixture into the pan and start cooking on low heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or forming lumps.
Cook the mixture slowly, allowing it to thicken gradually. The key is to maintain a low temperature and consistent stirring, which will give the burfi a smooth and creamy texture.
As the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, continue cooking until it reaches a dough-like consistency. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the mixture has thickened to the right consistency, remove it from the heat.
Prepare a cake pan or a square dish by lining it with baking paper. Grease the paper lightly with ghee to prevent sticking.
Pour the cooked mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle the crushed pistachios (and almonds, if using) on top. Press them gently into the surface with the back of a spoon.
Allow the burfi to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to set completely.
Once the burfi has set, remove it from the pan by lifting the baking paper. Cut it into squares or your desired shape.
Garnish with extra pistachios or a dusting of cardamom powder for an added touch.
Tips for the Best Milk Cake:
Use high-quality milk powder for a richer taste.
Ensure that the heat is kept low throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
For an extra indulgent flavour, you can add a few drops of rose water or saffron strands while cooking the mixture.
Enjoy this deliciously rich and aromatic Burfi that melts in your mouth!
Today, we celebrate Janai Purnima, a festival deeply intertwined with Nepali culture and Hindu tradition. This day is particularly meaningful as it marks the time to renew their “janai,” the sacred thread they wear daily.
The janai is first bestowed upon a boy during his Bratabandha ceremony, a rite of passage signifying his initiation into manhood. On Janai Purnima, men come together to perform the sacred ritual of changing the thread while reciting powerful mantras. This thread, representing purity and protection, is worn as a bracelet until the next year’s festival, when the cycle of renewal begins again.
However, Janai Purnima is not solely about the janai. It’s also a day when men, women, and children, regardless of caste, participate in the ritual of tying a sacred yellow thread around their wrists. Men tie this thread on their right wrist, while women tie it on their left. This thread symbolises protection and is believed to bring good luck. Traditionally, it is removed on Laxmi Puja, three months later, and tied to the tail of a cow. In the absence of a cow, the thread can be thrown into a fast-moving river or tied to a plant—like the one I have in my office from last year’s celebration!
The sacred thread carries profound spiritual significance. According to tradition, when the wearer passes away, the cow to whom the thread was tied will help them cross the mythical river Bhaitarna, easing their journey into the afterlife.
Throughout Nepal, Janai Purnima is celebrated with a variety of rituals. Devotees flock to temples, shrines, and riverbanks to perform puja and offer prayers. The day is also marked by communal feasts and gatherings, where families and communities come together in joyful celebration.
Janai Purnima is more than just a religious observance; it is a rich tapestry of cultural practices, spiritual devotion, and the strengthening of family bonds. As Nepal’s streets come alive with the vibrant colors of sacred threads and the sounds of prayers, this festival serves as a powerful reminder of the values that unite us, no matter where in the world we may be.
Today is also celebrated as Kwati Purni in Newar community, a festival named after the cherished dish ‘Kwati.’ This nutritious and hearty soup is made from a combination of nine different soaked and sprouted beans, each bringing its own unique flavor and health benefits. The beans typically used include mung beans (mung), soya beans (bhatmas), red kidney beans (rajma), black grams (mas), black-eyed peas (bodi), fava beans (bakulla), chickpeas/whole grams (chana), field peas (kerau), and white beans (seto simi).
Traditionally, Kwati was a staple for farmers, consumed to rejuvenate their tired bodies during the labor-intensive rice plantation season. Its rich nutritional profile provided the much-needed strength and energy for the hard work in the fields. Beyond its role as a farmers’ food, Kwati is also valued for its digestive benefits and its ability to address various health issues, making it a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
In modern times, Kwati has become more than just a practical meal; it’s a symbol of tradition and a celebration of Nepalese culinary heritage. The preparation and sharing of Kwati bring families together, fostering a sense of community and continuity. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a rainy day or as a festive dish during Kwati Purnima, this soup holds a special place in Nepali culture.
For those interested in making Kwati at home, I’ve shared the recipe here, where you can learn how to prepare this delicious and nourishing soup yourself.
Janai Purnima also coincides with Raksha Bandhan, a cherished tradition where sisters tie rakhis—beautifully decorative bracelets—around their brothers’ wrists. This act symbolises love, protection, and care. In return, brothers give sweets or gifts, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and friendship.
This day is marked by a renewal of spiritual vows and a recommitment to the values symbolised by the janai, which consists of three strands representing purity, spiritual protection, and moral integrity.
The exchange of rakhis is a joyful celebration of sibling love, adding a warm and familial aspect to the festival. The mutual exchange of gifts and promises between brothers and sisters strengthens these bonds and creates lasting memories.
Although I didn’t grow up celebrating Raksha Bandhan, it has become a cherished tradition since I had children. Each year, we have a small ceremony with my brother’s children, and the kids are always so excited to participate. They love the unique traditions and, of course, the exchange of gifts! These moments are precious to me because, even though we are far from Nepal, my children are growing up learning about and staying connected to their Nepali heritage.
Shrawan, the fourth month in the Nepali Hindu calendar, is steeped in religious and cultural significance. This month is considered the holiest for Hindus, with rituals and traditions that embody devotion, purification, and the deep connection between the divine and human realms.
The word “Sankranti” in the context of Shrawan Sankranti refers to the Sun’s transition from one Rashi (zodiac sign in Nepali astrology) to another, signaling the beginning of a new Nepali month. Specifically, Shrawan Sankranti marks the Sun’s southward journey, an event that is both astronomically and spiritually important.
From the very first day of Shrawan (which fell on July 17 this year), social media and public spaces alike are vibrant with images of women adorned in mehendi (henna) and green and yellow chura (bangles). These colors are not just for beauty; they symbolise fertility, prosperity, and the health of their families. The entire month is dedicated to these rituals, with Mondays, or Shrawan Somvars, being particularly significant. Each Shrawan Somvar, devotees flock to Shiva temples, fasting and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation.
Shrawan’s importance is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is said that Sati Devi, in her previous birth, vowed to have Mahadev (Lord Shiva) as her husband in every lifetime. After her death, she was reborn as Parvati, who fasted and prayed throughout the month of Shrawan, eventually winning Shiva’s heart and becoming his consort. This story is why Shrawan is so sacred and why women, especially, dedicate this month to worshiping Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for marital bliss and familial prosperity.
Throughout Shrawan, married women wear red attire complemented by green and yellow glass bangles, along with green pote (glass beads) around their necks. These adornments are more than just accessories; they are symbols of devotion and prayers for the long life and well-being of their husbands. For unmarried girls, wearing these bangles during Shrawan is a hopeful gesture, symbolising their wish for a good husband and a happy marriage.
The spiritual fervour of Shrawan is also evident in the Bol Bam pilgrimage. Devotees undertake this challenging journey, walking or running barefoot, often covering great distances to reach the Pashupatinath Temple and other Shiva temples. Along the way, they chant ‘Bol Bam,’ which means “Say Shiva,” as a form of devotion and penance. The pilgrimage is believed to bring blessings, good health, wealth, and happiness to the devotees and their families.
In addition to these rituals, Shrawan is also a time for various religious festivals and fasts. One of the most celebrated festivals during this month is Nag Panchami, where snakes are worshiped as protectors and symbols of fertility. Devotees offer milk, rice, and flowers to snake idols or real snakes, seeking their protection and blessings.
The month is also associated with the practice of fasting, especially by women. Mondays are often observed with strict fasting, where women consume only water or fruits and spend the day in prayer, reciting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. These fasts are believed to purify the body and soul, bringing spiritual merit and the fulfillment of desires.
Shrawan is a time when the monsoon season is at its peak in Nepal. The heavy rains are seen as blessings from the gods, nourishing the earth and bringing fertility to the land. This natural abundance is mirrored in the cultural practices of the month, where green, representing life and growth, becomes a dominant color in clothing and decorations.
The vibrancy of Shrawan is not just limited to religious practices but extends to social and familial gatherings. Communities come together to celebrate, share meals, and participate in collective prayers. The month fosters a sense of unity and continuity, as age-old traditions are passed down and kept alive by the younger generations.
Shrawan is a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and nature, encapsulating the spiritual essence of Hindu culture. The month is not just about rituals but about reconnecting with one’s roots, honoring the divine, and celebrating the eternal cycle of life.
I am fortunate enough to celebrate this beautiful tradition with my friends here in Australia. Being able to partake in the customs and rituals of Shrawan, even far from home, is a blessing that fills me with joy and a deep sense of connection to my culture. The laughter, the shared stories, and the collective prayers made the experience truly special. It was so much fun to immerse myself in this vibrant tradition, and it’s heartwarming to see our cultural practices thriving across the world. Celebrating Shrawan here reminds me that no matter where we are, our traditions keep us connected to our roots and to each other.
Tanah Lot Temple holds a special place in our hearts after our recent trip to Bali. It’s one of those places you have to plan for, especially considering the tides—high tide can literally cut off access to the temple! So, we kept a close eye on the website to make sure we timed our visit perfectly.
Imagine an ancient Hindu shrine perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by crashing waves and bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun—that’s Tanah Lot Temple. It’s not just a temple; it’s a breathtaking spectacle, offering some of the most stunning sunset views in Bali. We were in awe of its cultural significance and natural beauty, making it an experience we’ll never forget.
Walking across the beach during low tide to reach the temple was an adventure in itself. The waves crashing against the rocks added to the mystical atmosphere, creating a sense of reverence and wonder. It’s no wonder Tanah Lot is considered one of Bali’s most iconic and picturesque temples!
The area around Tanah Lot is bustling with activity, yet it retains a serene and spiritual ambiance. We enjoyed exploring the shops filled with local crafts, savouring delicious Balinese cuisine at the nearby restaurants, and even catching some traditional cultural performances.
For our kids, the highlight was definitely the sea area where the waves crashed against the rocks. They had a blast watching the waves and exploring the sandy shores around the temple. As for me, I loved soaking in the vibe—the blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and vibrant culture that defines Tanah Lot.
Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture the perfect sunset shot, a traveller seeking spiritual enlightenment, or a family wanting to experience Bali’s rich heritage, Tanah Lot Temple offers something for everyone. It’s a place where nature and culture converge, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to visit again and immerse ourselves in the magic of Tanah Lot!
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