Nepali Times

Dasain

The longest and biggest festival in Nepal, Dasain is celebrated by worshipping goddess Durga in all her manifestations. The fifteen-day festival started on 1 October, locally known as Ghatasthapana. 

8 October, Fulpati: Seventh day of Dasain on which fulpati (jamara, different types of flowers and banana stalks) is brought to Kathmandu from Gorkha. Generally families bring fulpatis to their prayer rooms.

9 October, Maha Astami: A day dedicated to the worship of Kali, a demonic avatar of Goddess Durga.

10 and 11 October, Maha Nawami and Dashami: The day marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is opened for the public only once a year on this day. Factories, machineries and vehicles are worshipped. People receive tika, jamara and blessings from their elders.

15 October, Kojagrat Purnima: Tika goes on till this day, also marks the end of Dasain.

Breast Cancer awareness, Participate in a Walkathon organised by Rose Foundation Nepal to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote breast self-examination. 22 October, 8.30 am to 3 pm, Starts at Patan Darbar Square and ends at Jawalakhel football ground, 9813688226/9803557302/9849035012, rosefoundationnepal.org

Piano lessons, Register for jazz piano lessons and get to know about jazz theory, harmony, improvisation, and composition, with Indian musician and jazz pianist Shanoi.Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, (01) 5013554

A quest for dignity, An anthology of photographs exploring the various meanings of dignity for dalits in Nepal. Till 26 November, 10 am to 5 pm, Patan Museum, Patan Darbar Square.

Ktm walks, Enjoy a car-free day, traditional music competition, a slow cycle race, skate board competition and more at the second Kilagal Ktm Walks event this year. 22 October, 7 am to 7 pm, Kilagal, 9861032880

Black Pepper Café & Pub

Pic: Mitho Cha!

Black Pepper Café & Pub, Cosmopolitan dining and drinking in a traditional style courtyard, try the apple sauce pork chops, enjoy the good service. Kopundole Height, Lalitpur, 5521897, 5536926

Embassy, Positioned at Lajimpat’s embassy-laden lane but away from the hustle and bustle of the main road, this restaurant has a menu with Nepali, Indian, Italian, Thai and Japanese dishes on offer. Lajimpat, (01)4424040

Koto, Japanese cuisine of the highest quality, served with meticulous attention; food fanatics will find themselves in a haven of sashimi and tempura. Lakeside or Pulchowk or Darbar Marg

Wunjala Moskva, Treat your palette to Newari and Russian dishes in a lush garden with ancient trees and trickling streams. Naxal, (01)4415236

Chez Caroline, Authentic ambience, exquisite French food, glorious sunshine and more. 9am to 10pm, Babar Mahal Revisited, (01)4263070

Shangri-La Village Resort

Shangri-La Village Resort, Escape to the lake city and celebrate Dasain with their ‘Special Sayapatri’ offer that extends a two nights and three days package at Shangri La Village Resort in Pokhara. Gharipatan, Pokhara,(01) 4420252, 9860260894 / 9803553023, Rs 6999 per person

The Last Resort, Test your limits with canyoning, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping. Bhotekosi, Sindhupalchok, (01)4700525/1247

Pokhara Grande, A swimming pool to escape the heat, a massage parlour and spa to loosen up and a gymnasium to release stress, great options all around. Lakeside, Pokhara

Mango Tree Lodge, Culture walks, rafting in the Karnali, wildlife exploration, and jungle safari at the Bardia National Park. Bhetani, Bardia, [email protected]

Atithi Resort & Spa, A quiet sanctuary that fuses Nepali tradition with modern amenities, complete with a fancy pool and a cosy restaurant. Lakeside, Pokhara, 00977 (61) 466760

Music mania

Music mania, Gear up for the third edition of Blackout Pride Phase featuring bands like Ugrakarma, Taamishra, Absorb, Undifined Human and more. 12 November, 12 to 6 pm, Thamel Reggae Bar, Thamel

Superfuzz live, Spend a musical evening with Superfuzz, good music and food. Every Saturday, 7 pm onwards, The Factory, Thamel, (01) 4701185

All about jazz, Tap to the beats of international jazz musicians in the fourteenth edition of the Jazzmandu festival. More on Page 8-9. 20 to 26 October, Multiple venues, www.jazzmandu.org

Open mic night, Grab the mic and sing your heart out at the House of Music every Tuesday. House of Music, Thamel, 9851075172

Kramasha live, Usher in Dasain celebrations with some soul stirring rock and acoustic with Kramasha - Nepal. 7 October, 7 pm onwards, Wicked Spoon, Jhamsikhel, (01) 5522968