Nepali Times

Dasain

The longest and biggest festival in Nepal, Dasain is celebrated by worshipping goddess Durga in all her manifestations. The 15-day festival started on 21 September, locally known as Ghatasthapana. 

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

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

29 and 30 September, Maha Nawami and Dashami: 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, machinery and vehicles are worshipped. People receive tika, jamara and blessings from their elders.

5 October, Kojagrat Purnima: Tika giving goes on till this day, which marks the end of Dasain.

Rock climbing, Explore the strength in you and try rock climbing organised by Astrek Climbing Wall. The package includes lunch, a bottle of water, and climbing and safety gear. No previous experience required. Every Saturday, 8am-5pm, Rs5,500 per person, (01) 4419265, 9841313561, www. facebook.com/astrek.climbing

Guitar workshop, Register to participate in a free guitar workshop by famous Polish teacher Jacek Chmiel. 6 October, 5pm onwards, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Sanepa, Free, (01) 5013554, 9813556945, [email protected]

100 years of Toni Hagen, Don’t miss this opportunity to see Nepal though the eyes of Toni Hagen in an exhibition of his works marking 100 years after his birth anniversary. 16-24 September, 10am-5pm, Nepal Art Council, Baber Mahal, (01) 4220735

Japanese art, Visit this exhibition to view some of the finest paintings by Japanese artists Masae Suzuki and Setsuko Suzuki. 18-27 September, 11am-5pm, 12-5pm (Saturdays), Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, Kathmandu, (01) 4218048, (01) 4433930

Momo mania

Momo mania, Exotic varieties of vegetarian and non-vegetarian momos with specialties from Shanghai. 18 September onwards, 3-7pm, The Lounge, Hyatt Hotel, Baudha, a la carte menu, (01) 5171234

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

Café Jireh, Escape the hustle-bustle of the city and enjoy firewood pizza. Bhaisipati, (01) 5592102

Hello Café, Enjoy Korean, continental and Italian dishes with a magnificent view of Boudha stupa and free wifi. Open throughout Dasain. Boudha, (01) 4916218

Falcha, Give in to the twin pleasures of lemon jeera chicken and mutton handi kabab. Jhamsikhel, 9851013475

Last Friday Bar & Grill, Indian cuisine, anyone? Tip: try the kabab. Lazimpat, (01) 4002170

Himalayan Java, This Thamel establishment, well known for its coffee, serves excellent sandwiches too. Tridevi Marg, 4422519

The Bent Fork, This European style restaurant offers the best salads and varieties of continental dishes. Enjoy cosy evenings with family and friends. Bishal Nagar, 9802049888

Tranquility Spa

Tranquility Spa, De-stress, relax and pamper yourself with a wide range of massages at any of the spa’s nine branches in Nepal. www.tranquilityspa.com.np

Kasara Resort, A luxury resort located in the lush setting of Chitwan National Park. For those who value their privacy and prefer a more secluded stay, Kasara offers two private villas with private pools. Chitwan (01) 4437571/4438570, www.kasararesort.com

Hotel Landmark Pokhara, For the best views of Phewa Lake. Enrich your stay with cultural performances every evening. Lakeside Pokhara, (61) 462908, 9851059096

Meghauli Serai, Enjoy the monsoon offer at Taj Safari’s Meghauli Serai and relax with fine dining and wildlife safaris in Chitwan. Chitwan National Park, 9801301969/9851001548

Balthali Village Resort, A small, cosy retreat with a bird’s-eye view of green terrace fields dotted with ochre painted houses. Balthali, Kavre, 9851075818

Club Himalaya, For amazing mountain views and refreshing weekend escapades. Nagarkot, (01) 6680080

Gorkana Forest Resort, Complete your weekend getaway with a round of golf or a day of pampering at the spa, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Gokarna, (01) 4451212, www.gokarna.com

Rupakot Resort, Get pampered in the lap of luxury amid stunning views of the Annapurnas. Maidan-6, Rupakot, Kaski, (61) 622660 / (01) 4004687 /9856038043, www.rupakotresort.com

Live with Bipul

Live with Bipul, Don’t miss this live performance by your favorite singer Bipul Chhetri. Tickets available at BaseCamp (Arun Thapa Chok), Durbar (Durbarmarg) and Calm (Tangal). 14 October, 5pm, Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Rs2,000, Rs 1,500 (pre sale), 9841226397 9801111406, 9801057609

The Wayfarers, Relive memories with duo The Wayfarer performing some of the greatest hits of Eric Clapton and The Beatles. 22 September, 6:30-10pm, Social Café, Gairidhara, (01) 4427370

Musical Dasain, Unwind your weekend by joining singer Sanjeev Singh and The Dexterous band for a musical Dasain celebration. 22 September, 6:30-10:30pm, Genesis Café, Panipokhari, Rs1,000, 9841466304, [email protected]

Mongolian Heart, Raju Lama and his band Mongolian Heart are back to rock the stage. 23 September, 6-11pm, Trisara, Lazimpat, (01) 4410200, www. [email protected]