A unique custom of Nepal Bel Bibaha[Marriage between a girl and a fruit]: A unique custom in Newari Community

Bel Bibaha[Marriage between a girl and a fruit]: A unique custom in Newari Community

 Being born into a Newar family is indeed a blessing. They are the original inhabitants of Kathmandu valley in Nepal, pretty famous for historical architecture, tradition and cultures. They have rituals and customs which are to be followed from birth till death.

   A daughter born in a Newar family gets married three times, not to the groom 

(a man), but with bel (a fruit), the Sun and a groom. In the pre-adolescent stage, a ritual called Bel Bibaha or Ehee is practised by girls in the Newar community in which they are 'married' to a Bel (fruit of wood apple tree) which is a symbol of god Vishnu. It is believed that practicing this culture ensures that the girl becomes and remains fertile. It is performed before hitting puberty in girls.

 It is believed that if the girl's husband dies later in her life, she is not considered a widow because she is already married to Lord Subarna Kumar (an avatar of lord Vishnu) who is believed to be immortal. It was basically done to prevent the tradition of 

'Sati Pratha', where after the husband dies, the widow sacrifices herself in the burning fire.

-Pranisha Bakunchhe

   Grade Nine

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

TYPES OF ESSAYS

There are four main types of essays: narrative, descriptive expository, and persuasive. This classification of essays is based on the writer's overall goal. Does the writer want to tell about a personal experience, describe something, explain an issue, or convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint?

1. Narrative Essay

In a narrative essay, the writer tells a story about a real-life experience While telling a story may sound easy to do, the narrative essay challenges writers to think and write about themselves. When writing a narrative essay, writers should try to involve their readers by making the story as vivid as possible. The fact that narrative essays are usually written in the first person helps engage the reader. A well-crafted narrative also builds towards drawing a conclusion or making a personal statement.

2. Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay paints a picture or image in the reader's mind, but with words. A writer might describe a person, place, object, or even memory of a special significance. In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through the use of colourful words and sensory details. The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader's emotions.

3. Expository Essay

The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics, and examples Expository writing encompasses a wide range of essay variations such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay, and the "how to" or process essay.

4. Persuasive Essay

The goal of the persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer's point of view or recommendation. The writer must build a case using facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. The writer should present all sides of the argument but must be able to communicate clearly.

(Source: English Course Book of Grade nine, CDC)

A PARAGRAPH ON DEFORESTATION

  

The clearing of tropical forests across the Earth has been occurring on a large scale for many years. Deforestation simply refers to the cutting down of trees in the forest in a large number. Deforestation has always been a threat to our environment. But still many humans are continuing this ill practice. The main purpose of deforestation is to increase the land area. Also, this land area is set up for new industries. It is caused due to overpopulation, globalization and many more. Trees are being cut down for construction purposes, lands are cleared for growing crops and trees are also used as firewood. There are many harmful effects of deforestation such as global warming, and soil erosion; pollution increases which cause different harmful diseases. It's also causing different disasters like floods and landslides. Deforestation affects animals as they lose their habitat. So, human beings should control deforestation on time by doing afforestation which helps to resolve the loss of the trees cut down. Some people grow small plants in their houses which provide attraction to their houses and give oxygen to them. Government should strictly punish and take action against people who engage in the illegal cutting of trees. We should make our choices and be responsible so that we can contribute to protecting the woods and reducing deforestation.

Sunita Shrestha

Grade 9

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

 

WATER RESOURCES OF NEPAL

  

Nepal is the second richest country in terms of water resources but are these resources being used for good? Rivers are the major sources of water. Nepal is small in area but there are many rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. There are more than 6000 big and small rivers in Nepal.

 

Nepalese people have to walk for two hours for mere a gallon of water.  It seems unreal but it is true. Only 35% of Nepali people get pure drinking water. Different methods such as using new water conservation technology, rainwater harvesting, education to change consumption, recycling of wastewater, improving distribution infrastructure etc. can be used to solve this problem.

 

During monsoons, Nepali people have to pray to god for water because there is no facility for proper irrigation. If used properly river water can help in irrigation It will ultimately help to develop agriculture in Nepal.

 

 The different adventurous sports can be conducted in the rivers of Nepal. Rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, boating etc. are some of them. We can lure tourists and develop adventure tourism in Nepal. Many local people can get employment opportunities which will help them uplift their living standards.

 

There is a good scope of hydroelectricity in Nepal due to glaciers in the Himalayas, regular monsoon rain and local topography Based on the water resources availability, Nepal's technical potential for hydropower has been estimated to be 83 gigawatts (GW). At present, the total hydropower generation has reached 556.8 MW or just 0.7 per cent of the potential. Hydroelectricity is unlimited in nature. Nepal can generate billions of revenue per year if it is able to sell electricity by harnessing its hydropower potential.

Bijay Magar

Grade 10

Manoram Boarding Secondary School 

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

Pov Article: How I quit drugs

 I was fed up with my life. I did not want to live any longer. People thought I was into drugs because of bad company. But I did drugs because of my problem of depression. Taking drugs would help me forget all my pains. I would not feel worthless for a while. I had accepted that it was the only way I could spend the rest of my life.

I started drugs at the age of fourteen. People in my society never tried to know why I took drugs nor did they ever talk to me about my life. They just enjoyed shit talking about me. It was bearable for me. But when my mom was insulted because of me, it broke my heart. It was a shame for my family. Initially, my mom tried to convince and change me but in vain. All she could do was cry. One day she was terribly upset. She slapped me and asked me to leave home. I did not waste a minute and left my home. I thought that was the least I could do for my mom.

I was far from my home, education, friends and my old life. I was surviving, not living. One early morning, I had a dream. I went back to my childhood days. I was playing swing in a park. My mom was with me. As the swing was gaining momentum, there was a time I was about to fall. But, my mom saved me. Suddenly, I woke up. But I heard my mom’s voice in my head. She said, “My dear daughter, I have always loved you.  I always will. I want you to change and live the best life”. That day I made my life-changing decision. I decided to quit drugs and start anew. It was not easy for me but I was determined.

Today I am living happily with my family. I am not that successful but I am certainly a happy daughter of a happy mother. 

( This is a fictitious story written from the POV of a former drug addict)

-Jeena Khiunju

Grade 10

Manoram Boarding Secondary School

Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur 

Story: Eklavya: The person who could have been the greatest archer

Eklavya: The person who could have been the greatest archer

 Once Pandavas were out exploring and one of the dogs they sent ahead of them started barking. As they followed the sound, the sound suddenly ceased.

It turned out someone had shot the dog up with arrows. And the way they had done it
was a sight to behold. The dog hadn't been hurt but its mouth was full of arrows which had been so precisely shot that they were jamming the animal's mouth completely. As everyone marvelled at the dog's condition, a single tear rolled down Arjun's cheek. His ambition of becoming the world's greatest archer seemed to be at an end. Whoever this was he was greater than Arjun.

 When the Pandavas sought out the archer who had displayed such great skill, they found Eklavya, a nishad boy. He was no warrior but a mere hunter.  He was the price of no kingdom. He was not even a Kshetriya. When Eklavya found out that he was before the princes of Hastinapur, he kneeled and paid his respects. He asked them what he could do for them. Before anyone could ask him anything, Arjun asked him a blunt question, "Who was his Guru and from where had he learnt the art of archery?"Eklavya answered with one word "Drone". While the Pandavas stood about wondering how it could be that their teacher Drone had taught this forest dweller, Arjun rode back to Hastinapur to demand answers from Drone. He accused Drone of betraying him and his ambition but Drone had no knowledge of this mysterious student of his. Upon coming face to face with Eklavya, Drone asked the nishad boy why he considered him his Guru. Eklavya bowed to his teacher and showed him an image of Drone that he had crafted with his own hands. He reminded Drone that once long ago he had come to Drone and asked to be accepted as a pupil and that Drone had refused him saying he only taught Khsetriyas. Drone was speechless for a moment. Eklavya's thirst for knowledge had not only surpassed Arjun, the Pandav Prince, but it had also defeated Drone himself. By merely practising in front of a handcrafted image, Eklavya had made himself into the world's best archer. Drone suppressed the urge to praise Eklavya's devotion. He buried the part of himself that valued fairness and justice.  He asked Eklavya for his Guru Dakshina. He demanded that the nishad boy cut off his right thumb and give it to him. Eklavya didn't lose a moment and did as his Guru asked. Drone walked away from the forest knowing that there was no way Eklavya would be the world's greatest archer without the thumb on his right hand. He took no pleasure in the fact that he had effectively ended the legend that could one day have been Eklavya.

By Aashish Manandhar 

(Adapted from the epic Mahabharat)

Go to this link to listen to the Nepali-translated audio.

https://youtu.be/vPrqyM9_0Ds

Are you intelligent?

 #mustread

This is probably the accurate definition of what actually is intelligence or what is to be called “intelligent.”

Intelligence is the most defining factor to determine success and prosperity.

1.  Spatial:  Can you visualize world and life in 3D that is, capable to understand in length, breadth and height? Can you look at an event and understand it in length, breadth and height on your own through your own thinking?

2.  Naturalist:  Can you look around the nature and understand things on your own through your own reasoning? You look at dog or pigeon or river or mountain and understand life and living things, the pattern and probabilities?

3.  Musical:  Can you hear a sound and differentiate different frequencies, the tuned and off tuned, the wave and pattern and loop, without being a musician?

4.  Logical-Mathematical:  Can you draw an equation of any problem? Can you derive formula on your own? Can you look at any context and put them in numbers and make a logical explanation?

5.  Existential:  Can you think beyond life, think and come up with logical and convincing answers on what is life, what happens after we die, what is there beyond earth? All on your own through your own deep conversation and reasoning?

6. Interpersonal:  Can you read others? Can understand their feelings and motives? Can read their minds, wishes and desires?

7. Intrapersonal:  Can you figure out what you want? Can you understand your own feeling and thinking, desire and temptation? Can you know yourself on your own?

8. Bodily-Kinesthetic:  Can you synchronize your mind and bodily function? Can you control your mind or control your body on your own? Do you understand how your body and mind talks to each other?

9. Linguistic:  Can you rightly express what you feel or what you mean? Can you speak to a toddler to elderly in a language or style they understand? Can you rightly tell anything, verbally and nonverbally?

If your answer is yes for all, you must be a very intelligent person.  

Personal Thank You Letter

Suryavinayak, Bhaktapur

July 9, 2022

Dear Rahul,

It's been said that "A friend in need, is a friend indeed." No words could better describe what your friendship has meant to me over the years.

I could have simply texted you on messenger but I have chosen to write you a letter to express my sincere thanks for the help that you did to me when I needed it the most. I still remember that day. With my leg injured, I was helpless and clueless. A teacher had offered to take me home. I was reluctant to go with him. Then you came. You knew that I would not feel comfortable with the teacher. You offered me to carry on your back and take me home. You were truly empathetic towards me. You carried me all the way home but did not let me feel that you were doing a favour to me. Moreover, you helped me on numerous occasions until I fully recovered my leg.

It's wonderful to have friends like you, who are always there for me when I need you most.

I want you to know that I will always cherish your friendship. Should you ever need me in any way, please don't forget that I will be always there for you. Thank you once again for being in my life.

With warm affection,

Pawan

 

POV Article: A father's POV

 Tomorrow is the last day of this year and I'm turning 47 tomorrow. I have been struggling and working really hard for my family since the day I got married. Only my wife cares about the efforts I make for my family. She has been supporting me ever since we got married. But my daughter does not see me even as a human. I think she only sees me as a wish fulfiller. My daughter, who just took the SEE examination is demanding a new cell phone which costs about thirty thousand rupees. I want to fulfil her wish, but I can't. I don't earn a good salary as I'm aged and can't do my work effortfully as it requires lots of physical strength. My daughter wishes to join one of the most expensive colleges in Nepal. She plans to pursue a career in the IT field. That's why she has also demanded a laptop. These things are going to cost a lot. But I want to fulfil my daughter's every wish. I don't want her to quit her studies like I did due to the financial instability of my parents. I had a dream of becoming a doctor and serving the country which sadly wasn't fulfilled. Whenever I think of taking a loan from the bank for her studies, it strikes me that I don't have anything to put as a mortgage. All I have is the house where we're staying in. My wife has been suggesting taking some loans from her brother. Even if I agree, I don't know how am I going the pay all the debt.

-Rashmi Tamakhu

(The writer is a school student studying in Grade ten in Manoram Boarding Secondary School, Suryabinayak-5, Bhaktapur )