"My dream is to be a doctor,
Engineer might be right,
But I don't know what to do.
I have a lot to choose.
Well, it's not so easy, of course,
Hard work comes first, that's the source.
There are ups and downs on this course,
I don't know what to do, feeling quite unsure.
I can't stay stuck like this,
Because I have to make my dreams,
From now on, I have to work harder it seems.
So, let's go and make my dreams come true."
By Sejal Shilpakar, Grade 8
Modern English Secondary School
Bhaktapur
Suryavinayak 5,
Katunje. Bhaktapur
25th August 2022
Dear Kripa
Long and sweet remembrance,
A lot of thanks for your letter. I received it yesterday. I hope that you are fine there. I am also fine here. I am glad to hear that your exam went good. You asked me to write about the harmful effects of junk food on our health. And, I am going to do that in this letter.
First of all, Junk food is food that has less nutritive value and high calories. They are good in taste but they are harmful. They may cause many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, diarrhoea etc. They may cause obesity. I know that they have high satisfactory value and they save time but they cause various diseases. They and available everywhere. I am not totally against junk food but if a person eats more Junk food then s/he may be obese. I don't want to see you obese so please refrain from overconsumption of junk food.
We may eat junk food but to a limit. We should have a balanced diet. It may contain junk food once a week. We can maintain both our health and a desire to eat junk food in such a way.
Now, I am going to stop my running pen and flying heart. Convey my namaste to uncle and aunt and don't forget to write about your summer vacation in your next letter. Hope to hear from you soon. Hasta la vista!
Love,
Rajal
(Written by Rajal Shrestha from grade eight,
Unique Academy Secondary School, Bhaktapur)
Janku: A Newari Custom
The world has been enriched with thousands of different cultures. Nepal is also rich in its unique customs and cultures. Janku is among those. Janku is a Newari custom with its own historical and cultural values, celebrated when people reach a certain age. This essay describes when it is celebrated, how it is celebrated, and its importance.
Janku is quite famous in the Newari community. There are five total Janku celebrations: 77 years, 1000 months old (roughly between 81-84 years), 88 years, 99 years, and 110 years old. In ancient times, the average life expectancy of a person was only 67 years, so when someone reached a Janku age, it was like they were given a new life. After their last Janku is performed, elderly people in the Newari community are considered as symbols of divinity. The date for celebrating Janku is calculated by the priest based on the lunar calendar. After the second Janku, the person is given the "Thakali" status and is respected equally to gods or goddesses.
Janku is celebrated by the family members dressing the man in his finest attire, and the woman looking like a new bride. The man or woman is treated like a bridegroom or bride, visiting different temples and vihars. Various Janku rituals are performed to please the gods and seek help to overcome problems. It is a very important celebration in the life of the Newar community. Janku is celebrated according to birth dates. The significance of this celebration is related to Newari texts, which mention that Janku celebration ages mark auspicious times in a person's life when even the smallest threat may pose a serious risk to one's life.
Janku is a custom that respects the spirituality and wisdom of the elderly. Janku is quite important because it celebrates and congratulates long, healthy living within Newari culture. It symbolizes a long life and provides respect to the elders.
By,
Kohinoor Karki
Grade 9
Modern English Secondary School
Bhaktapur
Nepal is home to diverse cultures, which are expressed through music, dance, art, craft, language, festivals, celebrations, food, and drinks...
