TEMAL JATRA The Temal Jatra, celebrated at the Boudhanath Stupa every year, marks the time of the rain’s arrival.

The term “Temal” is sometimes considered a synonym of the word “Tamang”. Thousands of Tamangs come together during the festival, which is celebrated a day before the full moon in the Nepali month of Chaitra.

During the festival, Tamangs from all over Nepal come to the Stupa to offer butter lamps (nangsal) and prayers.

Some even observe fasts and pray at nearby monasteries. They rotate the prayer wheels while singing the ‘Phapare Geet’.

For many youngsters, the festival night, which is marked by singing and dancing, is also a chance to find love.

The Jatra also provides an opportunity for family members and relatives from all over the country to gather and pay homage to their loved ones who have passed away.

They do this by lighting butter lamps and offering rice grains to the gods. There is a belief that these offerings will help the departed souls achieve nirvana or moksha.