Nepal observes Phulpati, tradition of bringing assortment from Gorkha to Kathmandu

Oct 11, 2024

Nepal observed the day of "Phulpati," the seventh day of fortnightly festival of Dashain when a palanquin arrived at Basantapur Durbar Square's Dashain Ghar from Gorkha Durbar. Both the former royal palaces of the Himalayan nation have been honouring the age-old tradition that started about a century ago. Phulpati, an assortment of flowers, leaves and fruits of different plants is considered auspicious and anointed at Dashain Ghar on the seventh day of the fortnightly festival of Dashain. The ritualistic shipment usually is sent off from the Gorkha Dashain Ghar performing the associated Vedic rituals. The Phulpati is carried to Kathmandu as per the Vedic rites to be anointed at the Dashain Ghar, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in line with the time-honoured tradition. The tradition traces its roots from the time the then King of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah, started his rule from the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. From then onwards, a palanquin bearing the Phulpati is dispatched each year from Gorkha Dashainghar on the seventh day of Dashain. The assistants of the Gorkha Durbar carry the Phulpati up to a place called Phulpati Chautara at Satipipal and from there, it is carried up to Kathmandu. Though the Dashain festival begins from Ghatasthapana the festival sees special