In the last two months, I have been travelling extensively and spending significant time away from my family. Although the COVID-19 situation has improved, I still feel like I have been in quarantine since 2020. My life has been monotonous without college or work, and I need help managing my time effectively. However, my recent participation in Vipassana has transformed me, and I am now feeling more alive and enjoying my life again.
My journey to Lumbini Province with new acquaintances has reminded me of my life before 2020 and helped me develop my communication skills in extroverted surroundings despite my introverted nature. As I ventured away from the chaotic streets of Kathmandu, I was mesmerized by the tranquil beauty of Ranimahal situated near the Kaligandaki River. Surrounded by archaeological sites associated with the birth of Lord Buddha and the distant melody of chirping birds, Lumbini felt like a sanctuary of peace and serenity.
My father always wished for me to communicate professionally and confidently, which was something my school teachers had always encouraged as well. So, he suggested that I spend some time with his friends who were great communicators. I was worried about leaving the city without my family since my father's colleagues were strangers to me. I had never interacted with them in my lifetime and I always found it hard to start conversations with strangers. However, they were kind and always asked me if I was feeling alone. This trip turned out to be a great memory, filled with their warm gestures and friendliness. Together with my father's friends, I left Kathmandu on a night bus.
Day 1
Our journey to Bhairahawa was a tiring one, and we reached the destination at almost 7 a.m. As per the itinerary planned by the company, we were scheduled to check in at the hotel at noon. However, since we arrived earlier, we decided to take a break and look for a nearby restaurant to unwind and grab some snacks. The overnight bus ride on the bumpy roads had left everyone feeling weak and exhausted. After resting for a while, we headed towards the hotel that the company had already booked for us. Upon reaching the hotel, we checked in and freshened up. Without wasting any time, we geared up to visit the archaeological sites in Lumbini to explore the historic and cultural significance of the place. On our exciting journey, we began by visiting the awe-inspiring Mayadevi Temple and exploring all the sacred sites in Lumbini.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a sacred area that holds great significance for one of the world's major religions. The Ashoka pillar bears testimony to this fact. The remains of the Buddhist Bihars (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) found in the area date back to the period between the 3rd century BC and the 15th century AD. These archaeological remains provide vital evidence about the early nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres.
I had the opportunity to experience Thakali cuisine for the first time, thanks to a resident in the area. As a selective eater, I was pleasantly surprised by the meal. I was able to capture beautiful memories that I intend to preserve for a lifetime through the lens of my camera.
During our recent trip to Lumbini, we made it a priority to visit every point of interest in the area. After exploring the various temples, monasteries, and other tourist attractions in the region, we headed towards Sunauli, located 5 km south of Bhairahawa, near the border of India. I had heard that this location was known for offering affordable clothing and other goods, and I was eager to verify it for myself. Upon arrival at the border, I was immediately struck by the lively atmosphere of the area. The streets were bustling with people, and the shops were filled with an assortment of colourful clothing and other items. We spent some time browsing through the shops and purchasing a few items that caught our eye.
During our visit to the border, we found out that a significant event had recently taken place in the nearby city of Ayodhya. The Ram Mandir inauguration had been held, and the city was still vibrant with orange pamphlets featuring Lord Ram and Sita's photos. The streets were adorned with colourful banners and lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The city in question had been expected to demonstrate a level of affluence, given India's reputation for economic superiority over Nepal. However, it was observed that the city was home to a heterogeneous population, encompassing both the affluent and the impoverished.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the hospitality of the Indian community, which left a lasting impression on me. Despite being in a foreign land, I was welcomed with open arms by our neighbours, who made me feel at ease. One particular moment that stood out was when I visited a local shop and was offered a cup of tea. This encounter reminded me of a quote by Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, who once said, "We are all human beings, and our nationality is simply an accident of birth." This statement holds true, as it highlights the universal nature of humanity and the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect, regardless of our backgrounds.
It felt so good to finally kick back and relax after a long journey on our first day. We all took it easy and let ourselves unwind, enjoying some much-needed rest.
Day 2
On the second day of the planned welcoming program for all National Life Insurance agents who had achieved the MDRT level, the company awarded me for my father's accomplishments. To motivate and encourage the agents, the company introduced various schemes that included tour packages. The agents were provided with training and guidance by senior team members. As a commerce student, I found the information regarding insurance to be useful. I was able to relate to the motivational strategies provided to the agents, given my academic pursuits.
During the event, Manoj Gajurel, a Nepalese comedian and actor, delivered a memorable performance. His passion for making people laugh was evident, and his ability to engage the audience was impressive. It was notable that attendees paid more attention to his speech than the actual training program. This reinforced the idea that humour is a powerful tool to capture and maintain people's attention. As such, it is clear that making people laugh can be an effective strategy to engage and communicate with them in various settings.
At the end of a long day, people gathered for a cocktail party. The mood was festive as people mingled and chatted with each other. Some guests were holding glasses of wine or cocktails, while others were drinking water or soft drinks. Upon closer observation, it became apparent that there were a few individuals who were choosing to abstain from alcohol altogether. These individuals believed that they had a problem with alcohol and had made a conscious decision to live a sober lifestyle. They shared their stories with others, speaking candidly about their struggles and how they had overcome them. Despite the presence of alcohol, everyone present was respectful of each other's choices and engaged in meaningful conversations. As the night wore on, the atmosphere remained lively and convivial, with everyone enjoying each other's company. I found it heartening to see people supporting each other and making choices that were best for their well-being.
Day 3
On the third day of our journey, we proceeded towards Butwal and checked into a hotel. The following day, we were scheduled to embark on a new excursion to Ranimahal. When we arrived in Butwal, it was already dark, and we opted to rest at the hotel. The company arranged a program to celebrate and acknowledge the agents for the upcoming tour. The day concluded with enthusiasm and anticipation for our arrival at Ranimahal. During my trip to this region, I missed the warmth of the sun. From the first to the third day, the area was consistently gloomy, with no sunlight in sight.
Day 4
I was eagerly anticipating our visit to Ranimahal, having heard of the palace's fascinating history. Ranighat Palace, also known as Rani Mahal, is a prominent Rana palace situated in the Palpa district of Nepal, on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. General Khadga Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana commissioned the palace's construction in 1893 to commemorate his and the queen's final wish to build a place of pilgrimage. However, due to the rough, underdeveloped road, reaching the palace was a lengthy and arduous endeavour. Along the way, we encountered breathtaking waterfalls, rivers, and lush greenery. Through the windows of the bus, I caught a brief glimpse of Tansen City. The sun's rays had already begun reflecting on the windows of the bus. At that moment, a sense of pleasure overcame me at the sight of the sun, which had been absent for four days. As Sadhguru had aptly stated, "When the sun comes up; it lights up everybody"; indeed, the sun's presence appeared to energize all passengers. The bus came to a halt in the proximity of a modest eatery that specializes in traditional Palpali snacks known as Batuk.
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| Batuk |
As a historic monument of Nepal, I had high expectations for Ranimahal's maintenance and upkeep. Unfortunately, I discovered that the palace was not adequately cared for. The rooms were vacant, and the palace was at risk of landslides and erosion due to a lack of proper maintenance. Even the most recent efforts to restore Ranimahal in 2016 were met with controversy, as locals were unhappy with the use of cement mortar rather than traditional construction materials. It was apparent that Ranimahal and the neighbouring ancient town of Tansen had been overlooked and overshadowed, situated between the allure of Pokhara to the northeast and Lumbini to the south.
Ranimahal is a palace that exudes tranquillity and is enveloped in natural opulence, all while bearing immense historical significance. The palace was once the subject of the king's aspirations to develop it into a religious destination that could rival India's revered Benaras. This vision continues to hold promise to this day, and if realized, would attract a multitude of pilgrims annually. Nonetheless, even in its present state, the palace boasts ample allure to satiate the curiosity of tourists, particularly those with a penchant for natural splendour and a reverence for history.
The serene banks of the Kaligandaki River were bustling with activity as numerous rafts bobbed up and down. While some folks enjoyed the thrill of rafting, my group decided to have a peaceful dinner near the tranquil riverbank. As a native of Palpa, the Chukauni served during dinner was a familiar delicacy to me. However, for those unfamiliar with it, the dish was a delightful surprise and quickly became a favourite among the diners.
After a long and tiring journey, we finally reached Butwal. Along the way, we had been hoping to visit a potential historic tourist destination but were left unsatisfied due to its poor maintenance. However, we did manage to collect some holy water from the banks of the Kaligandaki River, which was a truly memorable experience. We were glad to have arrived in Butwal and spent a comfortable night there before continuing our travels.
Day 5
Our original plan was to return on the same day, but due to unforeseen maintenance work, the road was shut down from 12A.M. to 4 P.M. We didn't want to be stuck in the bus during this time, so we decided to explore Tilaurakot instead. The ancient city of Kapilavastu, Tilaurakot was once the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, where the young prince Siddhartha Gautama lived a life of luxury before embarking on his spiritual journey.
While exploring Tilaurakot, we came across a rustic modern Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Samai Mai within the ancient walls. It was fascinating to witness people coming to worship at this important site for Hinduism. As I walked through the city, I could sense the grand scale of the place where Buddha grew up. However, I couldn't help but imagine how isolated he must have felt, protected by his father's rule. I could almost feel his desire to uncover something deeper.
On our way to Tilaurakot, I was struck by the plain yet serene landscape and the various bird species that we encountered. It made me feel closer to nature and provided a sense of healing to my mind. Even though our trip there was unplanned, it turned out to be a meaningful experience.
As we bid farewell to the tranquil Lumbini Province and made our way back to the vibrant city of Kathmandu, I couldn't help but reflect on the unforgettable experiences I had during the past five, almost seven, days. The peaceful aura of Lumbini will forever remain etched in my memory, and the camaraderie and expertise of my group members have left an indelible impression on me. As I re-enter the bustling cityscape of Kathmandu, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the enriching journey that I have had.
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