Another Dashain ended with nothing much in its share, except for the usual - paying once-in-a-year visits to the seniors; "Tika taalo"; shuffling marriage and flush decks; pouring beer and whisky in each others' glasses.

Kathmandu Valley is generally packed with people flowing in from all parts of the country and is excessively overcrowded just before Dashain. But suddenly, just a couple of days before the day of Tika, it becomes so clean and underpopulated that you may fall asleep in the middle of the road and nothing will wake you up. Most leave the capital to meet their family in their villages but we got out for fun.

On the day of Ghatasthapana, me and my mates from Dhumbarahi and Chabahil went on a trip to Palanchwok Bhagwati Temple. 12 of us on 6 bikes started our journey early in the morning, as mild showers of rain escorted us to the highway. Within half an hour, we had completely deserted the urban ambience of Kathmandu and were moving into the rustic life of Nepal.

The journey to the temple lasted for almost 3 hours and mostly there was only gear, break and throttle on the way but the picturesque backdrop along with numerous twists and turns riveted us. Just before the temple, biking got more adventurous. There were sharp and steep turns at every corner and our bikes made a noisy effort to overcome each and every challenge. I had trekked to the temple in my schooling days but I this time it was different. Due to the closing festival, the remote destination was bustling with religious devotees. As we entered the temple, we are completely overwhelmed by the length of the queue around the temple.


After staying in the queue for over an hour, I was finally pushed into the small temple. There was so much of commotion and pushing that I couldn't pray at all. I just gave my offerings to the Brahmin in there and pushed myself out of the temple.

I don't remember what I prayed when I was in the temple but on-the-road experience to Palanchwok Bhagwati was certainly spiritual.