Post trek recovery in Pokhara

Our first day post trek was the festival of Dashain, so many shops were shut. It rained heavily which just gave me an excuse to sleep, stretch, clean out packs, give my laundry in (600Ru which about $6 for my whole bag), oh and start to eat.

I didn't take many photos today as it felt wrong when this is a very significant religious festival. Everyone had large red Tikka's on their foreheads (about 2 inches across), and wore their finest clothes. They all gather as a family, around the oldest mother, and she gives them blessings. They then eat goat and other food, drink and generally be merry ( sounds like Christmas).The festival worships the goddess Durga for defeating the demon with 15 days of offerings and ritual animal sacrifice, drenching the goddess in blood ( and hence the red tikka). The first 9 days are the battle, and on the 10th day good triumphed over evil ( the festival celebrates truth, justice and virtue, prevailing over deception, injustice and wickedness).

Its interesting that this is the major Nepali festival for both Hindus and Buddhists, it celebrates a Goddess and they fear not pleasing her, yet Nepal is a deeply sexist country.

I did manage to find a massage place that was open, hurt so good! Massage Nepali style involves the usual, plus lots of abdominal and breast massaging as well.