Phulpati Brought to Dashain Ghar; Phulpati Procession at Tundikhel

Kathmandu / Sept. 29: On the seventh day of Navaratri, Phulpati was ceremoniously brought into Dashain Ghar, Kot, Durga shrines, and households across the country today.

Since Ghatasthapana, Durga has been invoked and worshipped at Dashain Ghar or private prayer rooms. As a symbol of auspiciousness, sugarcane, turmeric, banana plants, paddy stalks, bel leaves, manaka, kachur, pomegranate, jayanti flowers, ashoka flowers, and other sacred plants are brought in on this day.

At the Hanumandhoka Durbar Dashain Ghar, Phulpati is traditionally brought from Gorkha. The ritual involves six Magar men carrying it from Gorkha to Jivanpur in Dhading, and from there, six Brahmins from Kathmandu escorting it to Jamal. From Jamal, a grand procession accompanies the Phulpati to Hanumandhoka, led by senior civil servants, the Gorkha regiment, Nepal Army band, traditional Panchai Baja, and cultural performances. This tradition has continued since King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s conquest of Kathmandu. The evening also marks the worship of Goddess Kalaratri, believed to have slain the demon Raktabija.

Phulpati Ceremony at Tundikhel

The “Phulpati Badainee Ceremony 2082” was held this afternoon at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel with President Ram Chandra Paudel as the chief guest. The Nepal Army, under the supreme command of President Paudel, presented a ceremonial salute.

The ceremony featured rifle volleys, cannon salutes, and the blowing of conch shells. Spectacular displays included a military parade, Durga dance, as well as banner displays and flower showers from army helicopters and drones. Devotional hymns in praise of Goddess Durga were also performed.

The Phulpati ceremony is regarded as a unique and significant cultural event that upholds religion, tradition, and heritage. As per custom, once Jamara and Phulpati are ritually placed at the Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar, the Tundikhel ceremony follows with grandeur.

The event was attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic community.

Every year on the seventh day of Bada Dashain, the Nepal Army organizes this grand Phulpati celebration at Tundikhel. Thousands of citizens thronged around Tundikhel to witness the occasion, which was broadcast live by Nepal Television and other media outlets.